Dear Phenjoe,
Numbness and pain as you describe can be associated with a disk condition. Have you had the numbness and pain evaluated? Are you are seeing the physical therapist for the Rheumatoid Arthritis or for another condition? What type of yoga program were you practicing?
My training has been focused on the principle that yoga is tailored to the individual. It would be best for you to work one on one with a qualified yoga therapist or instructor who can assist you to develop the awareness you need to practice yoga without inflaming the rheumatoid arthritis. You may also consider finding a gentle or therapeutic yoga class in your area. Poses need to be modified to your body’s capacity to practice without discomfort. Especially key are practicing with an acceptance of the limits of pain free range of motion, which may change from day to day, and which may prevent you from practicing the poses in the same way that others in a general yoga class are practicing. I would not recommend beginning yoga training from a video tape, especially when you have a condition which requires individualized attention.
I have worked with a student in her late 40’s who sufferred from this condition. The main practice which I recommended that she do daily was Mukunda’s Joint Freeing Series (see his book Structural Yoga Therapy)- doing the practice WITHOUT experiencing PAIN OF ANY KIND! It was difficult for her not to push into areas of pain, yet that is a key point, as pain will irritate the condition. Pain free range of motion done with a relaxation breath, awareness and acceptance will soothe.
I would recommend that you do a search of this web site looking under “arthritis” - and if you still have questions, please post again to me or to Mukunda. He may be able to recommend a Structural Yoga Therapist he has trained who is in your area of the country.
Namaste,
Chandra
