Strengthen Your Bones the Natural Way

Our amazing bones protect our organs, support our body, store essential minerals, produce red and white blood cells and remove heavy metal toxins.  Like all of our tissues, bone continually turns over and rejuvenates itself.  If any of the nutrients needed for bone turnover is lacking, they will begin to lose density, often leading to osteoporosis.  Unfortunately most people will not know they have poor bone density until they suffer a fracture from weakened bone tissue, which may result in chronic pain.
Fortunately, you can create strong bones naturally with the wisdom of Ayurveda.

Common causes of bone loss are poor digestion, accumulation of toxins (ama), chronic inflammation, insufficient exercise, excess stress, eating processed foods, nutritional deficiencies, exposure to chemicals, drinking caffeine, drinking alcohol and smoking.  Other risk factors include family history, a thin frame, hormonal imbalance and the use of certain medications.
 
In Ayurveda, the loss of bone tissue is called Asthi Dhatu Kshaya caused by excess vata and poor digestion.  Excess vata may lead to a deficiency of nutrients in the bone, so the tissue does not have the building blocks needed to build strength and flexibility.  Poor digestion (agni) leads to inflammation which further depletes the bone and the creation and accumulation of toxins.  Fortunately, Ayurveda offers many options for strengthening bone, preventing bone loss and supporting the building of  new bone.  This is accomplished by first identifying and eliminating the causes and by focusing on a vata pacifying routine along with methods to improve digestion.  
 
How to Boost your Bone Health
 
Diet - Choose Natural Foods
Choosing mostly plant based, organically grown, minimally processed foods will give you the nutrients needed for rebuilding healthy tissues. Favor a grounding and warming vata pacifying diet.  Cooking with spices like ginger, cumin and cinnamon, and herbs such as basil, rosemary and oregano also add needed nutrients.  Avoid strong flavors, and eat fewer bitter, pungent and astringent foods. Include good fats, especially ghee and good olive oil.
 
Healthy Gut and Strong Digestion
A healthy gut and a strong digestion (agni) are essential to adequately absorb and assimilate the nutrients needed while not adding to toxic load (ama).  Digestion can be strengthened by eating only when hungry, thoroughly chewing food, drinking very little liquids during meals, being mindful while eating and not eating when upset.  Adding a little bit of fermented foods daily will also support a healthy gut.
 
Lifestyle Tips
Your body can either be in a state of stress or in a state of healing.  Chronic stress uses more resources than the body can supply leading to situations such as bone loss.  Managing stress is one of the most important ways to strengthen bones.  Making meditation and mindfulness a part of your daily life is crucial to your health. 10-20 minutes of meditation twice a day is a good place to start.
Exercise will not only reduce stress, but is essential for building and maintaining bone.  Find types that you enjoy so you are more likely to include it into your daily life.  Perhaps a walk in the morning and yoga in the afternoon may work for you. Weight bearing exercise is important (such as walking uphill) to challenge the bones to grow stronger. Aim for at least thirty minutes of exercise a day.
 
Oil Massage
Oil Massage (abhyanga) has many benefits, most of all for soothing vata, reducing stress and nourishing your entire system.  It is best to give yourself an oil massage at least once a week but daily is even better for you.  Ayurveda offers many excellent medicinal oils to use to specifically help reduce vata and nourish your bones such as:
 
Dhanwantharam Thailam
 
Kshirabala Thailam
 
Other helpful Ayurvedic Products to Help with Ashti Dhatu:
 
Dhanwantaram 101 Capsules
 
Gandha Oil Soft Gel Capsule
 
Triphaladi Churnam
 
Yogaraja Guggulu Vatika
 
Of course, knowing your particular health circumstances will determine what is best for you.  We need to first address what are the root causes for your condition and then change diet and lifestyle to create a healthier, more comfortable and healthy life.
Set up a consultation with me to determine what is best for your particular situation.
 
 Until then, be well and smile often.

It is always recommended that clients work with their physicians for routine medical care and treatment of illness.  Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils, especially when pregnant or nursing.