Yoga For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Posted November 30, 2011 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

 Individuals who practice yoga for rheumatoid arthritis who show significant improvements in disease activity, according to a new Emirates Arthritis Foundation study.

Among 47 participants (26 yoga practitioners and 21 non-practitioners), findings demonstrated that individuals who completed 12 sessions of Raj yoga showed improvements in disease activity scores and health assessment questionnaires. Raj yoga is one of the gentler styles of yoga, combining exercise and breathing techniques.

“Most patients with rheumatoid arthritis do not exercise regularly despite the fact that those who do report less pain and are therefore more physically active,” says Humeira Badsha, M.D., founder of the Emirates Arthritis Foundation. “Our study’s results show clear benefits for those who regularly practice Raj yoga. We believe that practicing yoga long-term could result in further significant improvements.”

Results of a separate study show the positive effects of yoga on the quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia, a long-term condition which causes generalized body pain. After an eight session classical yoga program which combined gentle yoga postures, breathing techniques and medication, individuals showed a decrease in anxiety, a key symptom in patients with this condition.

Health benefits of yoga:

  • Increased range of motion.
  • Improved muscle tone.
  • Better posture.
  • Lowered blood pressure.

Yoga practitioners also have lower responses to stress. People can eventually learn to respond less strongly to stressors in their everyday lives by using yoga and other stress-reducing modalities.

Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, massage therapy and herbal medicine for the treatment of a wide range of health conditions as well as for overall wellness. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director.
Download A Catalog for Acupuncture and Massage School

Subscribe to Email Updates

Sign Up for the AMC Newsletter

Recent Posts