Strengthen Your Bones With Ayurveda

by Julie Wardwell April 26, 2023

Our bones have many functions, they support our structure and help us move, protect our organs, store and release minerals and fat, and they produce red and white blood cells. Like all our tissues, bone continually rejuvenates itself and if any of the nutrients needed for bone rejuvenation are lacking, they will begin to lose density which can lead to osteoporosis.

Unfortunately, you may not know if your bones are losing density until a fractured bone occurs from the weakened bone tissue.

Some of the common causes for bone loss are poor digestion, accumulation of ama or toxins, chronic inflammation, insufficient exercise, excess stress, eating processed foods, nutritional deficiencies, exposure to chemicals, drinking excess caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. Other risk factors include family history, a thin frame, hormonal imbalance, and the use of certain medications.

Asthi Dhatu Kshaya

In Ayurveda, the loss of bone tissue is called Asthi Dhatu Kshaya which is caused by excess vata and poor digestion. When imbalanced vata leads to a deficiency of nutrients in the bone, the tissue does not have the building blocks needed to build strength and flexibility. Poor digestion or agni leads to inflammation which further depletes bone tissue.  

Fortunately, Ayurveda offers many options to help strengthen bone, prevent bone loss and support rejuvenation of new bone. This is accomplished by first identifying and eliminating the root cause for bone loss, focusing on a vata-pacifying diet and lifestyle, along with methods for improving digestion and assimilation. 

Choose Fresh Whole Foods

Choosing plant-based foods that are organically grown and minimally processed will give you a lot of the nutrients needed for rebuilding healthy bone tissue. 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 sesame oil.

Healthy Gut and Strong Digestion

A healthy gut and strong digestion are essential to adequately absorb and assimilate the nutrients needed. Weak digestion is one of the main reasons for producing ama or toxin. Digestion can be strengthened by eating only when truly hungry, thoroughly chewing food, drinking very little liquid 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 issues like 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 help relieve stress.  

Exercise will not only reduce stress but is essential for building and maintaining bones. Find the exercise that you enjoy so you are more likely to include it in your daily life. Walking in the morning and yoga in the afternoon is an excellent way to reduce stress. Weight bearing exercise such as walking uphill challenges the bones to grow stronger. Aim for at least thirty minutes of exercise a day.

Oil Massage (abhyanga) has many benefits, most of all it helps balance vata dosha, reduces stress and nourishes your skin, muscles, joints and bones. It is important to give yourself an oil massage on a daily basis or as often as possible. There are many excellent herbal oils that specifically help balance vata and nourish your bones.

Kottakkal Supplements for Supporting Bone health

• Gandha Oil SoftGel Capsule
• Gandha Oil 10ml
• Dhanwantaram Oil
• Kshirabala Oil
• Shankha Bhasmam Capsules

When low bone density becomes chronic and is accompanied with weakness and pain, your best option is to enlist the expertise of an Ayurvedic practitioner. An in-depth Ayurvedic health consultation can offer a fresh look at your condition and help you with the best Ayurvedic protocol.

If you have any questions about how to use Kottakkal products, you may schedule a free 15-minute consultation here.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and information are not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the advice of a trained Ayurvedic professional, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop. We will provide you with information to consult with Ayurvedic professionals. Always check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.

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