Yoga is a Philosophy, Not Just an Exercise: Demystifying Yoga for Arthritis with Dr. Steffany Moonaz

<p>Yoga therapist and researcher Dr. Steffany Moonaz and host Cheryl Crow discuss the many benefits of yoga for people with inflammatory arthritis. They also bust common myths and misconceptions about yoga, including that it’s just an exercise or series of physical poses. </p><p>Dr. Moonaz shares her best tips for patients newly diagnosed with arthritis and explains how the philosophy of yoga can help people with arthritis fully embrace the present moment and improve overall wellbeing. Dr. Moonaz is the founder of <a href="https://arthritis.yoga/" target="_blank">Yoga for Arthritis</a>, which aims to bring evidence-informed and heart-centered yoga practices to people living with arthritis and chronic pain worldwide. </p><h2>Episode at a glance:</h2><ul><li><strong>Yoga meaning and philosophy:</strong> The union of mind and body through movement, breath, and mindfulness - not just poses and exercise!</li><li><strong>What makes Yoga Therapists different than Yoga Teachers: </strong>Yoga therapists have further training in understanding of health conditions to help patients manage chronic illness or imbalances through yoga.</li><li><strong>The power of movement for mental health: </strong>After experiencing improvements in her own mental health through dance and exercise, Dr. Moonaz realized her purpose of reducing suffering for people through mindful movement. She focuses on arthritis due in part to it being a leading cause of disability.</li><li><strong>Research on Yoga for Arthritis:</strong> It is considered integrative medicine with improvements for overall quality of life. This is due to relief of pain and stiffness, increase in physical function through balance, strength, and flexibility, and mindfulness for stress reduction</li><li><strong>Beginner Tips:</strong> Ask your rheumatologist if there are positions you should avoid, search for a Yoga Therapist who has experience with accessible / adaptive yoga through the International Association of Yoga Therapists, private lessons can be beneficial for added saf