How Can Yoga Help in Rheumatoid Arthritis ?

Yoga

-Staff

By Staff

Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 11:55

Mr Jayaram, a 28 year-old unmarried young man was admitted to Prasanti Kutiram with marked pain and inflammation in multiple joints. A typical symmetrical distribution of small followed by bigger joints, exhaustion, general debility and weight loss was the picture of his Rheumatoid Arthritis. Blood tests showed a positive rheumatoid factor with high ESR of greater than 100mm in the first hour.

We had to work with very few physical practices, a lot of relaxation and Nadanusandhana. After the first week he started moving around in the wheel chair with an attendant. It took almost 6 weeks for him to build up his stamina, loosen the joints, reduce the inflammation and reduce his medication.

Full Butterfly
Sthiti: Dandasana
Practice

Bend both the knees, draw the legs along the ground, to bring the soles of the feet to press each other and the heels touch the perineum.

Completely relax the inner thigh muscles.

Stage - I (Clasping the feet with the hands)

Clasp the feet with the fingers.

Now gently bounce the knees up and down.

Try to touch the knees to the ground on the downward stroke with normal breathing.

Practice thirty to fifty up and down movements.

Stage - I I (Hands on the knees)

Place the hands on the knees.

Using the palms, gently push the knees down towards the ground, allowing them to spring up again.

Normal breathing.

Repeat twenty to thirty times.

Straighten the legs and relax.

Note

Do not force the movements.

Try to keep the back, neck and head straight.

Also keep the trunk steady during the practice.

To Be Continued

Disclaimer: Before practice, please consult your doctor in case you are suffering from ailments. It is recommended to practice under the guidance of experts.