Is Yoga Good For Arthritis and/or Depression?

Yoga continues to reveal positive results in many disorders. Dr.Dean Ornish uses Yoga in his ‘Reversing Heart Disease’ program which has gained national and worldwide attention. More studies are showing the benefits for arthritis and depression; new research published in the journal Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, finds that “an 8-week regimen of intensive yoga eases both the physical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and the psychological distress that usually accompanies the condition.” After the intervention, improvements in markers of neuro-plasticity, inflammation, cellular health, and cellular aging – such as oxidative stress – showed that yoga had a positive effect on those who practiced it. Dr. Dada, the lead researcher, reported “Yoga, a mind-body intervention re-established immunological tolerance by aiding remission at molecular and cellular levels along with significant reduction in depression.” Here we have evidence that Yoga has positive improvement at the cellular level as well as our emotional states.

Arthritis is a major health problem in the United States and world-wide. The CDC reports that 23% of all adults (over 54 million) have this disorder and is commonly occurring with other chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Depression and arthritis often occur together. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis while rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and lupus are other types.

Both Arthritis and Depression are serious disorders in their own right however they frequently occur together which only increases the burden.

Depression is presently so serious that it is considered one of the most common mental health disorders in the world; in fact depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. ‘According to the Harvard Mental Health Letter, recent studies suggest that yoga can 1. reduce the impact of stress, 2. help with anxiety and depression, be self-soothing, and improve energy.’ Counseling and anti-depressants are the primary treatments with most psychiatrists prescribing anti-depressants, leaving counseling to others. The medications can have side effects and some have a type of withdrawal effect. Basically, depression is a disorder that is difficult to treat and has a history of repeated episodes.

The recent article in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, reveals that yoga can ease both disorders by reducing the physical symptoms of arthritis, while reducing the psychological distress (depression) that typically accompanies this condition. With this in mind, we now have enough information that it can be helpful for these serious conditions; perhaps it’s time we look at Yoga as a new intervention for either arthritis and/or depression. Vegan Doc 2/14/19

Is Yoga Good For Arthritis and/or Depression?

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