5 Tips to Relieve Arthritis Pain

By Dr. Leena Athparia, ND

Chronic pain doesn’t just hurt – it can be debilitating, frustrating, and can impact daily activities such as walking, cooking, dressing, bathing etc. It can further lead to other concerns such as insomnia, fatigue, depression and anxiety.

Pain is your body’s signal indicating to you that there is an issue. The problem is that when the issue is not addressed, pain becomes chronic. Conventional medication aims to reduce inflammation and reduce pain with painkillers, however these medications can have side effects and don’t address the root cause of the pain.

If you are dealing with arthritis – no matter what stage it is – it is important to address it to help prevent progression of the disease and to relieve your pain. Even if you have chronic ailments that you have been struggling with for a while, naturopathic medicine can provide lasting relief.

Tips for reducing pain associated with arthritis:

1. Nurture Yourself 

Chronic disease can feel like an uphill battle. Rather than fighting arthritis, try focussing your attention to nurturing yourself. Self-love and self-care promotes healing in the body, mind and spirit. Taking the time to do activities that you enjoy, pampering yourself with treatments and eating a diet which replenishes your body are all ways of rejuvenating yourself. 

• Avoid: putting your priorities aside. If you are suffering with pain, you deserve the necessary care to feel better.
• Include: a diet that is suited to your constitution and condition. Bone broth soups can easily be made at home and provide minerals and nutrients to nourish your joints. Supplements and herbs recommended by your naturopathic doctor can speed up healing and leave you feeling rejuvenated. For example, Boswelia is a herb that is very effective in reducing pain. 

2. Gentle Movement

It may be difficult to move if there is significant pain, but gentle exercises can help you decrease pain, increase range of motion and flexibility, strengthen muscles, improve circulation and help you feel uplifted. It is important to discuss with your naturopathic doctor to choose the right kind of exercise for you.

• Avoid: pushing yourself to exercise. High-impact aerobics and repetitive movements can strain the joints. Listen to your body and don't push beyond what is comfortable.
• Include: gentle exercises that improve flexibility and blood flow to the muscle and joints. Restorative yoga, tai chi, walking and water exercises are examples of low-impact exercise that you can include into your day.

3. Hot & Cold Therapies

Ayurveda & Traditional Chinese Medicine are systems of medicine which evaluate the presence of hot (yang) or cold (yin), in the body. The eastern systems of medicine examine the causes and manifestations of joint issues and treat accordingly with the opposite quality. If your joints are warm and inflamed, cold treatments are recommended. If your joints are painful and stiff due to cold weather, warm treatments are recommended.

• Avoid: cold weather or cold treatments on arthritis that is worse with cold. Avoid excessive heat on arthritis that is worse with warm weather or is inflamed. Speak to your naturopathic doctor who can guide you on what kind of arthritis you have and what is the best way to manage it.
• Include: warm baths for arthritis that is worse with cold weather. If you have difficulty getting into the tub, you can try foot or hand baths, or apply heat packs to affected areas. For arthritis where the joints are inflamed, you may find relief with cool washcloths or topical ointments with cooling ingredients such as menthol.

4. Massage with Oils

Applying oil to your joints topically can be very effective in lubricating the joints and soothing pain. For example, castor oil can reduce the inflammation in arthritic joints and relieve pain. Warm castor oil can be massaged gently into the affected joints before bed, and wrapped with a cloth and a heating pad for the castor oil to penetrate deeper. Another example is Mahanarayan oil which is a popular Ayurvedic oil that is effective in reducing pain. 

• Avoid: straining yourself by trying to do self-massage. Avoid positions that could put you at risk of falling. If you have difficulty doing self-massage, ask someone to help you or book a massage with a professional for pain relief (such as abhyanga massage). 
• Include: oil suited to your constitution and type of arthritis. Ensure that the oil is not rancid and is a good quality oil (organic is best). The following essential oils can also be added to a base oil (such as castor, olive, sesame oil) for pain relief: boswelia, camphor, ginger, peppermint, myrrh. Speak to your naturopathic doctor for more personalized guidance.

5. Positive Attitude

The mind-body connection cannot be overrated. Mood can play a significant role in managing chronic disease, and it’s common for individuals with arthritis to feel frustrated and discouraged by the pain and inability to do daily activities. Depression and anxiety can further increase the experience of pain and decrease your ability to cope.

• Avoid: negative thoughts (“I wish I…I should have…I’m useless) and avoid focussing on what you can’t do. If you find yourself having difficulty coping with chronic pain, speak to your naturopathic doctor. There are many options to help alleviate depression, fatigue, anxiety often associated with chronic disease.
• Include: meditation and gratitude on a daily basis. Plan activities or events to look forward to: lunch with a friend, a short vacation, outings with family, book clubs, hobby groups etc. Focus on your strengths and what you can do. Individuals who have a positive attitude towards life and look forward to the day are better equipped to cope with illness. 

Managing chronic pain on your own may not be enough. If you are struggling with arthritis, you are not alone. Seek support from your family & community, as well as your naturopathic doctor who can identify the root cause of your pain and customize treatments to bring relief - even if you are already on medications. There are numerous treatments such as acupuncture, cupping, massages, diet and supplements that are very effective in reducing pain and managing chronic arthritis, but they need to be customized based on your condition, constitution and other factors. You don’t have to live with chronic pain. Take steps forward to pain-free living today!

Dr. Leena Athparia is a naturopathic doctor at Naturopathic Foundations with a focus in chronic pain management related to aging, metabolic issues and chronic disease. She is skilled in pain relief with naturopathic & Ayurvedic treatments. If you are experiencing joint pain, please call the clinic at 905-940-2727 to book an appointment with Dr. Athparia. 

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Beat Winter Lethargy with Ayurveda

By Dr. Leena Athparia, ND

Have you ever wondered why it’s hard to feel energized in the winter? Do you make excuses to avoid the gym or to avoid stepping out?

There are certain reasons why you might be feeling lethargic and slow in the winter. According to Ayurveda, an ancient system of wellness, the forces and principles found in nature also exist in humans.  For example, when it is cold outside, you feel cold more easily.  If you pay attention to your body, you will notice that you feel different during the various seasons. You might notice that health issues resurface more in one season than another, or you might notice that you feel more energetic in the spring than in the summer.

Ayurveda outlines three fundamental energies (doshas) that govern the outer environment and influence one’s physical and mental constitution: vata, pitta and kapha. In the winter season, kapha is dominant, characterized with these qualities: cool, slow, heavy, stable and soft. These qualities exist in nature but also within you, influencing your body and mind. You are more likely to feel the qualities of accumulating kapha during the winter which may manifest in different ways such as: difficulty getting up in the morning, low energy, low mood and other concerns.

 Signs of Kapha Excess :

• Lethargy: Do you have difficulty getting out of bed?
• Dullness: Do you feel like watching TV all evening?
• Lack of motivation: Do you make excuses to put off exercise?
• Cold: Do you need to wear lots of layers?
• Cravings: Do you crave sweet, salty, oily, creamy or heavy food, or bend towards emotional eating?
• Weight gain: Do you put on weight more easily in winter?
• Low mood: Do you feel more down, depressed or sad in winter?
• Respiratory or sinus issues: Do you have a tendency towards coughs, colds, sinus infections?

If kapha isn’t addressed, it can accumulate and lead to more serious health concerns. Think of it as a leaking faucet – one drop can go unnoticed, but once the bucket is full, it overflows and spreads. This same analogy happens in the body as well. When the first signs of imbalance are noticed, you need to act on it before it turns into a more serious health issue.

 Tips for Balancing Kapha :

Winter is the time when you need to play a close check on kapha. The good news is that if you take care of balancing kapha, you can prevent winter lethargy and minimize health concerns such as weight gain, low mood and lack of motivation. To restore balance, kapha management is centered around the qualities of warming, drying and lightening. Read below for more tips. 

• Eat a kapha balancing diet: To beat winter lethargy, avoid foods that are heavy, cold, damp and hard to digest (deep fried food, dairy) and include warm foods that are easier to digest (soups, broths, grilled veggies). Flavours that are spicy, bitter and astringent can help you feel lighter and more energized in winter. Some examples of spices that you can include in your cooking are: turmeric, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, black pepper, thyme, cloves and cinnamon. Speak to your naturopathic doctor to learn more about a customized diet for you in winter.

• Stay active: Schedule exercise daily - ideally early in the morning to move the stagnant quality of kapha. If you find yourself making excuses to put it off, join an exercise or yoga class that you can commit to, or make a plan with a friend to go together. Once you get moving, you will feel more flexible, energized and you will feel good about it. If you can get moving outdoors, you will have the added benefit of sunshine to boost your vitamin D levels. 

• Wear bright colours: Winter colours tend to be dark and heavy (brown, grey, black). Notice how you feel with the clothing you are wearing. Adding bright colours into your wardrobe can help you feel more energized and motivated. How do you feel in yellow, orange or red? If you're hesitant about making a bold change to your wardrobe, try adding a splash of colour such as a scarf, a tie, socks, a hat, etc. 

• Get motivated: This is a good time of the year to start a new project or hobby to help you get motivated. Find something that you are excited about. This is also a great time of the year to plan for the upcoming months and book appointments. For example, putting off your appointments with excuses such as "it's too cold" or "I'll wait until spring to detox", may be further adding to your lethargy.  If you plan your appointments now, you will feel more committed and motivated to stepping out.

• Declutter: You might be putting off your cleaning until spring, but winter is a good time to change things. You may want to change furniture around to create more space in your home. This helps cut through the dullness you may be experiencing, and remove old baggage from the past as you start the new year. 

Wellbeing, according to Ayurveda, is a delicate balance between the body, mind, spirit and the environment. If your constitution is dominant in kapha, try making some changes this winter and you will notice more energy and vitality! A kapha diet and lifestyle should be lively, full of energy and stimulation - this is the time to beat winter lethargy, start exercising, wearing bright colours, adding spices to your food and staying warm.

If you have tried the above tips and are still struggling with health issues such as low mood, weight gain, lack of motivation, it is best that you work with your naturopathic doctor to identify your imbalances and treat them. What you should eat and when you should eat, along with daily routine suggestions and therapies, can all be customized based on your unique constitution. Maintaining balance is essential to feeling healthy and enjoying the winter season!

Original article published on the Naturopathic Foundations Blog:

http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2017/01/beat-winter-lethargy-with-ayurveda.html

Dr. Leena Athparia is a naturopathic doctor with specialized training in Ayurveda and can help you identify your constitution to guide you on a customized health plan – whether you have specific health concerns or just want to promote general wellness. Please contact Naturopathic Foundations Health Clinic at 905-940-2727 to book an appointment.

5 Ayurvedic Tips for a Healthy New Year!

Whether we like it or not, the new year is a time to reassess what may not have gone smoothly last year, and what changes we can make in the coming year. According the Ayurveda, winter is the time of Kapha - when the elements of earth and water are at their peak. This often manifests as lower energy and less motivation.

Making changes towards wellness will help you move forward into to the new year with clarity and motivation. You might make resolutions and then fight yourself for not being able to stick to them. Rather than making a bunch of resolutions at once, try changing one thing for a month and focus on making it a part of your life. Below are a few tips to help inspire you to make realistic goals going forward.

You can think of Ayurveda as being a lifestyle, rather than a "diet". As you incorporate these lifestyle suggestions into your life, you can make Ayurveda a part of your life, rather than something you "should do".

1. Understand your Constitution

Before jumping to conclusions on which diet is the fad, you need to understand your constitution (your physiological and mental makeup) so you can better understand what your body needs. A diet that works for one person, may not work as well for you. According to Ayurveda, the 3 doshas not only exist in nature, but in your body. Once you understand which dosha is dominant in your system, you can get a better idea of what you need to do to bring balance - in terms of diet, herbs, exercise and more.

There are many online quizzes that can help you identify your dosha balance, however to get a more accurate assessment, it is best to see a qualified practitioner: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/prakriti-quiz/

2. Eat According to your Constitution

What is "eating healthy"? For one person it may mean avoiding junk food, for another it may mean eating a low-fat diet, or for another it may mean eating a raw food diet.

But what is healthy for you? Once you understand your constitution, it is much easier to know what kinds of foods are more suited to you. For example, Vata dosha types may not do so well on a raw food diet which is cooling in nature. Instead they feel more grounded and nourished with warming food such as soups and stews. Kapha dosha types don't do well with much fat in the diet as they gain weight easily however, Vata types tend to do better with healthy fats such as ghee or olive oil.

When you know your constitution, you can eat according to your dosha type. Banyan Botanical's has good resources on Ayurvedic diet:
Vata Pacifying Diet: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/diet/vata-pacifying-diet/
Pitta Pacifying Diet: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/diet/pitta-pacifying-diet/
Kapha Pacifying Diet: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/diet/kapha-pacifying-diet/

Instead of trying to change your diet 360 degrees, try making small, realistic changes that you can do to consciously change your eating patterns.

3. Improve your Digestion

Once you know your constitution and have more clarity about which foods support your body type, you shouldn't overlook the digestive system. You may be eating a healthy diet and taking multivitamins - but are you really digesting and absorbing it?

According to Ayurveda, the concept of agni relates to your digestive fire - your capacity to digest and process not only food, but emotions and experiences. Agni can be dampened by stress, poor eating habits and so forth. Strengthening agni can improve your digestion and help you make the most of everything you are eating. Herbs such as ginger are excellent for supporting digestion, as are lifestyle habits such as sitting while eating and eating meals at regular times. 

4. Address Health Issues as They Manifest

Don't wait for your health issues to get worse before you address it. Ayurveda and other systems of health use tools to help identify imbalances in the body before they manifest as disease. Minor issues that are persistent, such as aches & pains, weakness, irritation, restlessness can indicate deeper issues that can bubble to the surface. If you wait until the issues become diagnosed conditions, it may take more intensive treatment to treat. Practice daily self-care (dinacharya), balanced eating and work with your naturopathic doctor to maintain health.

5. Start moving !

Are you making unrealistic goals for exercise? Going to the gym and giving up in a few days? 

First, assess your daily exercise habits and see what are obstacles to being active. Once you have a realistic idea of where you are at, see where you would like to be. Break it down into steps that are realistic, create a plan and go with it.

Maybe you want to get off your bus one stop earlier and walk to work everyday. Maybe you want to join a yoga or dance class if you find it difficult to be self-disciplined, or sign up for a walking group. Staying active has many benefits: it improves your circulation, keeps you warm, and helps release endorphins which help you feel good.

Choose 1 or 2 tips that you can start with this month and integrate it into your daily routine. If you need some motivation or customized guidance, work with your naturopathic doctor or ayurvedic practitioner to help you move forward in the new year!

Dr. Leena Athparia is a naturopathic doctor with specialized training in Ayurveda and can help you identify your constitution to guide you on a customized health plan – whether you have specific health concerns or just want to promote general wellness. To book an appointment with her, please write to her here: Dr. Athparia

Start the New Year with Ayurvedic Wisdom!

With the start to a new year, it is a time for a fresh start...to shed old habits and take steps towards clarity, balance and health. 

Join us for 2 upcoming free workshops to inspire you this January! 

• Beat the winter blues and learn about the medicinal benefit of Ayurvedic spices and how you can use them in your cooking on Tuesday, Jan 17th at 6:30pm @Naturopathic Foundations (RSVP: 905-940-2727)

• Get inspired with healthy eating according to your Ayurvedic body type on Saturday, Jan 21st at 2:30pm. (RSVP: 905-294-1813) 

Oral Health - What is Oil Pulling?

Recently there has been lots of hype about the health benefits of oil pulling – a process of swishing oil in the mouth for about 10 to 20 minutes and then spitting it out to pull out toxins from the mouth. This technique, which claims to originate from Ayurveda, is a modern adaptation of some of the traditional Ayurvedic methods of daily self care known as gandusa and kavala. These therapies are not only prescribed to detoxify the oral cavity, but are also used to strengthen muscle tone in the neck, throat, jaw, and face in addition to treating systemic conditions such as arthritis and migraines. Substances such as ghee, oil, milk or herbal decoctions are gargled, swished or retained in the mouth for a specific duration at a specific time of the day.  The type of treatment, the duration and the oil used is always customized to your constitution for maximum benefit.

The technique has been around for centuries, but the term oil pulling is a modern term adapted by Western practitioners and this technique has spread in the last decade to the point where even dentists are starting to advocate the technique as part of a daily health routine.

How does Oil Pulling work?

There is no doubt that your mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria and toxins.  The oral cavity is constantly exposed to food which feed bacteria that reside on the teeth, gums and tongue.  While bacteria naturally reside in the oral cavity, when an overgrowth of non-beneficial bacteria flourish, they produce unwanted toxins. This leads to cavities, bad breath and other health concerns.While regular dental visits are important, as you know, daily self-care such as brushing and flossing are essential. Sometimes daily brushing and flossing are not enough, and further self-care is needed.

In Ayurveda, oils are used therapeutically topically and internally.  Oil has a lubricating and grounding quality and is beneficial for imbalances related to vata (air and ether element). Externally, specific oils are used for massages and therapies, and internally, they are beneficial for lubricating the digestive tract and tissues. Oil Pulling  involves retention of specific oils which help cleanse the oral cavity, fight unwanted bacteria and plaque while rejuvenating the gums.

If you have ever tried oil pulling, you will know that your cheeks and mouth muscles get tired.  The technique involves active use of muscles in the oral cavity which helps strengthen muscle tone in addition to increasing blood flow which bring nutrients to the tissues and carries away waste products.  From a TCM perspective, stimulation of the oral and facial muscles can activate acupuncture points and reduce stagnation in the area to increase flow of qi or energy.

Benefits Of Oil Pulling:

• Strengthen teeth & gums
• Maintain healthy oral pH
• Promote flora balance
• Reduce inflammation
• Prevent plaque build up
• Increase circulation to oral tissues
• Draw toxins out of mouth
• Reduce frequency of colds and infections

How Is It Done?

Oil pulling can be done on a regular basis, however the specific duration and type of oil that is best for you is determined by your naturopathic doctor based on your age, constitution, and state of health. For some individuals, it may be recommended to do daily for several weeks and for others, 1-2 times a week may be sufficient.

Here is a general example of oil pulling that you can try:

1. In the morning, after brushing your teeth and cleaning your tongue, take 1 Tbsp. of coconut oil and swish it in your mouth.
2. Continue swishing actively for about 10 to 15 minutes, involving all of your mouth muscles until you feel them getting tired. The oil will liquefying and the saliva will build up. (You can even do this as you shower.)
3. Once finished, do not swallow - discard the oil in the garbage (not down the sink so that you don't clog up the drain). Feel free to brush your teeth and clean your tongue again if there is a lot of residue. 

While the common oil used for oil pulling is coconut oil, other oils such as sesame or herbal oils with antimicrobial herbs must be individually tailored to you.  Coconut oil has excellent anti-viral and cooling properties, and can suit a person with a Pitta constitution while sesame oil may suit individuals who have a Vata constitution. Turmeric may be blended with the oil to increase anti-microbial effects.  Oil pulling can be done preventatively for individuals who are prone to colds and respiratory infections at this time of the year.

Since oil pulling is a gentle detoxification therapy, it is always best to do it under guidance of your naturopathic doctor for long-term so that the duration of treatment can be customized, along with any additional natural therapies that will support detoxification and healing of the oral cavity.

·

 Article also published at the NatPath: http://thenatpath.com/body/oral-health-what-oil-pulling/
and at Naturopathic Foundations Blog: http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2016/10/oral-health-what-is-oil-pulling.html

Dr. Leena Athparia is a naturopathic doctor with specialized training in Ayurveda and can help you identify your constitution to guide you on a customized health plan – whether you have specific health concerns or just want to promote general wellness. She practices in Markham and Downtown Toronto. To book an appointment with Dr. Leena Athparia ND, please write to her here: Dr. Athparia