Rheumatoid Arthritis is a serious medical condition that affects "between 1 and 2% of the world's population." (Lee 21) Several theories on how to best treat the disease have been bantered about for years. Many, unsatisfied with the results of conventional treatment, [i.e. medication, surgery, joint protection] (Lee 127) have turned to a more holistic and proactive approach to treat their aliment -- yoga.

Rheumatoid Arthritis manifests itself as an "abnormality in the body's immune system that causes inflammation of the joints." (Horstman 240) Most often the "hands, wrists, feet, knees, ankles, shoulders, neck, jaw and elbows are affected." (Horstman 240)

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a difficult disease to manage because the symptoms wax and wane." (Lee 143) This is an extremely painful condition that can lead to permanent joint damage, severely restricting ones movement over time. (Payne 108)

Given the nature of the condition, a person suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis...
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