New Delhi – According to a recent study conducted by AIIMS Delhi, yoga demonstrates substantial improvements in the health of individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
RA, a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by joint inflammation and associated pain, can lead to joint damage and affect multiple organ systems including the lungs, heart, and brain. Traditionally recognized for its holistic benefits to physical and mental well-being, yoga has been increasingly explored as a complementary therapy for RA patients.
The collaborative research, conducted by the Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Anatomy Department, and the Department of Rheumatology at AIIMS, focused on examining yoga’s effects at cellular and molecular levels among RA patients. Beyond mere pain relief, the study investigated how yoga could potentially benefit RA patients by addressing underlying physiological mechanisms.
The study findings indicate that yoga effectively reduces inflammation by regulating cellular damage and oxidative stress, as reported by the Ministry of Ayush. It also balances the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, increases endorphin production, and reduces cortisol and CRP levels while maintaining melatonin rhythms. These mechanisms disrupt the inflammatory cycle and modulate the hyperactive immune response.
On a molecular level, yoga was found to enhance the activity of the telomerase enzyme and genes involved in DNA repair and cell cycle regulation, effectively slowing down cellular aging processes. Furthermore, improvements in mitochondrial function through yoga contribute to safeguarding against DNA damage and telomere attrition by enhancing energy metabolism and reducing oxidative stress, as highlighted in the ministry’s statement.
Dr. Rima Dada and her team at the Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Anatomy Department, AIIMS, supported by the DST, documented significant outcomes among patients practicing yoga. These included reduced pain perception, improved joint mobility, decreased disability, and an overall enhancement in quality of life.
According to the Ministry of Ayush, these benefits are attributed to yoga’s potential to establish immunological tolerance and induce molecular remission, thereby offering a promising approach in managing RA symptoms. The study further suggests that yoga may aid in stress management, a known trigger for RA exacerbation.
The study underscores the growing recognition of yoga as a beneficial adjunct therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, providing patients with not only physical relief but also potential long-term health benefits.
Related topics:
