Posted: Sep 19, 2018​

In this article, a 29-year-old software engineer and a 60-year-old homemaker share how yoga helped them resume 'normal life' despite their arthritis.

If you think that arthritis only occurs in old age, then you may want to read on. In reality, it can strike at any age. Increasingly, children, teenagers, and young to middle-aged adults are developing early signs.

According to Ayurveda, yoga’s sister health science, the primary cause of arthritis is an imbalance of vata, one of the three energetic body type constitutions. And a vata imbalance can result in inflammation and swelling of the joints, which are two of the primary effects of arthritis.

Do I have arthritis?

Have you experienced the following symptoms?

1. You feel deep joint pain that worsens with movement and temporarily gets better with rest.
2. You feel rigidity in your joints, especially when your body is inactive for a long time.
3. Your joints are warm to touch.
4. You experience more pain and stiffness during winter or rainy seasons.
5. Your joints make a crackling sound with movement (if it happens once in awhile, don't worry about it but be sure to consult your doctor if it persists for longer).
6. You experience abnormal growth of bony knobs near your joints.

 

Sonia’s story

Sonia Sahay, 29, suffered from unusual pain in her wrists that didn’t subside after a month. While she initially believed that the pain was due to continuous work at the computer, a visit to the doctor revealed that she was showing signs of early onset arthritis. Sonia was shocked, saying, "But I'm only 29, doctor!" She woke up to the reality that arthritis can strike at any age, young or old. It can happen to anyone with overstressed joints.

Sonia pulled herself together and decided to change. She was simply too young to spend the rest of her life with arthritic pain. Her mother had been a regular yoga practitioner but Sonia hadn’t, because she felt that she didn’t have enough time. However, the development of arthritis gave her new reasons to take control over her time and health.

Developing a practice

Sonia started with baby steps, practicing a select few yoga postures to begin. Her practice included Warrior Pose, Triangle Pose, Tree Pose, Bridge Pose, Cat Stretch, and Corpse Pose. All of these postures, also known as asanas, help increase the strength and flexibility of the joints.

Regular yoga practice over the course of a few months, combined with pranayamas (breathing techniques) and meditation, helped Sonia get relief from her severe arthritis pain and rigidity. She now feels less pain, and her regular daily practice keeps her pain-free. Yoga has given her the strength to take life into her own hands (and joints)!

Sri Sri Yoga teacher's tip: Kneeling Pose and Lotus Pose should be avoided if you are suffering from osteoarthritis.

Nancy’s story

Mrs. Nancy Reynolds, a 60-year-old homemaker from Indianapolis, recently found herself in a similar situation; chronic knee pain led her to an arthritis diagnosis. Hoping to avoid medication, she sought the help of yoga and meditation.

Daily breathing and meditation practices have been proven to ease stress, which can help reduce joint stiffness, and Nancy began using both breathing and meditation daily. In particular, she practiced specific exercises such as Skull Shining Breath, Bellows Breath, and Alternate Nostril Breathing with guidance from a Sri Sri Yoga teacher. After one month, her joint pain decreased significantly.

Your story

You can also improve symptoms of arthritis with the development of a regular yoga practice. The following are helpful tips for arthritis patients:

1. Eat plenty of fresh fruits, green salads, boiled and baked vegetables, boiled beans, and lightly cooked grains and cereals.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Consider periodic fasting upon consultation from a Sri Sri Ayurveda doctor. Fasting enhances the cleansing capacity of the lungs, skin, liver, and kidneys, and helps relax the nervous system.
4. Avoid bananas, curd and rice items.
5. Quit smoking.
6. Avoid tea/coffee completely, or at least reduce your intake.
7. Limit the consumption of milk and dairy products.
8. Consult a Sri Sri Ayurveda doctor who can prescribe you herbal supplements for arthritis and guide you through the Sri Sri Panchakarma process. This process helps reduce joint inflammation through natural techniques including detoxification, oil bath, sauna, and application of herbal pastes on the joints.
9. Use positive affirmations to hasten your healing process.

Rather than falling victim to arthritis, take power over the health of your joints by adding yoga and simple changes to your lifestyle. Change starts in the present moment. You are the master of your destiny! Remember:

“You will never be given anything you cannot handle.” - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

This article is based on input from Dr. Sejal Shah, National Coordinator for Sri Sri Yoga, India, and Dr. Nisha Manikanthan, Sri Sri Ayurveda expert.

While a regular yoga practice can result in improved health, know that it is not a substitute for medical treatment. It is important to learn and practice yoga under the supervision of a trained teacher. In the case of a medical condition, practice yoga after consulting a doctor. Do you need information on courses? Contact us at programs@us.artofliving.org to find a Sri Sri Yoga course at an Art of Living Center near you.