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While arthritis is potentially debilitating, according to

esteemed yoga expert Sanjeev Krishnen, in the science

of yoga arthritis is not considered to be a disease in

itself, but rather as one symptom of a widespread

metabolic and pranic malfunction which begins early

in a person’s life.

HEALTH

learns more…

THE

YOGIC

APPROACH TO ARTHRITIS

By: Sanjeev Krishnen

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation of the

synovial joints of the body and

is one of the most common of all

disabling diseases, afflicting an

estimated 1 out of 10 people, 13

million the USA alone.

The Yogic Solution

Yoga offers a way to arrest this

process. In fact, in the early stages,

before irreversible damage to the

joints has occurred, a complete

reversal is often possible. In

the later stages, yogic practices

can reduce drug dependency,

maximize remaining mobility

and function in the joints, and

make the life of the arthritic

more tolerable and acceptable.

Remarkable restorations of

function and a vastly improved

outlook on life have been obtained

in severely crippled patients

who have followed a daily yoga

program with determination.

Yogic approach

Yogic management of the arthritic

process is all-embracing and

effectively complements standard

medical measures. However,

yoga will never advocate drug

management of symptoms in

isolation, while neglecting to

correct the underlying deficiencies

of diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

The Right Way

All therapy should ideally be

learned in an ashram setting,

to benefit from its positive

and supportive energies. This

is especially important if the

individual is exposed to negativity

at home or work, or if the family

is cultivating a dependent attitude

in the sufferer; for example: “Oh

the poor thing, he is suffering so

much. You must rest, dear, let me

do that for you.” Karma yoga is as

much a part of the sadhana of the

arthritic individual as asana and

pranayama.

May/June 2015