OVERVIEW
According to Ayurvedic Medicine, flexibility and suppleness of the body help our vital force, prana, to circulate more freely through our energetic pathways; the nadi channels or meridian system in traditional Chinese medicine. When the body is limber, your joints are lubricated and you can achieve an extended range of motion. This allows you to experience a greater sense of freedom of movement, which ultimately encourages a freedom from restraint within your mind. On a physical level, increased flexibility improves blood circulation, lymphatic flow, nutrient absorption and waste excretion. It improves your posture and technique in yoga practice. Flexibility increases the length of relaxed muscle tissue and power and elasticity of muscles. Overall a flexible body makes you feel good. With a consistent yoga practice, you can achieve better flexibility and that goes without saying. However, if flexibility isn’t a great strength for you physically you can also help stretch it out by eating foods that will encourage better flexibility of your joints, muscles, and tendons. Yogis traditionally view a vegetarian diet as most supportive for practice and Ayurveda, the sister science to Yoga suggests some foods.
Ginger
Ginger is commonly used in Asian and Indian cuisine, but it is also used therapeutically in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine. It is warming, energy building and has a stimulating effect on the blood circulation. It is anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic, making it a great addition to your diet if you’re looking to improve your flexibility.
Seaweed
Sea vegetables are full of minerals that are biologically available and vital for the human body. Iodine is one of the minerals most deficient in people who live in mountainous areas, like the Himalayas, very far from the ocean. Kelp, wakame, agar, nori and dulse are a few examples of seaweeds available. They are high in chlorophyll, iodine, protein, potassium, calcium and natural sodium all which support healthy connective tissue. Before use, seaweed needs to be soaked in water so not to unbalance the Vata dosha, often responsible for stiff muscles and cracking joints. Once hydrated the sea vegetables take on a mucilaginous consistency which helps keep the body energetics flexible and limber.
Alfalfa
Including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet will help give your body the nutrients it needs to become more flexible and limber. The silicon in alfalfa is an important mineral for healthy connective tissue.
Cucumbers
Including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet will help give your body the nutrients it needs to become more flexible and limber. The silicon in cucumbers is an important mineral for healthy connective tissue.
Asparagus
Including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet will help give your body the nutrients it needs to become more flexible and limber. The silicon in asparagus is an important mineral for healthy connective tissue.
Cabbage
Including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet will help give your body the nutrients it needs to become more flexible and limber. The silicon in cabbage is an important mineral for healthy connective tissue.
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Turmeric
Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, improving the blood circulation and detoxifying to the lymphatic system and it is these very actions that help reduce arthritic pain or stiffness of the joints. It is also a digestive and increases digestive fire and reduces residual toxicity. Turmeric is considered an alkalizing and sattvic food in Ayurveda. Yogis use turmeric to help stretch out muscles, ligaments and repair from injury. Try a recipe for “golden milk” for joint and bone health. It is said to lubricate the joints, help break up calcium deposits and is beneficial to the spine.
Dandelion Greens
Including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet will help give your body the nutrients it needs to become more flexible and limber. The silicon in dandelion greens is an important mineral for healthy connective tissue.
Green Beans
Including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet will help give your body the nutrients it needs to become more flexible and limber. The silicon in green beans is an important mineral for healthy connective tissue.
Mustard Greens
Including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet will help give your body the nutrients it needs to become more flexible and limber. The silicon in mustard greens is an important mineral for healthy connective tissue.
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are considered a muscle and bone tonic in Ayurvedic medicine, amongst other benefits such as skin health, virility, and fertility. Sesame seeds are naturally high in calcium and are easy to digest. They are a great addition to your diet when you’re looking to improve your flexibility.
Ghee
Ghee is used extensively in Indian cuisine and in Ayurvedic Medicine as one of the most health-promoting foods. It is said to lubricate the connective tissue and improves the flexibility of the body and help prevent premature ageing. It also nourishes ojas, the protective subtle essence of the body. A teaspoon a day is sufficient when using ghee.
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