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7. Exercise
It is very important to maintain a
determined and positive attitude
towards activity and exercise, even
to the extent of pushing oneself, in
order to maintain a self-sufficient
active lifestyle. Walking, swimming,
gardening and other gentle forms
of exercise help to keep muscles
strong and the joints limber, and
can be integrated into the daily
routine in conjunction with simple
asana.
8. Heat and
massage
Total immersion in a hot bath
and the local application of moist
or dry heat, especially in winter,
relaxes muscles and loosens painful
contractions. Heat also reduces
pain and inflammation, increases
the metabolism, aids elimination
of poisons, speeds the production
of natural lubricants, reduces
swelling aids in the re absorption
of undesirable calcium deposits,
bone formations and fibroblastic
infiltrations in and around stiff
muscles, ligaments and joints. After
heat therapy, general massage of
joints and limbs towards the heart
invigorates and relaxes the sensory
and motor nerves, promotes
circulation and irrigation of blood
and lymph, and has an overall,
relaxing effect.
9. Mental attitude
Above all, the arthritic person who
undergoes yogic therapy must
strive for patience and positivity,
and try not to be discouraged by
the pain and discomfort, which will
have to be endured at first. It is well
worth the initial struggle in order to
break down the vicious cycle of disease,
which perpetuates arthritis. Yoga Nidra
is most beneficial here and should be
mastered as a form of pain relief and
mental transformation, which reduces
drug dependency and pain sensitivity.
The strength of mind gained and
the joy, which is experienced when
the disease process is controlled and
reversed, is something that all sufferers
with arthritis can earnestly aim
towards.
H