According to the American Yoga Association (AYA), Yoga may help people with arthritis deal with pain and stiffness, improve range of motion and increase strength for daily activities.

Yoga is an ancient system of mental, physical and spiritual training practiced daily by millions of people of all ages and all levels of wellness. For thousands of years people have turned to Yoga to build flexibility and strength, improve concentration, relieve stress and increase energy. Today the benefits of Yoga extend far beyond this and may be a valuable therapy for those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

According to a pilot study published in the British Journal of Rheumatology, people with RA who participated in a Yoga program over a three-month period experienced greater handgrip strength compared to those who did not practice Yoga. Experts agree that regular exercise is beneficial for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis because it keeps muscle tone intact and helps to prevent stiffness in the joints.

"Having lived with RA for most my life, I know first-hand that people with RA may benefit from [Yoga]," said Alice Christensen, Founder of the American Yoga Association. "In my experience, Yoga has helped to improve my joint flexibility -- especially on mornings when my joints are very stiff."

With the proper practitioner, Yoga can be done by just about anyone and can be helpful for the symptoms of most kinds of arthritis and related diseases. It yields many of the benefits of meditation and deep relaxation, reducing stress and promoting a well-being that can ease chronic pain and depression that often accompany chronic illness.

"People with RA may benefit from low-impact exercises like Yoga to help improve overall health and fitness without further damaging or hurting the joints," said Cheryl Lambing, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California Los Angeles. "Physical activity may optimize both physical and mental health and play a vital role in disease management. It is important for people with RA to speak to their physician before embarking on any exercise program."

There are several branches of Yoga practice, including a devotional form called Bhakti Yoga and the meditation of Raja Yoga. Hatha Yoga, a system of gentle stretches and balancing exercises that balance energy and provide low-impact, full-body conditioning is the most common form of Yoga for Westerners.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends a comprehensive treatment program for osteoarthritis and RA that includes consultation with a rheumatologist, appropriate use of medications, education about osteoarthritis and RA, appropriate amounts of rest and exercise, and learning how to self-manage the disease. It is best to consult with your physician before starting any form of treatment.