| Gentle forms of Hatha Yoga can help anyone who | | | | seconds, to two minutes, usually do not teach jumping |
| suffers from arthritis. Depending on the type, stage, | | | | movements, which have impact on the joints. |
| and where arthritis is located in the body, a Yoga | | | | Nevertheless, it would be wise to consult with your |
| session will have to be modified to match the needs of | | | | family doctor or a physical therapist prior to taking a |
| the student. This can make the search for the right | | | | Yoga class. Make sure you inquire about how much |
| Yoga class, and a compassionate teacher difficult, at | | | | warm-up time is recommended. |
| best. | | | | In this way, you will be advised about which |
| In some advanced stages, the amount of movement | | | | movements will be beneficial and which movements |
| must be reduced, while you hold postures; and areas | | | | should be avoided. If possible, get a referral to visit a |
| of the body, where there is chronic pain, may have to | | | | competent Yoga teacher from your family doctor or |
| be worked gently. At the same time, someone who | | | | physical therapist. |
| has the beginning stages of arthritis, may feel relief | | | | If you are a Yoga teacher, and you teach a |
| from classes with flowing movements. | | | | therapeutic style, you should make an effort to |
| Some flowing styles are quite gentle, while many of | | | | network with local health professionals and make them |
| them are physically demanding. One way to sort them | | | | aware of the services you provide. The difference |
| out is to research the particular styles you are | | | | between a Yoga school that is vibrant with activity, |
| interested in. If you are in search of a style for healing | | | | and one that is empty, is educating the community |
| purposes, there is no need to push the body with | | | | through public outreach. |
| powerful, flowing movements. | | | | One method for "testing the potential for student |
| Some of the more dynamic movements may have to | | | | demand," is to have an open house and invite local |
| be avoided for the sake of preventative health. One | | | | health professionals as guests or as guest speakers. |
| good example of taking precautions with movement is | | | | Do not forget to reach out to chiropractors and |
| - if you have discovered arthritis in your lower back. In | | | | massage therapists. Even if attendance is light, an |
| this case, movements, such as the "jump back" from | | | | open house may create a professional network. Your |
| forward bend, to plank, may cause excess shock in | | | | efforts will enhance community awareness about the |
| the lumbar spine. | | | | programs you have to offer. |
| Yoga sessions, where students hold postures for 20 | | | | |