The Yoga rules

By Paul Jerard

There are several conditions, classified under the heading of arthritis, which all involve joint pain. Studies reveal that yoga can cause significant relief from this debilitating condition.

Although anyone with arthritis will tell you, that to move at all, sometimes hurts, remaining completely sedentary is not healthy either. Arthritis patients are encouraged by their doctors to participate in low impact exercises to improve movement.

Many higher impact activities can cause further damage and discomfort. As a result of this, yoga has increased in popularity, among doctors and patients, alike.

Studies have shown the importance of moving affected arthritic joints. Doing so has significant long-term effects on relief of pain and increase in mobility. Exercising the joint has the overall benefit of health for the entire body.

Movement of the body is necessary to provide essential nutrients to joints and circulation to muscles. Yoga is the best activity there is to strengthen, nourish and heal, the body with arthritis.

Before you begin to work with any student that has arthritis, understand their reluctance to move. The pain can be excruciating, and it will take time and patience to improve.

There must be patience, both on behalf of the patient, and you, as the instructor. Never force a student, with arthritis, to push past the point of pain. The student must keep pushing their limits, but never force the arthritic joint. This could cause damage of the joint.

Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in people over fifty-five. People as young as 20 years of age are also affected, with rare cases of children having some form of arthritis. Scientific studies have been sparse in the past, though plenty of real life evidence is prevalent anywhere you look.

These early studies show promising improvement in joint health, physical mobility and mental and emotional health. That is reason enough for many to try yoga for their arthritis. This is why we are seeing a heavy increase of students with arthritis.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html