The human body is a very complex structure to understand and diagnose. With the development in science and technology, we now have solutions for major problems, which no one even knew anything about, earlier. We have diagnosed and identified problems that have been killing people for a long time, but there are still some diseases and problems that need the good old Ayurveda solutions to put a rest too, and one of those is Rheumatoid Arthritis. One such tried & tested Ayurveda solutions for Rheumatoid Arthritis is yoga. Let’s talk more about yoga asanas for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
It is a common problem with more than 1 million recorded cases every year. As per doctors and science, while this disease can certainly be treated to have a less grave impact, it can’t be completely cured with medicine and surgeries.
This is where the centuries-old yoga comes into play and effect. Yoga treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis has been discussed and advised by doctors for a long time. It is said to have a positive effect on the body and has been known to provide a calm solution to one’s body. So, let’s get right into what Rheumatoid Arthritis is and what is Yoga for Rheumatoid Arthritis that people should know about.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
RA or Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that tends to cause pain in your body in similar joints and could even lead to damage throughout.
Causing pain in similar joints means that it’ll happen on both the sides of your body, i.e. if a left-arm joint is affected then, the right one would probably be affected too. This makes it easier to note for the doctors that it is Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Yoga For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Here are a few asanas that have been added and continually advised by doctors under yoga for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Do note that these asana will in no shape or form help you in getting rid of RA, since this disease can’t be cured, however, these yoga poses definitely helps in relieving pain and leading a calmer day.
1. Vrikshasana (The Tree Pose)
This is the tree pose and it would require you to stretch your legs, arms, back and spine. This will provide relief to you like nothing else since it stretches your entire body in one go.
Here’s how to perform it
Stand with both your legs and feet apart and then join your hands together. Raise them up high by stretching your feet upwards and then hold above for about 5 seconds. Slowly come down and repeat this again. Do this 15-20 times on a daily basis.
2. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (The Bridge Pose) – Yoga For Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is the Bridge pose and targets your spine, your back and the upper thighs. It also helps in strengthening these areas, to further protect you from pain.
Here’s how you do it
Lie down on the floor then fold your legs upwards and put your hands holding the part behind your feet. Then, raise your core upwards and reach as high as you can so that the stretch is strong. Once that is done, lower your body and repeat it again. Do this 30 times every day to see effective results and see the pain eliminating.
3. Savasana (The Corpse Pose)
As easy as it sounds, all you’ve got to do in this yoga pose is lie down straight and relax your body. Meditate with your eyes closed and make all the muscles relaxed. This exercise will lower your nerves and will rest your entire body while sending down a sense of calmness. You could do it for 5 minutes in the beginning and then increase it slowly. Utmost importance should be given to relaxing the body and be in no tension in any way.
4. Cat-Cow Pose – Yoga For Arthritis Patients
This is a very easy and fun exercise to do at the beginning of the day that stretches your complete spine and offers your body relaxation like no other.
Here’s how you do it
Get in the position like a cat or a cow i.e. on both knees and hands and then move the middle portion of your body upwards and downwards after having held it for 3-4 seconds. Repeat this for a minute and you’ll see great results if done regularly.
This was all you need to know about yoga for Rheumatoid Arthritis and how to do them. Though the disease isn’t completely curable but with few exercises and physical activity, you can take care of it, and these few ways will surely help you out.
Also Read: Yoga For Weight Loss: Do You Know About These Yoga Positions For Toned Arms
An important note, never not listen to your body. Honor and listen to what it is saying. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a painful disease and on some days the mere thought of doing any physical work would be a task in itself, and on those days, do make sure to take optimum rest and relax.