Arthritis pain? Yoga may help..

 

Yoga is a practice that has been used for 5,000 years to improve physical and mental health. It originated in ancient India but can be effective at relieving pain due the poses as well psychological issues such stress or anxiety because it strengthens your body's natural defenses against these feelings while also enhancing flexibility capabilities through various types of workouts.

The best part about yoga? You don't have to do any work out!

Yoga has been found to help people with arthritis build muscle strength and improve balance. Yoga also can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes, according to Sharon Kolasinski from University Pennsylvania in Philadelphia- a professor of clinical medicine as well rheumatologist who leads research into how different types of movement affects our body's health.

 

When Practicing Yoga, Remember These Tips:

  • Go Easy - When you're feeling tired or your joints hurt, it's important to take a break from the rigorous exercises. Don't abuse yourself by going too far with these types of activity which can actually cause more problems in some cases!
  • Keep Moving - Yoga is a practice that can be enjoyed at any time. Some days you may feel like poses come without much effort, and other times the opposite - tight or not able to do them properly in whatever position they're desired by your instructor; this normal happens on most yogas journeys with an ongoing process of learning new ways through challenging ourselves each day

         -to improve our flexibility & balance skills while also strengthening muscles we didn't even realize existed!

  • Delay your practice until later in the day - When you have arthritis, the joints tend to be stiff in the morning. Waiting until later on allows your muscles and bones time for relaxation so that they can loosen up again before attempting any yoga practice or activity of theirs- this may require some trial/error with determining what works best depending upon which type(s) thereof is/are bothering one!
  • Don't suffer in silence - Yoga is an excellent way to improve your flexibility, balance and stress management. But it's important that you talk with a doctor about whether this form of exercise will work for you before starting out on the road towards health!

How Yoga can help in treating Arthritis?

Yoga is becoming more and more popular as an effective way to reduce stress, anxiety symptoms or even depression. A therapist can work with patients by putting together individualized plans that will help them heal from medical conditions while also experiencing less discomfort through the use of yoga. 

Here are some benefits that can help you in treating your arthritis.

  • Increase in flexibility and balance - With increased flexibility, you can break the cycle of pain by decreasing tension in your joints and muscles. Core strength also helps improve posture to decrease aches/pains caused from bad positioning!
  • Reduces stress and anxiety -  Yoga not only helps you focus on your mental clarity but also relieves stress. The improved mood that results from practicing yoga can be a great way to cope with pain in the long run, even if it doesn't cure all of it right away!
  • Yoga boosts your energy - Yoga will help you feel more energized, ready to take on the day. A study found that people who practice yoga often have increased mental energy levels as well as physical ones! 
  • Connects you with a supportive community - Yoga classes provide an environment for group healing and support, even during one-on-one sessions. Loneliness is reduced as we are acknowledged as unique individuals in our own right to be listened too with a personalized plan created just how you want it!

What poses are good for arthritis? 

Virabhadrasana or Warrior Pose - helps in strengthening the arms, legs, and lower back. Beneficial for frozen shoulders

  • Stand up with legs 4 to 5 feet apart.
  • Keep your right foot at a 90-degree angle and with your right toe pointing out, keep your left foot at 45 degrees.
  • Bring your hands at shoulder level, parallel to the ground.
  • Bend your right knee and look towards your right.
  • Keep your hips square and the right thigh parallel to the ground. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds            and release the posture.

Vrikshasana/Tree Pose

  • Place your right foot high up on your left thigh. The sole of the foot should be flat and placed firmly. Keep your left leg straight and find your balance.
  • While inhaling, raise your arms over your head and bring your palms together. Ensure that your spine is straight and take a few deep breaths.
  • Slowly exhale, bring your hands down and release your right leg. Back in the standing position repeat the same with the other leg.

Trikonasana/Triangle Pose: 

    Stand with your feet wide apart. Stretch your right foot out (90 degrees) while keeping the leg         closer to the torso.

  •  Keep your feet pressed against the ground and balance your weight equally on both feet. Inhale       and as you exhale bend your right arm and make it touch the ground while your left arm goes up.

  •  Keep your waist straight. Ensure that your body is bent sideways and not forward or backward.         Stretch as much as you can while taking long, deep breaths.

  •  Repeat on the other side.

 

Setubandhasana or Bridge Pose - Stretches the back muscles, chest, neck, and spine. It helps in relieving back pain and is good for osteoporosis.

  • Lie down on your back.
  • Press into your feet to lift the hips slightly and slide a yoga block under them for support.
  • To come out, press into the feet to lift the hips again and slide the block out.

Marjariasana - Brings flexibility and a good stretch to the body including wrists, spine, and shoulders. It helps in blood circulation.

  • Get down on your knees, place palms under shoulders and knees under hips
  •  Inhale, curve your spine to lookup

 

Get Moving - Try Yoga Today!

As you progress in your practice, it becomes more and more satisfying to learn new poses. You may find that some of the simpler ones no longer satisfy or challenge you as much--so instead of keeping them around for long periods without variation (which can lead dancers toward injury), try adding variations like basic moves between each position so they don't get stale!

Yoga is all about finding your personal comfort zone and coming back to it again. It's not about the reps, pumping iron or being tough--yoga allows you time for relaxing breathing that will allow every inch of your body to be felt in order to achieve a sense connection with yourself.

Yoga can be a great way to reduce joint pain for those who suffer from arthritis. There are also many exercises that will help you feel better! If combined with our Green Lipped Mussel Oil supplement, eating healthy foods or taking medications as recommended by your doctor might just make life without disability more manageable--so give it a try today!

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