4 Yoga Poses for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is incredibly painful. Luckily for those who suffer from it, yoga can offer some relief. Read on to discover some new yoga poses that can make life with rheumatoid arthritis more bearable.

1. Seated Forward Bend

Start sitting on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you. Your toes should be pointing towards the ceiling and your knees should be straight. Inhale deeply, and on the exhale stretch forward as far as you can, keeping your back from rounding. Your elbows should touch the floor on the outside of your knees while you reach for your feet. Hold this pose, breathing deeply, before sitting back up.

2. Cobra Pose

Flat on the floor on your stomach, place your hands next to your shoulders. Your elbows should be pulled in to your body. Exhale and pull up with your back – opening your heart to the sky. Your arms will become naturally extended, but you will be doing the work of the pose with your back. Don’t turn this pose into a pushup. Make sure that you continue breathing while you hold this pose, then gently lower back down to the floor.

3. Wind Releasing Pose

Begin this pose flat on your back. Gently life a knee to your chest, pressing the thigh into your body. Hold this knee with the corresponding hand and lift up your chin to your knee. Gently raise your other knee to the same position. You will now be curled up, knees thighs pressed into your body with your hands gently holding your knees. Stay in this position and breathe, then gently release to the floor.

4. Tree Pose

While standing, adjust your weight to one leg and ground your foot into the floor. Lift your other leg up and and turn out your knee so that you can press the bottom of your foot into your straight leg. Beginners will place their foot close to the knee, while more advanced yogis will be able to put it closer and closer to their pelvis. Raise your arms straight above you to the ceiling, pressing your foot into your leg to keep your balance. Breathe for a few breaths, then slowly lower your leg down to the floor, switch your weight to that leg, and repeat on the other side.

Simply adding some of these poses into your daily routine or starting a yoga practice will help you with the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.