Yoga Improves Arthritis & Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who practice yoga showed statistically significant improvements in disease activity. Humeira Badsha, from the Emirates Arthritis Foundation (United Arab Emirates) enrolled 47 subjects (26 yoga patients and 21 controls), and demonstrated that patients who completed 12 sessions of Raj yoga, a gentle style of yoga that combines exercise and breathing techniques, showed significant improvements in disease activity scores.  Results of a separate study show the positive effects of yoga on the quality of life in patients with Fibromyalgia, a long-term condition which causes extreme pain all over the body. Results of one further study investigating the effects of yoga on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with fibromyalgia, demonstrated that QoL scores, after an eight session classical yoga program which combines gentle yoga postures, breathing techniques and meditation, were better than scores obtained before the program; as well, the anxiety levels of patients decreased significantly.