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Best Yoga Poses for Arthritis

Best Yoga Poses for Arthritis

Best Yoga Poses for Arthritis

There are plenty of reasons why yoga is still around.

This form of exercise, which originates in ancient India, is shown to benefit both the mind and the body. People who have tried it swear by how yoga relaxes their mind and body and contributes to their overall fitness. 

But does yoga help ease the physical symptoms of arthritis such as pain and stiffness?
The answer is YES.

How Yoga Can Help People With Arthritis

Yoga is proven to benefit people suffering from arthritis. Studies have shown that regular practice of yoga helps in improving joint flexibility and reducing joint pain. It lowers tension and stress, which promotes better sleep.

Research has also shown that yoga reduces disability and eases swollen joints and pain without causing any adverse effect on thousands of study participants.

Best Yoga Poses for Arthritis

• Sun Salutations

Doing sun salutations is a great way to start your day. 

Begin by standing and then bring your hands together, palm-to-palm and place them at your chest area. 

Exhale as you raise your arms upward and slowly bend backward, stretching your arms above your head. Make sure to relax your neck and inhale.

• Cow Pose

Cow pose is a great stretch for your spine and can help improve your flexibility. 

Begin by getting all fours with your hands, shoulder-width apart, and wrists right under the shoulders. 

Knees should be at hips’ width and right under the hips. Bring your chest forward toward the ceiling, while your shoulder blades press down toward your waist. Tip your pelvis up and back. 

• Angry Cat

Just like with the Cow pose, the Angry Cat is also great for improving your flexibility and stretching your spine. 

Angry Cat is a reverse of the Cow pose. Get all fours and pull your navel in and up (to round up your spine). Reach your hips back toward your ankles in order to increase the space between your vertebrae.

• Child’s Pose

Child’s pose is a good beginner yoga pose and stretches your spine and hip flexors. 

Begin by dropping down on your knees. Spread your knees wide and your big toes together. Sit your hips on your feet or heels and reach your arms forward on the ground. 

• Bridge Pose

Lying in a supine position, bend your knees, and set your feet on the floor. As you exhale, press the insides of your feet and arms into the floor. Push your tailbone up, firm your buttocks, lift them off the floor until your thighs are parallel to the floor.

Make sure that your knees are directly over your heels and upper part of your hips toward your belly button.

Before you start any new activity, it’s important to consult your doctor. Listen to your body. If you feel any sharp pain or lightheadedness while doing any of these, stop and take a rest.