Yoga is very beneficial for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It helps in reducing pain and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own healthy tissue. In this disease, the immune system sends antibodies to the lining of the joint and triggers the tissue around the joint. Due to this, there is a painful swelling of the soft tissue covering the joint. If the disease is left untreated, it can damage the shape and alignment of the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis, unlike osteoarthritis, affects the joint lining and causes swelling and pain that may eventually lead to deformity of the bones and joints. The inflammation resulting from rheumatoid arthritis can damage other body parts as well. If you are also going through this painful disease in your life, then include this yoga in your routine.
Luckily for those suffering from this condition, yoga can help them through the painful journey of rheumatoid arthritis. However, keep in mind that muscle and bone diseases can’t be cured without medical help. For instance, if you have any backache, don’t stop at balms and massages. Consult a doctor as it can turn into scoliosis. Often, your physician will provide a specific scoliosis treatment plan for you, which can include yoga.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Bacteria: In some cases, exposure to bacteria that causes periodontal disease can lead to rheumatoid arthritis.
- Injury: A person suffering from any bone injury, dislocation, ligament damage can face complications for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Genes: Genetics do not play a significant role in this condition, although the disease has been seen to run in families.
- Hormones: Rheumatoid arthritis occurs due to an imbalance in the hormone estrogen. Therefore, the condition is more common in women than men.
- Smoking: This can increase the chances of rheumatoid arthritis.
Which Organs Are Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis?
No joint symptoms are experienced in 40% of RA cases. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect many non-joint structures and organs, including:
- Skin: Blisters and lumps of swollen tissue under the skin of the affected area.
- Eyes: Swelling in the white part (sclera), vision changes, eye pain, or other eye problems.
- Lungs: Scar tissue, rheumatoid nodules, or pleural disease in the lungs.
- Heart: Blockage and clots in the arteries lead to heart attack, pericarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle.
- Kidney: Heavy dosage of the medisd to other kidney-related diseases.
- Salivary glands: Dry mouth and Sjögren’s syndrome.
- Nerve Tissue: Neuropathy, stroke, myositis, and denervation atrophy.
- Bone marrow: Weakness, and difficulty walking.
- Blood vessels: Inflammation and clogging lead to major blood flow diseases.
Four Best Yoga Poses for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Snake Pose
Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis have to go through a lot of trouble. In such a situation, the practice of Snake Pose will be very beneficial. To do this pose, first of all, lie down on your stomach. After this, place both your hands under the forehead and keep the toes of both your feet together. Lift your forehead towards the front. Now, lift the front part of the body with the help of your arms. Then while taking a long breath, stretch the body. You will feel very relaxed by doing this yoga.
Kapalbharti
First of all, keep your spine straight. Now sit comfortably on the ground. After this, keep both your hands on the knees upwards. Then take a deep breath in. Now while exhaling, pull your stomach inwards. After this, pull your stomach in such a way that it touches the spine. Pull the navel inwards. Take a rest after completing a sequence of Kapalbhati Yoga. During this, close your eyes.
Bridge Pose
To do this pose, lie down on your back. After that, bend your knees. Now take a deep breath and lift your waist. Stay in this position for 20-30 seconds. While doing this pose, inhale slowly, keep exhaling. Then exhale and come to the ground. You can do this at least five times.
Pigeon Pose
Practicing Pigeon Pose will bring great benefits. It is considered very beneficial for thighs, hips, and waist. To do this yoga pose, first of all, sit on the table with the help of your knees and palms. After that, bend your right knee. Then try to bring it to the center of the body. Now bring your right foot toward the left. After this, take your left foot backward. Keep in mind that in this position the upper part of your left foot should be on the ground. Now slowly bring your stomach down.
If you do these yoga poses daily, you can definitely see results. It might be painful at first, but yoga gets easier with practice. Breathing exercises will calm your mind and ease the pain. Yoga demands consistency, so maintain a routine to practice yoga twice a day.
