Cracking joints – an ayurvedic perspective

The sound of cracking joints, perhaps when rotating wrists or ankles is a clear signal that something is not quite right. It is the audible expression of vata dosha, the air aspect of our constitution. The popping sound accompanies the release of gas in the joints.

Usually, this comes about as a result of overexertion, a period of increased activity or movement creates an excess of vata in our system. This effect may be more strongly felt during autumn which is the season of vata: it is a time of change characterised by wind and falling leaves, a drying out as the life force of the natural world is withdrawn as we move towards winter.

If unattended to, vata will accumulate in the tissues of the body and overtime may manifest in degenerative conditions such as arthritis.

To restore balance firstly it is a matter of slowing down and resting. This brings a halt the generation of vata and allows us to harmonise with the seasonal cycle. Joint health is restored through lubrication. Warming, nourishing, heavy oil counters the qualities of vata (light, dry, mobile, rough, erratic). If possible take a professional massage treatment on a weekly or fortnightly basis throughout the colder months. As part of your evening routine, apply lightly warmed sesame oil to the body in light strokes in the direction of the heart. Pay special attention to hands and feet, ankles and wrists.

You may like to use mahanarayan ayurvedic oil, an ancient traditional formula prepared with medicinal herbs that restore and maintain the health of your joints, available widely on the internet, I have found a good brand reasonably priced here.

Wishing you good joint health!

October arrives!

October brings the first frosts, vivid autumnal foliage, the clocks are adjusted hastening darkened evenings and celebration: Hallowe’en, Samhain, Diwali. We bring fire into our lives through lighting and heating our homes, warming food and burning candles.

I enjoy the subtle changes that can be noticed on a daily basis at this time of year: a few final warm, sunny afternoons, the turning of a leaf, horse chestnuts, acorns and beechnuts strewn in abundance in country lanes. The enchanting morning mists, the sharp chill in the air and glorious melting sunsets.

In terms of our yoga, we can respect Nature’s rhythm by slowing our practice and taking a longer savasana so as to harmonise with the resting phase of the annual cycle. We can add heat to counteract the chilly, damp mornings with heating pranayama and meditation on the sun, fire or our own solar centre.

Ayurveda would further suggest the use of warming colours for our clothes and in our homes and taking brisk exercise outdoors at midday whilst the sun is at maximum strength. We might consider supplements to increase the digestive fire such as black pepper and ginger powder, or ashwaghanda to maintain a strong immune system.

I have started using the sauna once or twice weekly to detoxify and add heat and am favouring gently warmed soup over juices. My essential oils have become less floral and more woody and spicy: using rosemary and black pepper in footbaths and for massage.

Enjoy October!