Qigong for Arthritis: How I “Oil The Joints” to Prevent Pain
The Right Food and Flow Go a Long Way
As someone on the keyboard often, joint pain is no stranger. I was even recommended for surgery once, for repetitive motion injury. That was before I found the healing waters of Qigong. Now, I can type without pain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees joint pain and arthritis as a result of an imbalance in the body’s flow of energy, or Qi (“chee”). This can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet and a lack of a regular movement routine.
The beauty of TCM is it provides graceful physical forms, Qigong (“chee-gong”), to remedy various ailments.
TCM also says foods can aggravate joint pain, known as “heaty” foods. These create inflammation in the body. Foods that fall into this category include wheat products, butter and margarine, tomatoes, and sugary drinks.
TCM recommends “cooling” foods instead, which can reduce inflammation. Here’s some more foods to consider adding to your diet to cool and “oil” the joints:
- Cherries, a rich source of nutrients, may help reduce joint pain and inflammation related to arthritis.
- Pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain which has been shown to reduce inflammation.
- Cold-water fish like salmon and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce pain and swelling and keep joints healthy.
- Turmeric: This spice has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can be taken as a supplement or used in cooking.
- Dark leafy greens, peppers, onions, garlic, leeks and shallots
- Corn, quinoa and rice are gluten-free and high in fiber.
- Ginger is known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties.
- Carrots, squash and one I’ve grown to love for its sweetness and health benefits: sweet potatoes
TCM also notes a healthy body weight reduces pressure on joints. And steaming is preferred to boiling veggies( to preserve more nutrients). When I boil veggies, I usually drink the broth. And don’t overcook — keeping veggies a bit “al dente” retains more vitamins and minerals.
? Another tip to literally “oil” the joints is to rub on cooling, anti-inflammatory Castor Oil. You can find the one I personally use is in my Lucky Finds shop.
And as joint pain is all about stuck Qi, a regular movement routine is mandatory. Qigong makes the healing journey an adventure. ?
We just released a new routine for Members to prevent joint pain and help with arthritis here.