Sudden joint pains in winter? Tips to Protect and Preserve Your Joints with Ayurveda

Sleshaka Kapha (synovial fluid) resides between bone joints and helps in smooth movement of limbs. Winter is characteristically similar to Vata dosha (dry & cold) and has a harmful effect on joints. Over time, this can lead to long term damage or even cause diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis or Ankylosing Spondylosis in the joints.

Here are some tips to preserve your joints and keep them healthy.

1. Kapha foods for joints Kapha is responsible for maintaining tissues, body fluids, lubrication, flexibility and firmness in the body. All of these are important for proper functioning of the joints and hence it is important to include more Kapha balancing foods especially in winter. Okra (bhindi), sprouts, pumpkin seeds, spinach and black beans help in restoring sleshaka kapha in the body and facilitates painless joint movement.

2. Warm Ayurvedic Potali Massages Warm poultice massages are helpful in promoting muscle and joint relaxation. Poultices, known as potalis in Ayurveda can be prepared at home and used for frozen shoulders, spondylitis pain, arthritis and all kinds of muscular pains. In a clean muslin or cotton cloth, pack 1 cup rice powder, 3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon cardamom powder, 1 teaspoon of clove powder and 1 teaspoon rock salt. Tie it into a pouch. Take a cup of sesame oil and mildly heat in a pan. Dip the pouch in warm oil. Check the warmth of the potali and apply gentle on the joints. This will relax the muscles around the joint, promote blood circulation and provide amazing pain relief.

3. Yoga for pain-relief, flexibility and strength Marjariasana (cat pose), Balasana (Child pose) and Gomukhasana (Cow face pose) are well known to keep the joints flexible and prevents them from going dry. However, these asanas should not be done when you are experiencing pain. Doing these yoga asanas regularly gives your joints flexibility and fluidity and also strengthens joint muscles for added strength.