Why Yoga helps with Rheumatoid Arthritis

After some research funded by the Arthritis Foundation reduces a program of yoga postures, breathing and relaxation significantly joint tenderness and swelling in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore divided at random a group of 30 adults with RA into two groups: one group participated in an eight-week program of yoga and the other group was placed on a waiting list and served as controls. Patients in the yoga group participated in one hour twice a week and they were asked to practice at home. Traditional yoga postures have been amended where necessary and adapted to the constraints that are different from the RA. The meetings were also deep breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques mentioned.

The research team found that those who had participated in the eight weeks of yoga class much less painful and swollen joints as before. For those in the waiting list / control group, no significant changes made ​​in their tender and swollen joints.

Arthritis Foundation Assistant Steffen Haaz says: "We have already reported, that helps yoga people feel better, and we wanted to ensure that it is not harmful to rheumatic joints, so we look forward notice us on the improvement of joint pain seems in RA. Patients. The next big question is to find out how and why yoga can have this effect, because this is such a versatile activity."