Lubricating the joints and fighting allergies

DURING autumn and winter, the complaints of joint pains increase.

- Ashwini Guru Ji

The change in atmospheric pressure causes the joints to swell, the cold causes muscles to contract and blood vessels to constrict.

All this coupled with reduced activity and a lack of proper hydration contribute to joint issues.

From the yogic point of view, it is seen as a disruption in free flow of prana due to blockages and drying up of sukra that lubricates the joints.

Sanatan kriya details the process of preparing your joints to perform optimally in the cold season.

There are six joint rotations starting from the neck, moving downwards to the shoulders, wrists, hip joint, knees and finally ankles that will assist.

All the rotations are performed with internal awareness, keeping the eyes closed and synchronising the movement with ujjai breath.

1. Neck rotation:

Stand straight, close your eyes and be aware of your neck. Now slowly start rotating your neck from right to left. Synchronise every rotation with one cycle of the breath, that is inhale in the first half of the rotation and then exhale in the second half of the rotation. But be careful to move slowly with complete awareness of every muscle and bone that is being used. Seven clockwise and seven anti-clockwise rotations are enough at this stage.

2. Shoulder rotation: