Do Yoga for Pain Relief

Photo: © Shutterstock

Doing a few sun salutations may help ease pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the joints and tissues become swollen and stiff, say researchers at Ohio State University. They found that people who practiced yoga two or three times a week had lower levels of an inflammation marker (interleukin-6) that's associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, including cardiovascular disease and psoriasis. To get started:

• Download one of the free 20-minute-class podcasts at YogaDownload.com.

• Try a DVD, such as YogaWorks for Everybody: Beginners AM/PM ($14.98;Amazon.com).

• Sign up for a free membership atYogaToday.com and test out a complimentary video class each week.

• Find a certified yoga studio near you at YogaAlliance.org.

Read More About: exercise tips, healthy aging, yoga