Yoga for Arthritis
Yoga is an ancient practice to heal the body, mind and soul. Relaxation, reduced stress and a tension free life are the precious gifts that Yoga generously bestows upon a sincere practitioner.
What is arthritis?
In the literal sense, arthritis is “Joint Inflammation’’. Inflammation is indicated by stiffness, swelling, redness or warmth in the joints. Any part of the body can become painful due to arthritis. Typically, when one suffers from arthritis, the following symptoms are exhibited:
- Apparent loss of flexibility in a joint
- Extreme fatigue
- Lack of energy
The usual tendency of a patient with arthritic joint pain is, to avoid physical activity and simply rest. Patients need to understand that without exercise, the joints tend to become stiff and lose flexibility and range of motion. People suffering from arthritis resort to expensive drugs to relieve the pain. Sometimes, they go in search of novel diets and therapy to help them feel stronger. Affliction of the disease renders them helpless in times of excruciating pain.
The slow, controlled Yoga movements of joints are helpful for arthritis patients. They improve the blood circulation in joints, removing unwanted toxins and other waste products. The problem for sufferers of arthritis is that if they try to move their limbs and joints then pain increases so they do not move their limbs and the problem increases. So it is vicious cycle, because of pain no movements and because there is no movement, the situation becomes worse. So it is really important to keep doing the movements which are possible. Slow, steady and controlled movements are especially recommended. It is not advisable to maintain the Yoga postures for long periods of time.
Yoga and Eye Sight
"The fastest way to bring the mind into concentration is through the eyes" - Swami Sitaramananda
It is said that “the face is the index of the mind and the eyes are the windows of the soul.” On a tangible level, eyes are our only windows to the world.
Human eyes need care and attention. As years go by, the muscles around the eyes lose their tone. Eyesight becomes weak after the muscles around the eyes lose their elasticity and become rigid, thereby reducing the power to focus different distances. In addition, tension around the eyes affects the brain causing stress and anxiety.
Eyesight is dramatically improved when the muscles of the eyes are relaxed. There is a deep correlation between the eyes and the mind. It is said that vision occupies 40 percent of the brain's capacity. Therefore, when we close our eyes, relaxation is induced in the brain. Eye health corresponds to the level of relaxation it experiences.
Eye on Yoga
Yoga plays a significant role in promoting eye health. A yoga routine replete with asanas, Pranayama and meditation helps in achieving peace and tranquillity. Yogic eye exercises strengthen the muscles of the eyes and thus help in curing many ailments of the eyes. Certain eye exercises are known to completely rectify eye problems. With Yoga, people begin treating their eyes with care, which reflects in good eye health.
The renowned late William H. Bates, an ophthalmologist, claimed that vision could be improved with eye exercises like palming, eyeball rotations and gaze shifting. So, eye exercises are important to any individual and should be incorporated into the regular Yoga routine. These exercises can be performed after the asanas
Yoga and Memory
Memory is the capacity to retain and recall information about past and present incidents. Memory capacity is the ability to analyse and synthesise the assimilated information and not information storage alone. Memory power varies between individuals.
In Sanskrit, the word ‘Memory’ is called ‘smriti’ The Yoga sutras of Patanjali describe memory as ‘an experienced object not being lost from the mind.’
While memory is the latent capacity to retain and recall information, Yoga assists in improving memory power through Yogic techniques of concentration and. The brain functions of attention, cognition, processing of sensory information and visual perception are honed with Yogic practices.
Yogic practices like asanas, Pranayama, meditation and Om chanting increase the circulation of blood to the brain. This can help calm the mind and enhances concentration skills. Memory lapses can also be prevented through Yogic practices that enhance the power of recall. One can draw upon the immense power of the mind with consistent Yogic endeavour
“Memory is the measure of ability to reproduce the knowledge that is known”, says Yogacharya Vishwas.
“Memory is holding on to that which has been known.”- The Hindu Texts.
“Memory is the calling up of an object from past experience,” say Patanjali.
The Magic of Hatha yoga
Yoga for Ailments
Modern life causes many life-style imbalances that make us vulnerable to diseases. People tend to over work, disregarding a healthy way of living, only to fill the monotony in their lives. But this should not be the case. We should seek balance by setting aside some time for Yoga, which is not only very rejuvenating but can also cure many diseases
Yoga for Obesity
Obesity arises when the body weight exceeds the requisite normal weight. Accumulation of fat deposits in the body results in obesity.
Causes of obesity:
The following may be possible causes or contributors to obesity:
- Stress plays a vital role in causing obesity. Psychological disturbances propel a person to seek comfort in food -such a person may consume excess food. Children suffering from such disturbances, tend to become obese.
- Improper dietary habits can predispose an individual to obesity. When a person starts consuming foods rich in sugar, starch, fats, and highly processed foods, there is extra weight gain.
- Technological advancements in modern life have resulted in less physical activity. At homes, people use electrical gadgets that save on hard physical labour, thereby resulting in sedentary lifestyle.
- Improper functioning of the endocrine glands or digestive disorders cause obesity.
- Intake of drugs like steroids can make an individual crave for more food and enhances his or her hunger level, resulting in weight gain.
- Hereditary factors also play an important part in making a person obese
Asanas that help in the burning of fat in the body are Uttanpadasana, Pawanmuktasana, Bhujangasana, Naukasana, Agnisar. These exercises involve flexing and contracting the abdominal Muscles. The muscles are massaged and this helps in circulation, burning up of excess fat and Spiration.
Diabetes
Yoga and Diabetes- An Alternative Therapy
It is rightly said that, understanding is the first step towards change. In order to follow the ways to attain good health, understanding them is the first step. Good health is acquired when one follows a healthy diet, regular exercise, positive thinking and an unhurried pace of living. Disease manifests in the body when nature's health laws are transgressed.
Yogic discipline with its asanas, Pranayama, and meditation is a way to good health. This ancient therapy helps in treating diseases, which eventually improves personal efficiency and assists in achieving mental peace. When Yoga becomes a lifestyle, it effects a radical transformation in an individual. Any health conscious person can turn to Yoga and reap the benefits it offers.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition when the pancreas in the human body fails to produce insulin, the hormone that converts the sugar in food into energy. Insufficient secretion of insulin by the pancreas results in an excess of glucose in the bloodstream, resulting in diabetes. The blood glucose is required to be used up to provide energy and fuel to the body, in order to do its work. If the level of glucose is high, it eventually affects the body parts.
A person suffering from diabetes portrays symptoms, which could be fatigue, hazy vision, excessive thirst, weight loss and an increase in appetite.
Diabetes can be helped by asanas like Paschimotasana and Ardhamatsyasana, besides following a sugar free diet and regular exercise.
Rheumatism, Arthritis
Prolonged abuse of the body in wrong postures can result in the hardening of joint muscles and fibrous tissues. This can be corrected by Yogic asanas, which stimulate blood circulation and flush out toxins. Asanas like Ekpaduttanasana and Pavanmuktasana are suitable for this disorder. Care should be taken not to strain much or overstretch.
Constipation
Factors that cause constipation are irregular diet, lack of exercise, stress and depression. Asanas like Yogamudra, Sarvangasana, Shirshasana and Matsyasana are beneficial in correcting this disorder.
Yoga and Back Pain
Back pain, one of the common problems of the present day, is caused due to stress and tension in the muscles that support the spine. Sedentary lifestyles, stress, overuse or under use of the back and postural mistakes are unconscious triggers to the widespread problem of back pain. Regular exercise can bring great relief to back pain.
Backache strikes when the muscles are under fatigue, commonly at the neck or lumbar region (where most twisting, turning or bending occurs). Frequent backaches occur due to overstrained or over stretched muscles, improper sitting positions, stress, lumbar scoliosis and earlier injuries. Many conditions cause back pain and they can be treated with conscious and gentle Yoga practice. It has proven to be a safe and effective way to alleviate many forms of back pain and prevent its recurrence. However, all cases of back pain need to be evaluated by a medical expert for diagnosis and treatment.
Healing Benefits of Yoga
- Yoga strengthens muscle groups. Many postures in yoga strengthen the back and abdominal muscles and help the body maintain a proper upright posture and movement. Stretching and relaxation reduces tension in stress carrying muscles. When these muscles are well conditioned, it helps to offset back pain.
- Yoga eases lower back pain, by stretching and strengthening the muscles of the lower back. It increases blood circulation, which brings healing nutrients to the injured tissues. Yoga also helps maintain a natural curvature of the spine that is crucial in avoiding lower back pain.
- Thus, Yoga is an excellent therapy for healing injured and sore back muscles, speeding time to recover from an injury and preventing re injury. It also reduces the risk of disability due to back pain. In short, Yoga increases awareness of the body and keeps the body healthy and supple.
Yoga postures that can be helpful for back problems are Shalabhasana, Bhujangasana, Pavanmuktasana, Naukasana help to remedy this problem.
Yoga and Asthma
Asthma is a condition where the air passages (the airways that carry air in and out) of the lungs, become inflamed. When these air passages get inflamed, they become red and swollen and start to swell. Sticky mucus or phlegm is produced. All these factors narrow the airways, making it difficult to breathe. This results in coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and a tight feeling in the chest. Asthmatic attacks can be triggered by allergies, exercise, cold air, pollution and stress related disorders. Several studies have shown Yoga as an alternative therapy to cure asthma.
Yoga is an ancient Hindu discipline that uses postures and breathing techniques (Pranayama) to increase the lung's airflow, air capacity, stamina and reduce stress. Simple relaxation techniques also help to reduce stress, regulate breathing patterns and also improve lung function. Dr.John Harvey, from the British Thoracic Society, said: “The Benefits of Yoga, or any other relaxation techniques, are additional to the benefits of conventional drug treatment, and it is vital that patients continue to take their prescribed medication."
Yoga asanas with their gentle stretches and poses help one to gain flexibility and strength. Pranayama helps to focus on proper breathing, which is an integral part of all Yoga exercises. It helps in breath control and helps one to stay calm during an asthma attack. The relaxation aspects in Yoga help in calming the nerves. Thus, the practice of Yoga helps to combat stress, reduce physical tension and muscle tightness. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system and feelings of well -being are produced.
Yoga and the Heart
Yoga is an alternative system of healing, its power being widely harnessed to prevent and treat various diseases of the heart. Yoga is undoubtedly a reliable avenue for holistic health.
Disease is a manifestation of underlying disharmony in the mind- body domain. The Yogic way of life offers a solution to elevate the health of body, mind and soul. Yoga can help with many diseases - diabetes, obesity and also stress and mental health issues - as much as it offers immense benefits to alleviate heart disease.
Yoga has an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases that includes recurrence of heart attacks, hypertension and coronary heart diseases. Yoga influences the hypothalamus directly, the area of the brain that controls endocrine activity, and can help with the prevention of heart attacks.
Yoga and High Blood Pressure
There is no other gift greater than the gift of health. It is rightly said that health is wealth. We should aspire to develop all round physical, mental and spiritual health. Imbalance or improper functioning of the physical or mental bodies results in serious repercussions on the well being of a person, which would necessitate medical attention.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is one among the various diseases that affect the human body. The medical term for blood pressure is hypertension. Blood pressure is characterized by abnormal pressure levels in the arteries. The blood pressure in a healthy, normal person is around 120/80mmhg. When the pressure is lower than normal, it interferes with the well being of a person. When the pressure increases, it causes damage to the heart and sometimes proves fatal. Hypertension can be caused by arterial problems, disturbed kidney function and malfunctioning of the endocrine gland. Excessive stress, strain, and emotional disturbances may not help in maintaining a stable blood pressure. The usual symptoms of the disease are dizziness, sound in the ears, headaches and dull vision.
In Yoga, you learn to strengthen your back and stomach muscles so that you can sit and stand straighter; this releases pressure on your heart and lungs and allows you to breathe easier.
Yoga breathing exercises teach us how to breathe more deeply and rhythmically; this has many effects, both physical and mental. Your respiratory muscles become stronger, and more oxygen reaches your bloodstream. Regular practice of breathing exercises will give you greater concentration, willpower, and steadiness. You’ll feel calmer, too, as you breathe, because your mind can’t think about upsetting things when it is focused on the breath. You can learn to use the breathing techniques whenever you feel stressed, fatigued, or anxious for immediate relief.
Yoga exercise benefits your entire circulatory system, beginning with the production of blood, which takes place in the marrow of the long bones in the thighs. Improving circulation in the legs with daily Yoga stretching exercises helps to rejuvenate the blood. Yoga exercises stretch the body's major blood vessels, keeping them free-flowing and elastic; Yoga oxygenates the blood and pushes fresh nutrients to all peripheral vessels and capillaries. Improved circulation means that your brain will receive more oxygen, improving alertness, memory, and mood; vital organs receive a steady supply of the nutrients they need for optimal functioning.
Yoga relaxation and meditation training teach you how to relax at will, allowing your body to release muscle tension almost as it occurs. Meditation training shows you how to access your inner source of strength and personal power, creating a support system that builds confidence and self-esteem, helps you learn to enjoy the present-moment, and increases self-awareness.
The choice to practice Yoga will help you control your high blood pressure as it contributes to greater general health and well-being.
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