How Does Yoga Cure Arthritis

Arthritis, or Osteoarthritis which is again a form of arthritis. Arthritis is the term used to describe over a hundred illnesses with a common factor: inflammation of the joints. This is a degenerative joint disease. It affects the small joints of the fingers, knees and hips in particular. People have always believed that arthritis is a disease of old-age. But, nowadays, even kids, adolescents, and young adults can be afflicted. Arthritis in children and adolescents is usually called Juvenile Arthritis.

Some Common Types Of Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis (most common)

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Gout

• Fibromyalgia.

Arthritis is the result of deterioration of soft tissues covering the joints. These tissues are also supposed to protect the joints. Subsequently, there is friction between the bones and this is painful. While medical science is still trying to determine the exact causes and reasons for arthritis, the majority say that the deterioration is the result of the natural wear and tear of life or ageing. Heredity and obesity are also known to contribute to this deterioration.

Yogic Approach To Deal With Arthritis:

Yoga believes that all problems can be handled if we assume responsibility for our thoughts and actions. A prolonged system of thinking results in a set of habits (called diet, and lifestyle) that results in our overall wellbeing or ill health. Yoga tells us that if we are ready to accept that we are responsible for our health, we are also in command of our future wellbeing. To this extent, Yoga prescribes Sattva (purity and simplicity) in thought and behavior, lifestyle, exercise and diet. The following program is bound to help as an alternative therapy.

Exercises: Hand Clenching, Wrist Bending, Ankle Bending, Ankle Rotation, Single / Double Leg Raises, Shoulder Stretches, Neck Exercises

Asanas: Sukhasana (Easy Pose), Vajarasana (Thunderbolt Pose), Padmasana (Lotus Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pos, Standing Side Stretch Pose), Shavasana (Final Corpse Pose)

Pranayamas: (Breathing Exercises): Mild Kapalabhatti (Skull Cleansing), Anuloma-
Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Bhastrika (Bellows Breath)

Kriyas: Vaman Dhauti (Vomiting Water on empty stomach) Laghu Shankha Prakshalanam (Yogic Enema)

Diet: As far as possible have a Sattvic (pure, light and simple) diet that is:

• High in cereals, boiled vegetables and pulses

• Green Salads

• Fresh Fruits

Reduce your consumption of milk and dairy products.

Rest and relaxation

• Positive Thinking

• Boost your Self Confidence