Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by The Health Master
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease causing significant pain, inflammation, and damage to joints.
It can even affect other vital organs like the heart, lungs, and brain.
But there’s good news!
A recent study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi suggests that Yoga offers significant benefits for individuals living with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Government of India Backs Yoga for Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief
The Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, actively supports research on Yoga’s therapeutic potential.
A collaborative effort by AIIMS’s Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Anatomy Department, and Department of Rheumatology explored the cellular and molecular effects of Yoga on Rheumatoid Arthritis patients.
This study highlights Yoga’s potential to provide relief beyond just pain management.
How Yoga Combats Rheumatoid Arthritis
The study revealed that Yoga tackles Rheumatoid Arthritis at a cellular level by:
- Reducing Inflammation: Yoga controls cellular damage and oxidative stress, which contribute to inflammation.
- Balancing Cytokines: It maintains a healthy balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, regulating the immune system’s response.
- Elevating Endorphins: Yoga boosts endorphin levels, the body’s natural pain relievers.
- Lowering Stress Hormones: It decreases cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, both stress hormones that worsen inflammation.
- Regulating Melatonin Rhythms: Yoga helps regulate melatonin, a hormone crucial for healthy sleep cycles and immune function.
Beyond Pain Relief
The study goes beyond pain relief, demonstrating Yoga’s potential to slow cellular aging.
This occurs through:
- Enhanced Telomerase Activity: Yoga increases the activity of the telomerase enzyme, which protects the integrity of chromosomes and delays cellular aging.
- DNA Repair and Cell Cycle Regulation: It activates genes involved in DNA repair and cell cycle regulation, ensuring proper cell function.
- Improved Mitochondrial Function: Yoga enhances mitochondrial function, the cell’s powerhouse, leading to better energy production and reduced oxidative stress.
Improved Quality of Life Through Yoga Practice
Dr. Rima Dada’s team at AIIMS observed significant improvements in patients who practiced Yoga:
- Reduced Pain Perception: Participants reported less pain and improved joint mobility.
- Decreased Disability: Yoga practice led to a decrease in disability and improved daily function.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Overall quality of life significantly improved for patients practicing Yoga.
The researchers attribute these benefits to Yoga’s ability to promote immunological tolerance and achieve molecular remission, essentially “calming down” the overactive immune system responsible for Rheumatoid Arthritis inflammation.
Stress Management and Mental Well-being
A 2023 study published in Scientific Reports suggests that Yoga helps manage stress, a known trigger for Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms.
By reducing stress hormones like cortisol, Yoga may indirectly:
- Lower Inflammation
- Improve Mitochondrial Function
- Decrease Depression by elevating levels of mood-boosting chemicals like endorphins, BDNF, DHEA, melatonin, and SIRT-1.
Yoga also enhances brain flexibility, potentially improving coping skills and reducing the impact of coexisting depression, a common challenge for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients.
Yoga: A Safe and Effective Complementary Therapy
This research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting Yoga as a complementary treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
In addition to alleviating pain and stiffness, Yoga may contribute to disease management and improve overall well-being.
Unlike medications, Yoga has no known side effects and offers a cost-effective, natural approach to managing this complex autoimmune condition.
Considering Yoga for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
If you’re living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, talk to your doctor about incorporating Yoga into your treatment plan.
A qualified yoga therapist can create a personalized practice that is safe and effective for your specific needs.
Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
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