The study that has been published in Nature Scientific Reports shows that Yoga lowers inflammation
Yoga can significantly improve the condition of patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis and it goes beyond mere pain relief, a study by AIIMS New Delhi has found.
RA is a an autoimmune diseases associated with chronic joint pain. A collaborative study by Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Anatomy Dept, and Dept of Rheumatology AIIMS, ND, supported by the department of science and technology explored the effects of yoga at a cellular and molecular level in RA patients and how yoga may benefit RA patients beyond just pain relief. The findings have been published in Nature Scientific Reports.
The present study was led by Dr Rima Dada. It documented reduced pain perception, improved joint mobility, decreased disability, and enhanced overall quality of life for patients performing yoga. These benefits were attributed to yoga’s ability to establish immunological tolerance and molecular remission. The chronicity and the severity of RA symptoms have made it one of the most debilitating diseases to live with and studies over the years have explored various means including diet to keep it under control.
“It has been discovered that yoga lowers inflammation by controlling cellular damage and oxidative stress (OS). It balances pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, raises endorphin levels, and reduces cortisol and CRP levels and maintains melatonin rhythms. This facilitates the disruption of the inflammatory and hyperactive immune system cycle.
At a molecular level, by boosting the activity of the telomerase enzyme and genes involved in DNA repair and cell cycle regulation, it slows down the aging process of cells. Additionally, yoga improves mitochondrial function, which guards against telomere attrition and DNA damage by enhancing energy metabolism and lowering oxidative stress,” the department of science and technology said in a statement.
The department added that this piece of research provides evidence for the potential of yoga as a complementary therapy for RA patients. Yoga may not only manage symptoms like pain and stiffness but could also contribute to disease control and improved quality of life. Unlike drugs, yoga has no side effects and offers a cost-effective, natural alternative for managing severe autoimmune conditions.
