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Yoga can bring relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients

Yoga can significantly improve the health of Rheumatoid Arthritis patients, according to a new study from AIIMS in New Delhi.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. It causes joint damage and pain and can affect other organ systems as well like the lungs, heart and brain. Traditionally, yoga has been known for its physical and mental well-being benefits.

Read in Hindi: गठिया के रोगियों को राहत पहुंचा सकता है योग

A collaborative study by the Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Anatomy Dept, and Dept of Rheumatology AIIMS, ND, supported by DST, explored the effects of yoga at a cellular and molecular level in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients and how yoga may benefit patients beyond just pain relief.

It has been discovered that yoga lowers inflammation by controlling cellular damage and oxidative stress. It balances pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, raises endorphin levels, 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, boosting the activity of the telomerase enzyme and genes involved in DNA repair and cell cycle regulation slows down the ageing process of cells. Additionally, yoga improves mitochondrial function, which guards against telomere attrition and DNA damage by enhancing energy metabolism and lowering oxidative stress.

A study by Dr Rima Dada and her team at the Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Anatomy Dept, AIIMS, supported by DST, 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 study published in Scientific Reports shows that yoga may help manage stress, a known trigger for Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms. By lowering stress hormones like cortisol, yoga may indirectly reduce inflammation, may improve mitochondrial function, which can impact energy production and cellular health and reduce the severity of comorbid depression by increased levels of