10 tips to relieve joint pains

For long-term relief from joint pain, it is necessary to get personalised medications, however at an initial stage there are simple things that can be done at home to get relief from the stiffness and inflammation. Here are top 10 natural tips for joint pain relief.

1. Naturally produced endorphins

Simple workouts and exercises stimulate the release of endorphin hormone, which is essential in providing pain relief in the muscles and joints. Simple things that you can do at home such as walking, swimming, a gentle cycling have been known to provide a lot of relief in arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other similar joint  disorders.

2. Fight stress

Stress releases cortisol hormone, which increases the sensitivity towards stress and pain. Anger, anxiety, depression are also associated with heightened release of cortisol hormone. You can counter stress consciously by practising mental relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation. 

3. Vata-pacifying Diets

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is very important. But in the case of joint pain, when Vata Dosha is naturally aggravated, it becomes vital that you choose a Vata-pacifying meal every time of the day.  Eat oily, unctuous, sweet, easy to digest foods over deeply fried or heavily spiced foods.

4. Sleep Well

Waking up several times during the night has been associated with increased pain response and experiencing prolonged discomfort in the symptoms of osteoarthritis.  Do not depend on alcohol to fall asleep, because in the long term this reduces your body’s ability to achieve a deep state of sleep which is necessary to make new cells and tissues. Instead you can try taking a cup of Ayurvedic tea, automatic milk before going to bed.

5. Warmth Therapy

Applying heat on the affected area helps in promoting flow of blood which carries nutrients and helps in reducing pain. To do this at home, take a plain cotton cloth, and pack it with rice flour. Now heat it mildly over a frying pan and apply it on your joints. Make sure to check the heat before placing it on your skin. 

6. Circulation-promoting massages

Another very effective joint pain remedy is to promote the flow of blood with the help of circulation promoting massages. It is very simple, just take a little sesame oil and warm it gently. Now cup a hand and take half a teaspoon of the oil in it. Mix it well between your palms. Now with a gentle hand massage to affected area making sure not to press too hard on the joints.  This will promote better circulation, which will give you a lot of relief from the pain.

7. Keep your mind engaged

It is often seen that an idle mind focuses more on the problems of life. If you do not keep your mind engaged, chances are high that you will start experiencing not just the pain in your joints, but also other negative things that are happening around you in general. Therefore, engage your mind with a good book, or while listening to soothing music.

8. Ensure clear bowels

Half of the problems in life starts with unclear bowels! Acidity, constipation, headaches, pains, stress and anxiety – all of these can be easily avoided by ensuring that your bowel movements are clear and regular. To achieve that, pick a fibre rich diet, especially for dinner. Isabgol (psyllium husk) is a natural laxative that you can buy at any chemist’s store and consume to keep your bowels clear. 

9. Keep moving

One wrong thing that people immediately start doing when they experience joint pain in their life, is that they stop moving! We are not asking you to engage in physical straining activities, but it is important to stay active. Walk a little, take the stairs whenever you can, and do simple things at home that keeps you active.

10. Don’t ignore the doctor!

There is only so much that these joint pain remedies can do for you. Do not shy away from speaking to a doctor about your problems. Sometimes, only personalised treatments can help you get relief from the pain and discomfort. Therefore, if you feel that you must consult a doctor, do not delay, speak to one immediately.