Yoga Can Contribute to Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
November 7th, 2008
A program of yoga poses, breathing and relaxation significantly reduces joint tenderness and swelling for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to research funded in part by the Arthritis Foundation and presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco.
Scientists from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore randomly divided a group of 30 sedentary adults with RA into two groups: one group participated in an eight-week program of yoga and the other was put on a waiting list and served as the control. Those in the yoga group took two one-hour classes per week and were instructed to practice at home as well. Traditional yoga poses were modified as needed to accommodate for limitations due to RA. Also included in the sessions were deep breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques.
The research team found that those who participated in eight weeks of yoga classes had significantly fewer tender and swollen joints than they did before starting class. Those in the waitlist control group saw no significant changes in their tender and swollen joint counts.
Arthritis Foundation grant recipient Steffany Haaz, MFA, says, “We have previously reported that yoga helps people to feel better, and we wanted to make sure it wasn’t harmful to arthritic joints. So, we were glad to find that there actually seems to be improvement in joint symptoms for RA patients. The next big question is figuring out how and why yoga might be having this effect, since it is such a multi-faceted activity.”
Health benefits of yoga include: Improved balance, flexibility, concentration, circulation, increased strength and energy, lowered blood pressure, slower respiratory rate, and prevention of illness. Stress responses that adversely impact all body systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and immune system can be decreased with yoga. Primarily utilized for health maintenance purposes, yoga may also be tailored for curative intervention.
Focusing on body strengthening and enhanced physical well being, Hatha yoga consists of postures (asanas), breath control (pranayamas), muscle locks (bhandas), and gestures (mudras) aimed at balancing mind, body and spirit through practice. A Hatha yoga session is a workout combining stretching, flexibility and strengthening.
A weekly yoga routine should include at least one to two 60-minute sessions. Through yoga’s strengthening, endurance building and stretching, muscle toning is improved for the entire body. Yoga improves heart and lungs endurance while cultivating awareness to stay present in the moment. Awareness begins with the body and expands to other aspects of the self through practice. Yoga increases determination, builds patience and improves concentration. Weak areas are strengthened and tight areas are stretched, bringing the body into greater balance.
For more information about natural and safe methods for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500. Nov. 4.
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