Yoga and Arthritis

[Guest guest]

YOGA AND ARTHRITIS - By Betsy Gallagher

October 6, 2003 - 7:28pm.

http://www.kokorocentre.com/node/view/93

 

Suffering from arthritis means stiffness, inflexible joints and painful

movement. Usually, the last thing an arthritis sufferer wants to do is flex

and move those painful joints, but doing so with a gentle yoga routine just

might be the best thing for this condition.

 

Arthritis is a disease of the joints and soft tissues surrounding them. The

demands on these areas of the body are great. They must strong enough to

support the weight from the impact of physical demands, such as vigorous

exercise, yet flexible enough to allow movement. If these functions are

compromised through overuse or disease, painful, inflamed joints are the

result.

 

There are two types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common of the

two. It generally develops when people reach their 50's. Often described as

the " aches and pains of old age " , osteoarthritis frequently affects the

load-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips and spine. Slightly more women

than men suffer from this type of arthritis.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system

inexplicably attacks the healthy tissues lining the joints. The onset of

rheumatoid arthritis often occurs to those between the ages of 20 and 55.

Three times as many women as men suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Wrists,

fingers, feet and knees more commonly affected, and this can lead to joint

deformity. Fatigue can also be a factor.

 

How does practicing yoga help arthritis? One of the problems of arthritis

is that the connective tissue lacks moisture. Slow, gentle yoga postures

stimulate the affected areas by lubricating tender joints and muscles,

circulating blood, energy and oxygen. Holding the poses helps stabilize and

nourish, while building muscle strength. As movement occurs, increased

energy flow expands and opens the area. Bringing positive attention to the

problem areas can also be of benefit.

 

Another key factor to improvement of arthritic symptoms through yoga

practice is its emphasis on relaxation. Chronic muscle tension is

considered a factor in the cause of arthritis. Immobility from arthritis

can result or be hastened from tense muscles in the patient's continuing

efforts to avoid pain. Relaxation rejuvenates, integrates and uses the

energy that is created to heal the body. Gentle stretching, building muscle

and joint strength and relaxation makes it an ideal practice.

 

Other helpful suggestions for arthritis sufferers are taking a warm bath,

as well as self-massaging of the tender joints prior to a yoga class.

Certain dietary changes can be considered as well.

 

Numerous scientific studies have proven that yoga helps arthritis

sufferers. A 1994 study in the British Journal of Rheumatology showed left

hand grip strength of 20 arthritis patients improved significantly from the

practice of yoga. Research in the Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North

America showed that yoga helped ease the pain associated with

osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Another study at the Roosevelt

University Stress Institute in Chicago showed that yoga stretches reduced

physical stress while increasing physical relaxation.

 

Arthritis is developing into a serious problem in our society today,

contributed by our fast-paced, hectic lifestyle and enhanced because of the

aging population. Some studies say it ranks second only to heart disease as

the most widespread chronic disease in North America. It is not enough to

be able to treat the symptoms once they arise. A regular practice of yoga

and relaxation can help prevent those factors that bring about the

situation in which arthritis can strike. In the meantime, for those who are

not so lucky and have already contracted this frustrating disease, yoga can

be a key to relieving the pain and discomfort, making life enjoyable and

worth living once again.

 

Sources:

Bell, Lorna, Gentle Yoga, Ingram Press, 1982

Christensen, Alice, Easy Does It Yoga, American Yoga Association, 1999

Internet sources:

www.arthritissupport.com

www.yogabasics.com

www.livingwith.co.nz

www.freespace.virgin.net

www.smilehighyoga.com

 

Betsy Gallagher