Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a disease of joints characterized by inflammation in many joints, that occurs at an younger age than OA.

No single cause has been established. But there are many things that we know about it. One of the major factors known in the cause of RA is autoimmunity.

In auto -immunity this capacity to differentiate 'self from non-self' is disturbed. The WBCs think that the self protein itself is foreign and send messages to recruit fighter cells to that particular area and inflammation begins. In rheumatoid arthritis the body thinks that the cells in the synovial lining of the joints are foreign and the inflammations triggered off. This inflammation leads to swelling (tumor), pain (dolor), redness (rubor) and local heat (calor).

Special Techniques

KNEE CAP TIGHTENING

Sthiti: Dandasana

PRACTICE

• Close your eyes and bring your awareness to the knees.
• Slowly pull the knee caps upwards and then release them.
• Repeat this practice 20 times with normal breathing.

Note

• Do not practice mechanically. Practice with full awareness.