How to Improve Joint Health With Ayurveda

Joint health is essential for optimal mobility. Unfortunately, as we age, our joints also age, causing pain that can range from a minor nuisance to seriously debilitating. Taking a proactive approach is the best way to prevent joint pain; however, if you're already experiencing pain in your joints, following Ayurvedic principles may help you to feel better.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Stimulate your digestion to get your body's circulation moving and get toxins out. Eat fresh vegetables, warm soups and whole grains to get your digestive system performing optimally. Start your day with warm fruits such as apples and figs.
2. Warm a combination of ginger juice and castor oil. Drink this before starting your day. Also, drink stimulating warm teas made from herbs and spices, such as cumin, fennel and mint, throughout your day.
3. Massage your joints with warm oil consisting of a combination of garlic and sesame oil. Move the flat part of your fingertips over your joints in small circles.
4. Lubricate your joints with yoga poses. Also, take short walks to prevent your joints from stiffening.
5. Reduce your weight to minimize the strain placed on your joints.
6. Take a warm bath daily and move your joints while under the water. Add chamomile oil and sesame oil to your bath to minimize symptoms.
7. Reduce stress in your life. Stress can exacerbate symptoms associated with arthritis and other joint ailments.

Tips & Warnings

• Enhance joint health by increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating certain types of fish, walnuts and ground flaxseed.
• Limit animal foods such as milk and dairy products.