therapyspotlight


Yoga as Therapy for Arthritis


by Jacqueline Glasgow A


ccording to the Johns Hopkins


Arthritis Center, 70 million Ameri- cans suffer from some form of ar- thritis, the leading cause of disability. While there is no known cure and early treatment remains the most effective treat- ment, the center has determined via scientific studies that yoga


benefits osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients. The evidence from clinical research trials suggests that when combined with good medical care, yoga provides important physical and psychological health benefits such as improvement in joint health, physi- cal function and mental and emotional well-being.


When arthritis is present in the joints, the protective cartilage cover- ing the ends of the bone is damaged or worn down, allowing bone to rub pain- fully against bone. Not just an issue for the elderly, arthritis can be caused by genetic fac- tors, as well as old sports injuries, bad postural habits and certain kinds of repeti- tive work. The pain of


28 Collier/Lee Counties swfl.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com


bone rubbing on bone may also be the result of mis- alignment caused by unconsciously holding in some muscles, the failure to engage other muscles, dysfunctional pat- terns of use and unusually shaped bones. Through observation and knowledge of anatomy, an experienced yoga teacher can help


with misalignments by helping pa- tients become aware of dysfunctional movement patterns and poor posture and making adjustments so that there is less stress on the bony parts of the joints. In essence, space in the joints can be created so the bones can move more easily and pain is lessened through yoga.


Jacqueline Glasgow is the owner and director of the Naples Yoga Center, a certified yoga life coach and certified Yoga Body Bootcamp instructor. Na- ples Yoga Center is located at 13240 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 206, in Naples. For more info, call 239-592- 4809 or visit NaplesYoga Center.com. See ad, page 33.


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