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Yoga & Arthritis

Yogacharya Vishwas Mandlik

The slow, controlled physical movement of joints is helpful for Arthritis patients. It improves the blood circulation in joints, removing unwanted toxins and other waste products. But the problem in the patients is if patient tries to move his limbs & joints then pain increases so patient does not move the limbs and problem increases. So it is vicious cycle, because of pain no movements and because there is no movement, the situation becomes worse. So patient should keep doing the movements which are possible for him.

Asanas

Yoga certainly helps in Arthritis. Simple asanas, movements help increase the circulation in the joints and limbs. Various Asanas like Basic Movement, Tadagasana, Pavanamuktasana (1 leg & 2 legs), Makarasana, Swastikasana, Januhastasana, Hastashirasana, Ekpadsahajhasta Bhujangasana, Dwipadsahajhasta Bhujangasana, Veerasana, Trikonasana, Vrikshasana are helpful. Slow, steady and controlled movements are especially recommended. It is not advisable to maintain the asanas for long.

Pranayama

Simple Pranayama is recommended, which involved deep breathing, special type of Pranayama with Inhalation via right nostril and exhalation via both nostrils but creating a sound of Hmm.. (Honey bee Sound) from the throat is found to be very effective in Arthritis patients.

Heat Treatment and Massage

A light massage of medicated Ayurveda Herbal oil is very effective, especially after application of heat (moderate and bearable with heat bags). Massage makes the joint movements easier and then patients can perform physical movements, so if massage is followed by Asanas, it has been found to be more fruitful.

Nature Cure for Arthritis

  Steam bath
  Basti (Enema) with sesame oil (15 cc) between 5.30 to 6.30 pm (This treatment is recommended in Ayurveda)
  In the morning drink warm water + fresh lime on empty stomach
  Sun bath for 10 to 15 minutes

Yoga Life Style

Man has moved away from the nature and has found himself surrounded by stress and unhealthy life style, leading a stress free life is essential to good health.

Home Remedies for Arthritis

  Drinking boiled water with dry ginger once a day
  During meals eating 1 to 2 tea spoons of Coconut Oil (Please consult your medical advisor before)
  Before taking shower / bath, massage the painful part / joint with Castor Oil.
  Before going to bed, drink 2 spoons of Castor oil + 1 spoon Honey + ¼ cup warm water (This has given some wonderful results in our Arogyadham Yoga Therapy     Center, this remedy has been discussed in Ayurveda.)

Recommended Diet

  Fresh and light diet, consume food immediately when it is cooked & warm (avoid stale and cold food)
  Wheat bread / brown bread, boiled vegetables, green vegetables, rice cooked with green gram
  Garlic, spinach, dates, fenugreek
  All fruits except bananas, mangos, grapes
  Eat lunch by 12 noon & dinner before 7 pm
  Fasting once a week, eat fruits during the fast but avoid any other food rich in calories

Strictly Avoid following Food

  Non vegetarian food
  High protein diet
  Hot & spicy food
  Deep fried food
  Bakery products
  Cold drinks, soft drinks, aerated drinks
  Fast food
  Do not overeat

Yogacharya Vishwas Mandlik - Yoga Vidya Gurukul