Osteoarthritis-Management With Yoga

According to Ayurveda, an integrated system of living,which one can do sun salutation. First do the warm up
the imbalance of Vata dosha is the chief cause ofexercises then hold a posture that helps in building
Osteoarthritis (Sandhigata) which gives raise tostrength and flexibility of the body and finally do the
inflammation and pain in the joints.Shavasana (relaxation pose).
Accumulated negative toxins called ama (undigested** Strength building asanas build muscles around the
waste) in the colon which occurs due to the emotionaljoints and helps in nourishing it. Flexibility yielding asanas
and physical disturbances when settled in the jointsopen up the joints and increase the blood, oxygen and
give rise to OA.energy circulation. Shavasana done after the above
Yoga tries to the manage this degenerative diseasetwo asanas is used to rejunevate to heal the body
by including all spheres viz.,based on the energy one has acquired from above
physical-mental-moral-spiritual in the following manner.postures.
** Stressed life, worries, tiredness, disturbed sleep** Energizing and warming pranayama like Kapalabhati
leads to a state of improper digestion and yoga helpspranayama and Ujjayi Pranayam are highly
one to overcome all these.recommended. Asanas for hip OA are
** The mild body movements and gentle pressures ofVirabhadrasana, Parsvottanasana, Vrkasana Utthita
the yogic postures keeps the affected joints mobileTrikonasana etc.,
and prevents further damage and reduces pain.** Cyclic yoga exercises based on Suryanamaskara,
Stretching postures done with rhythming breathingburn extra calories. Abdominal exercises improves
techniques helps one to relax and release the musclesdigestion. Yogic postures along with breathing
that are crumpled around the joints.exercises makes an physiological and psychological
** When the patient experience pain due toimpact. Then do Shavasana which helps in regulating
inflammation in the joints, pranayama (breathingthe mind. This sequence in doing asanas helps one to
technique) is to be practiced as it removes therestore the balance of vata dosha thereby treating
accumulated toxins leading to reduction in pain, afterOA at its origin.