How To Get Rid Of Arthritis Pain Through Yoga?
Yoga is good for those suffering from arthritis. Arthritis is a very common disease, which affects people across the world. Ayurvedic texts say that this is a vata or air disease, which means that arthritis, is caused due to too much of toxins in the joints.
Some believe that arthritis can be caused because of a weakened colon and poor digestion, which leads to a build up of toxins in the body.
Types of Arthritis: There are several types of arthritis and each of these has a different set of symptoms –
Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease, where the cartilage that forms the cover of the bone ends in the joints, begins to degenerate, causing pain and reduced movement because the two bones begin to rub against each other.
Rheumatoid arthritis: This is characterized by stiffness, pain and swelling caused by inflamed joints.
Gout: Generally, men are affected by this condition. A painful disease where the smaller joints of the body are affected, it is caused by a chemical imbalance or defect in the body.
Ankylosing spondylitis: This is a condition of the spine, where the bones grow together.
Juvenile arthritis: As the name suggests this form of arthritis only affects children.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus): This is a serious problem because this can damage all the joints and connective tissues in the body.
Sclerodema and Fibromyalgia are the two other types of arthritis.
Yoga for relieving symptoms of arthritis: It is said that controlled, slow movements of the joints is good for people with arthritis because it improves the blood circulation and flushes out toxins. But on the flip side, it is these movements which cause pain, and patients feel scared of trying any sort of exercise. Yoga, with its gentle asanas and pranayama can be good for arthritis patients. The postures and exercises can stretch muscles, loosen joints and improve circulation in the entire body. Controlled and steady movements are best for arthritis patients. Some of the asanas that are recommended for arthritis patients include: Ekpadsahajhasta Bhujangasana, Hastashirasana, Januhastasana, Swastikasana, Makarasana, Pavanamuktasana and Tadasana. Patients can also try Vrikshasana, Trikonasana, Veerasana and Bhujangasana.
Pranayama techniques are also beneficial for arthritis patients.
Apart from yoga, arthritis patients can go in for a heat treatment as well as massage with medicated oil. Massage, when done by a therapist, can loosen joints and improve blood circulation. Heat treatment with heat bags is good for patients too. Weight control and right diet can play also a role in keeping arthritis in control.
