- A new study showed the positive impact of yoga on rheumatoid arthritis. Specifically, it helped maintain cell homeostasis.
- Gentle yoga is recommended for people with RA, but other styles could be modified with props under the guidance of a qualified yoga therapist or instructor.
- Despite the promising results, the study was small in size and short in duration. More research is needed to determine the benefits of yoga for RA symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. The condition causes joint inflammation and pain and over time, may lead to bone erosion and joint deformity.
One of the primary markers of RA is an imbalance of pro-inflammatory T helper 17 (Th17) cells and anti-inflammatory regulatory T (Treg) cells. This is referred to as Th17/Treg cell imbalance.
While there is no cure for RA, a new study published in
Results showed that 8 weeks of practicing yoga greatly lowered disease activity, stabilized inflammation-related biomarkers, and maintained Th17/Treg cell homeostasis.
“The study is compelling because it dives into the molecular mechanisms by which yoga could help alleviate the symptoms of RA,” Dr. Monisha Bhanote, integrative medicine lifestyle physician, told Medical News Today.
“This goes beyond symptomatic relief and looks into how yoga impacts the immune system, particularly the Th17/Treg cell balance, which is known to be disrupted in RA.”
Dr. Bhanote was not involved in the current study but explained that the research examined gene expression patterns and epigenetic markers. This exploration led to a better understanding of how yoga could aid in treating RA.
Thus, the study provides a scientific basis for integrating yoga as an…
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