HEADLINES:  

Introduction

The word rheumatism is derived from the Greek word 'rheuma', which means a swelling. It refers to an acute or chronic illness which is characterized by pain and swelling of the muscles, ligaments and tendons, or the joints. Some conditions that were once given the general label of rheumatism or called rheumatic diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and tendonitis. Frequently autoimmune disorders, since they remained unnamed but caused pain as well as affecting other organs, were classed as rheumatism. Illnesses like lupus were particularly susceptible to being called rheumatism. Later understanding of the actions of these illnesses show that the problem is not dysfunction of the joints, but rather immune systems that can attack joints, muscles and organs.

Rheumatic diseases are characterized by loss of function among one or more connective or supportive structures of the body. Rheumatic diseases can also affect internal organs. The main cause of rheumatism is the presence of toxic waste products in the blood. The liberal use of meat, white bread, sugar, and refined cereals leaves a large residue of toxic wastes in the system. When the strength is low, the toxic wastes are concentrated around the joints and bony structure, where they form the origin of rheumatism.

Yoga and Rheumatism

Yoga has many aspects. Yoga practices can be adapted to meet the needs of the individual at whatever age or level of fitness. Stress has been identified as increasing the intensity of pain and anxiety experienced by sufferers. Yoga breathing and other yoga techniques help one to cope and even overcome the problem. To maintain or improve the health of joints they need to be taken through their full range of movement. Yoga postures can be practiced lying down. Yoga practices teach one to live in the present moment - an ability that promotes healing. Healing requires energy and much of our energy is wasted on problems we can do little about. Yoga gives us a means of replenishing this energy. Regular practice of yoga asanas or postures improves physical posture, flexibility, stamina and strength. Yoga has much to offer to contemporary humans and it contains clear ideas and practices which can be implemented by many people who wish to live a healthy, happy and meaningful life. ln short, the ideas and practice of yoga are the "missing" operating manuals for the successful functioning of the human structure. Yoga asanas stretches the vertebrae to the maximum, and subjects the abdomen and its organs and muscles to a powerful massage. The nerve centre and cells along the spine are stimulated as they receive a richer supply of blood. By practising yoga your spine will gradually become more elastic and as it affects the kidneys it is a powerful way of eliminating the toxic waste that is the primary cause of arthritis and allied complaints. Waste is the foundation of all disease.

YOGA POSES FOR RHEUMATISM

Spine Twisting Pose

Spine Twisting Pose is the only exercise that twists the spine from top to bottom at the same time. As a result, it increases circulation and nutrition to spinal nerves, veins, and tissues. It improves spinal elasticity and flexibility of the hip joints. It helps to cure lumbago and rheumatism of the spine, improves digestion, removes flatulence from the intestines, and firms the abdomen, thighs and buttocks.

Head-to-Knee Pose

Head-to-Knee Pose helps to balance the blood sugar level. It improves the flexibility of the sciatic nerves, ankle, knees and hip joints; improves digestion; enhances the proper functioning of the kidneys; and expands the solar plexus. The Stretching Pose relieves chronic diarrhea by improving the circulation of the bowels. It also increases circulation to the liver and spleen and improves digestion. It increases the flexibility of the trapezius, deltoid, erector femoris, and bicep muscles, sciatic nerves, tendons, hip joints, and the last five vertebrate of the spine.

Mountain Pose

This is called Mountain Pose because it promotes the experience of stillness, strength, relaxed power, and immovable stability associated with mountains. Remember that experiencing yourself in stillness is the most direct way to experience yourself with clarity. This pose, and coming back to this stillness after other poses, is one of the very best ways of becoming acquainted with stillness.

Cobra Pose

This asana strengthens back, abdomen, arms, and shoulders, and increases flexibility in the middle of the back. Improves oxygen intake, increases circulation to the spine and improves digestion.

Locust Pose

The Locust Pose is an excellent back strengthener. It is especially recommended before doing poses that require extreme flexibility simply because it builds the strength needed to support the flexibility that will accrue over time.

Posterior Stretch

Paschima" means 'behind', 'back' or 'posterior' and 'Uttana' means to stretch out in Sanskrit. "Paschimotana" means stretching the posterior regions of the body. This is a fine stretching exercise for the back of the whole body, from the heels to the top of the spine. In one continuous movement, almost all the posterior muscles of the body, particularly the hamstring muscles at the back of the thighs and the muscles of the small of the back, are fully stretched and relaxed.

YOGA ASANAS FOR RHEUMATISM

GOMUKHASANA

It awakens Kundalini shakti which enters the mouth of sushm. It stimulates blood circulation making the body energetic and the mind peaceful. This asana curves rheumatism, arthritis, constipation; piles etc.It is good for reducing fat on arm, stomach and thighs.

Steps

PAVANMUKTASANA

In Sanskrit "Pavan" means air, "mukta" means release or free. Pavanmuktasana balances the wind in whole body. This posture releases the muscles of the lower back and relaxes the body. This-asana regulates wind in the body. It relieves constipation and indigestion. It reduces obesity and excessive fat of the abdomen.

Steps

ARDHAMATSYENDRASANA

This is highly useful to control diabetes and kidney troubles. This posture makes the spine elastic. Nerves of the spinal column are toned up. This improves the efficiency of the abdominal viscera, such as liver, spleen, pancreas and the intestines. This eliminates the problems of constipation and dyspepsia (loss of appetite). Artha Matsyendrasana is a wonderful asana and gives you a very high standard of health when practiced in combination with the other asanas of forward and backward bending.

Steps

DHANURASANA

This gives a full backward bend to the whole of the spine and all the muscles of the back from the neck to the lower back or lumber region. Bhujanga, Locust and Dhanur forms a series of exercises beneficial to the body when practiced together.

Steps

AKARNA DHANURASANA

Holding the toes (alternately) with hands, pulling them (the toes) up to the (corresponding or opposite) ears, (and thus) assuming the shape of a stretched bow. This is called Akarna- Dhanurasana. It is known as Akarna-Danurasana because in its final position the body resembles the shape of a stretched bow. It is also useful in arthritis and rheumatic condition.

Steps

Diseases Related to Capricon
Arthritis	Fibromyalgia	Rheumatism