The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi conducted a study. It reported significant health improvements in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients through yoga. RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. It causes joint damage and pain and can affect other organs as well like the lungs, heart and brain. Yoga has been known for its physical and mental well-being benefits.
A study by the Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics and the Anatomy Department was conducted. The Department of Rheumatology at AIIMS also participated. They analysed the effects of yoga at cellular and molecular levels in RA patients. It examined how yoga may benefit RA patients beyond just pain relief.
AIIMS professor Dr Rima Dada conducted the study. She worked with her team at the Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics in the Anatomy Department at AIIMS. The DST supported their research.
The researchers found that yoga helps to lower inflammation by controlling cellular damage and oxidative stress (OS) in the body. Yoga helps to balance pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, raises endorphin levels, reduces cortisol and CRP levels and maintains melatonin rhythms. Yoga also facilitates the disruption of the inflammatory and hyperactive immune system cycle.
At the molecular level, yoga boosts the activity of the telomerase enzyme. It also enhances genes involved in DNA repair and cell cycle regulation. This process slows down the ageing of cells.
Yoga helps to improve mitochondrial function. This guards against telomere attrition and DNA damage. It enhances energy metabolism and lowers oxidative stress, said Ayush ministry in a statement.
The researchers documented reduced pain perception and improved joint mobility. They also noted 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 showed that yoga can help manage stress which is known to be a trigger for RA symptoms. Yoga lowers stress hormones like cortisol. This reduction can indirectly reduce inflammation and improve mitochondrial function. These improvements can impact energy production and cellular health. They can also reduce the severity of co-morbid depression.
Yoga also helps to promote neuroplasticity and thus helps in better coping strategies and reduces the severity of co-morbid depression. This research provides evidence for the potential of yoga as a complementary therapy for RA patients.