When our whole system is supported, everything flows in harmony.
Spring is a rejuvenating time when nature begins to awaken and shrug off winter. We are a microcosm of nature and like nature, our bodies have a natural intelligence that we can help boost and support. Staying with routines that work best with your own dosha and making adjustments seasonally can tap into our systems intuitive rhythms and help us feel healthy, vibrant and vital.
Always listen to your own body’s needs and check with a medical professional before beginning any new practices that may interfere with your own medical needs.
|
Vata |
This is your time to shine |
Stay warm and grounded when the wind and fluctuating weather kicks up |
|
Pitta |
Enjoy the crisp spring air and milder temps |
Watch when things get too heated in the middle of the day |
|
Kapha |
The earth is gushing with an abundance of fluid and you might be too |
Flush extra congestion and use spices, herbs, diuretics & the tips in this article to help dry out extra fluid |
- Agni
Agni, or digestive fire, can be assisted by favoring dry, light, warm and easily digestible foods. Think bitter spring greens and veggies, fruits, beans, light warming spices like cinnamon, ginger and mustard seed, less dairy and sweets
Supporting Agni, the digestive fire, during Kapha season can bring numerous benefits to our overall health and well-being. In Ayurveda, Kapha season, which typically occurs during the spring, is associated with qualities like heaviness, coldness, and dampness. By enhancing Agni, we can help balance these Kapha qualities and prevent issues like sluggishness, congestion, and weight gain. Ways to support Agni during this time include consuming warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper, eating lighter and easily digestible foods, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity. By nurturing our digestive fire, we can improve digestion, boost metabolism, increase energy levels, and enhance our immune function, thus promoting optimal health.
- Move your body
One of the key benefits of exercising during Kapha season is the opportunity to invigorate your body and mind after the sluggishness of winter. Physical activity can help stimulate circulation, boost metabolism, and improve overall energy levels. It also plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system, which is especially important as we transition into the warmer months.
Moreover, exercising during this time can help alleviate any feelings of heaviness or lethargy that often accompany the Kapha season. Engaging in activities such as brisk walking, jogging, yoga, or dancing can help uplift your spirits and enhance your mood. Additionally, being outdoors and connecting with nature can have a rejuvenating effect on both the body and mind.
By breaking a light sweat and engaging in physical movement, you can help release accumulated toxins from the body and promote a sense of lightness and vitality.
So lace up your sneakers, step outside, and embrace the transformative power of movement during this rejuvenating time of year.
- Dry brushing or garshana massage
Dry brushing or Garshana massage using hemp, silk or loofah gloves can offer numerous benefits for promoting circulation and lymphatic flow in the body. By gently exfoliating the skin, these techniques help to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and stimulate blood flow to the surface, which can improve overall circulation. Additionally, the act of dry brushing or Garshana massage can help to stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in removing waste and toxins from the body. This stimulation can aid in detoxification, reducing inflammation, and promoting a healthy immune system. Regular practice of dry brushing or Garshana massage can leave your skin feeling smoother, improve skin tone, and leave you feeling invigorated and refreshed.
- Neti and Nasya
Using a neti pot can provide several benefits for nasal health. It helps to clear out mucus and allergens from the nasal passages, reducing congestion and improving breathing. This can be especially helpful for individuals suffering from allergies, sinus infections, or colds. The saline solution used in a neti pot can also help to moisturize the nasal passages, reducing dryness and irritation. By using a neti pot regularly, you can help reduce congestion, improve breathing, and support sinus health. However, it’s essential to use sterile water and follow proper cleaning procedures to avoid any risk of infection.
- Kitchadi
Kitchadi is Ayurveda’s chicken soup. It is nourishing and easy to digest and helps our digestive system naturally clear and reset. Doing a kitchadi cleanse during spring can offer numerous benefits for your health and well-being. Kitchadi, a traditional Ayurvedic dish made with rice, mung beans, and spices, is known for its gentle detoxifying properties. During spring, when the body naturally begins to detoxify and renew itself, a kitchadi cleanse can support this process by providing a nourishing and easy-to-digest meal. Kitchadi is also believed to balance the doshas, particularly reducing excess kapha accumulated during winter, and help improve digestion, boost energy levels, and promote mental clarity.
- Socialize
Revive your connections with friends, family, and the community through engaging in playful activities! Spring is a vulnerable time of transition and can sometimes feel heavy. Laughter, fun, and play can be powerful antidotes to lethargy. Engaging in activities that bring joy and playfulness into our lives can help lift our spirits and rejuvenate our energy levels. Spending time with loved ones can remind us of the beauty of connection and the importance of nurturing relationships that bring out the best in us. Embracing our childlike wonder and allowing ourselves to be supported by others in moments of joy and lightheartedness can create a sense of belonging and fulfillment that can help combat feelings of fatigue and apathy. So, go ahead and indulge in some laughter and play – your mind and body will thank you for it!
Some ideas to get you going: plan a potluck, organize a movie night under the stars, host a picnic in the park, join a community sports team, take a leisurely stroll with loved ones, participate in fun and interactive games or hobbies, join local events, clubs, or volunteer opportunities.
Lighten your mood and feel refreshed by coming out of your winter hibernation
What to remember
Ayurveda is never one size fits all – these are general to the season. It is always good to understand your specific doshas, phases of life and current needs. Use your best judgment and always check with a medical professional when you are making changes and have any considerations that may affect your individual needs.
The golden rule in Ayurveda is like increase like and opposite balances, so in each day, you can tune into the weather and mood and determine what will best help bring you into balance. Small changes over time can make a big difference.
Where to start?
Choose one or two of these that might resonate with you and try them for a week to see how they work with your routine. Keep what works, skip what doesn’t. As my beloved friend and teacher, Ali Cramer says, “The Ayurveda that you bring into your life should feel like a prize not a punishment.”
Want to learn more? Come to our Open House on April 20, 2024 and meet with Tisha or look for our First Sunday Series Ayurveda workshops
Happy Spring dear ones!