Long ago, there were concerns that any form of exercise would increase inflammation and exacerbate pain, yet yoga has become part of an all-inclusive treatment of arthritis. In fact, yoga has become so popular, it has become a focal point for senior fitness vacations.
Why Focus on Yoga?
Arthritis often decrease activity, which can result in muscle or tendon shortening, and weakened ligaments. However, with yoga’s slow movement sequences, it’s become a popular treatment for age and arthritis.
While exercise is ideal for physical health, many forms of exercise are unacceptable for people suffering with arthritis. Arthritis patients require a program with emphasis on stretching, balance and posture and the ability to adjust movement with varied intensity. These components describe yoga perfectly.
–Yoga offers multifaceted components of exercise, including regulated breathing, mental involvement, stress management, and a cognitive meditative concentration complimented with physical activity.
–Yoga is an ancient system that connects body and mind through sequences of exercise and meditation. By practicing the techniques of
–Yoga, many arthritis patients, as well as others suffering from chronic medical conditions, are able to release stress and alleviate many forms of pain.
A New Kind of Bucket List to Relieve Pain
According to a study performed at Stanford University, rheumatoid arthritis participants practiced yoga for one week to gauge improvements in their hand strength. The group concluded that all participants achieved better functionality in their hands as well as a significant decrease on the disability index. So, you can see why a 7-day Yoga vacation has become more popular.
More than 100 scientific studies confirm the benefits of yoga. Major medical journals have published their findings, and encourage seniors, and arthritis patients to include yoga as a complimentary treatment. These studies continuously demonstrate how yoga is one of the safest and most effective fitness programs that combat arthritic pain while increasing strength.
The practice of yoga practice begins with slow movements that increase blood flow and warm muscles, tissue and ligaments. Extension poses and rotation increases flexibility while moving joints through sequences increases full range of motion.
Arthritis is more than the sporadic aches and pains. Arthritis inflames surrounding tissue and joints, making movement painful and difficult. And it’s ageless. Without proper movement, the body becomes stiff. Yoga increases mobility in the joints and minimizes the erosion of cartilage.
Sedentary, Disabled and Inflexible Benefit from Yoga
Many people unnecessarily shy away from Yoga, due to extenuating challenges, such as wheelchair bound individuals and those who are overweight. Yoga has modifications and alterations to fit varied lifestyles. There are chair exercises taught in a seated position as well as other modifications to a yoga program.
The bottom line is, Yoga has the potential to solve many health issues, and while it may not cure all that afflicts you, the rewards are spectacular.
