Case History 34
Arthritis
A joint is the area where two bones meet. Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. There is breakdown of cartilage which normally protects a joint and absorbs shock. Without the normal amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, inflammation and stiffness.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to reduce inflammation in the joints, relieve pain and reduce disability. Early treatment and support can reduce joint damage and limit the impact of arthritis. Lifestyle changes, drug and non-drug treatments and surgery can all help reduce the negative effects of arthritis.
Discussion
Patient was aged 32 when she came for meditation in 1995. She had been suffering recurrent pains in all limbs since young. She had tried several types of therapy, in vain. She believed she would just have to accept her fate and live with her pains.
“People worldwide have understood the benefits of hatha yoga and are keen to practice it. Since childhood I had always been suffering from pains in the limbs. I had to carry pain balm with me wherever I went. When the pain became unbearable, I would rub some. It was always a source of worry to me. I thought I would never be able to get rid of it.”*
She got the chance to attend hatha yoga course some time later. Slowly the frequency of pains decreased. By the time she completed the six months course she was altogether pain free. She has continued with yoga and meditation and has not suffered from any further problems since. In the normal course of events her already chronic condition would have become unbearable.
“It was a great privilege to us when Yoginiji taught us hatha yoga. When I started doing yoga I felt much relief. Now my pains have disappeared. *
(*Excerpts from article Anamika, Magazine 4, 2011 P 57-59)
Effects of Yoga and Meditation
She was already having a reserve of prana from her meditation. The regular practice of yoga postures directed the prana to the diseased parts. It gradually healed all the joint inflammation.
If she continues with yoga and meditation she will continue to be pain free as the continuous supply of prana will uphold the beneficial effects of meditation and yoga.