Yoga in Rheumatoid Arthritis How?

Mr Jayaram, a 28 year-old unmarried young man was admitted to Prasanti Kutiram with marked pain and inflammation in multiple joints. A typical symmetrical distribution of small followed by bigger joints, exhaustion, general debility and weight loss was the picture of his Rheumatoid Arthritis. Blood tests showed a positive rheumatoid factor with high ESR of greater than 100mm in the first hour.

We had to work with very few physical practices, a lot of relaxation and Nadanusandhana. After the first week he started moving around in the wheel chair with an attendant. It took almost 6 weeks for him to build up his stamina, loosen the joints, reduce the inflammation and reduce his medication.

Special Techniques

FULL BUTTERFLY

Sthiti: Dandasana

PRACTICE

• Bend both the knees, draw the legs along the ground, to bring the soles of the feet to press each other and the heels touch the perineum.
• Completely relax the inner thigh muscles.

Stage - I (Clasping the feet with the hands)

• Clasp the feet with the fingers.
• Now gently bounce the knees up and down.
• Try to touch the knees to the ground on the downward stroke with normal breathing.
• Practice thirty to fifty up and down movements.

Stage - II (Hands on the knees)

• Place the hands on the knees.
• Using the palms, gently push the knees down towards the ground, allowing them to spring up again.
• Normal breathing.
• Repeat twenty to thirty times.
• Straighten the legs and relax.

Note

• Do not force the movements.
• Try to keep the back, neck and head straight.
• Also keep the trunk steady during the practice.