Yoga Health Secrets

Yoga for arthritis and rheumatism

When you can do this classical Plough Posture perfectly you might like to try three variations, just to add variety to your daily practice schedule. In each case the posture will limber the spine, keep it more supple and youthful and therefore discourage arthritis and rheumatism.

Variation 1. This differs from the Halasana I have just described only in the position of the arms. This time they should be outstretched and pointing the same way as your legs so that you can touch your toes with your fingers.

Variation 2. Execute the first Plough Posture I described and then move the legs as far apart as possible, remaining thus for as long as you comfortably can. This imparts an extra stretch to the muscles of the legs and thighs.

Variation 3. This variation of the Plough Posture is called Kama Peedasana or the Ear to Knee Posture.

Proceeding from the Plough Posture, draw your knees up to your ears, your legs remaining flat on the ground from your knees to your toes. Bend your arms and place your hands behind your knees in order to keep them pressed to the floor. Only the most supple among my readers will be able to do this at first but regular practice of the other variations will limber your spine sufficiently for the Ear to Knee Posture.

Whichever variation of the Plough Posture you perform, do not omit the Yoga Complete Breath while remaining in this static pose. Your chest will be somewhat restricted and you may possibly find that the taking of a deep breath is a little uncomfortable at first, but do keep trying and you will find it gets easier as you practice. No Yoga asana should be performed unless it is in conjunction with Yoga breathing. The one complements the other to affect the entire organism.

The following exercise will help those who suffer from calcium deposits at the shoulder joints. Sit down in the Lotus Posture, or if you cannot yet do this sit down in the Easy Pose. If this too is beyond you sit down on a hard chair with your back straight. Raise your right hand and bring it behind your shoulder and at the same time bend your left hand behind your back and join your two hands together. I mentioned this position of the hands earlier in connection with the Bull Posture for sciatica but sufferers from arthritis and rheumatism in the shoulders will also greatly benefit from this simple arm exercise. Remain in the position for as long as you comfortably can and then perform it with reversed arms. Practise this exercise at any time of the day you possibly can and incidentally, if you have round shoulders it will greatly improve this condition.

I will end this chapter with another breathing exercise which most of you will find easy and pleasant to perform. It is called the WINDMILL breathing exercise and again will help to rid the body of calcium deposits and tone the nerves and muscles of the back, shoulders, and arms.

1. Standing legs apart inhale very slowly and deeply through the mouth. At the same time lift your arms sideways to shoulder height, palms downward. Complete your inhalation.

2. While holding the breath swing the arms, upwards and backwards three times in succession like a windmill, and then in the opposite direction three times. This should be done rhythmically and without hurry.

3. Exhale with some force through the mouth as you slowly lower your arms. Finish this exercise standing up straight and performing a few Yoga Complete Breaths.

If you suffer from arthritis or rheumatism practise the exercises in this chapter faithfully and don’t forget that potato will you!