The mind and body practice of yoga is rooted in a 5,000-year history from ancient India. Different styles of yoga combine breathing techniques, meditation, relaxation, and different physical body settings.
Yoga involves engaging in different low-impact physical movements that help develop your mind and body. Yoga for arthritis can help reduce joint pain, improve flexibility, and decrease stress which leads to better sleeping habits.
Benefits of Yoga
People use yoga to get gentle exercise and reduce joint tension. In fact, this practice can also help those with arthritis build strength in muscles and improve balance.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1.3 million people in the United States with the majority being women. Yoga helps these people gain strength and increase range of motion to make everyday activities easier.
Addtionally, those with knee osteoarthritis can also take yoga classes to help reduce pain and joint stiffness. Yoga poses should be modified for each individual’s needs.
Practicing yoga can provide the following physical benefits:
- Improved Digestion
- Weight Control
- Increased Energy Levels
- Enhanced Immune System
- Relaxation of Muscular Strain
Practicing yoga can provide the following mental and spiritual benefits:
- Stress relief
- Better Control of Emotions
- Prevention of stress-related disorders
- Intellectual improvement
- Improved decision-making skills
- Inner peace and tranquility
- Contentment
The Importance of Mind-Body Connection
Furthermore,both physical and emotional health work together to create what we know as our mind-body connection.
Also, emotional health includes overall psychological well-being, feelings about oneself, quality of relationships, and the ability to manage emotions.
Stress from all kinds of events can affect emotional health. In fact, our daily routines and relationships can also have an impact.
Practicing stress management can help improve your mind-body connection and emotional health. By investing in all areas of your health, you can find a good mind-body connection balance.
Do Yoga Regularly
Many people do not realize that yoga is gentle enough on the body that most people can do it every day for a few minutes.
The important part is finding the right yoga instructor. The right yoga teacher will understand your body’s limits and show you ways to modify the movements.
See types of yoga for arthritis here.