Ayurvedic Tips for Spring
In New England, the season of spring is considered Kapha season in Ayurveda. What Kapha season means is that the Earth and Water elements in the universe are very present for us.
If you think about the qualities of Earth and Water, they're cold, heavy, and contain a bit of density or inertia. What this can lead to in the channels of the body and the mind is a bit of stagnation and heaviness.
In Ayurveda we start to shift our daily routines and lifestyles by incorporating the opposite qualities. Bring in practices that create warmth or lightness; things that are more drying or circulating.
Here are a few tips to help balance the qualities of Earth & Water:
Garshana/Dry Brushing
Dry brushing helps with lymphatic drainage by increasing circulation. This will limit stagnation and fluid buildup in the body that can settle in this time of year.
Lemon Ginger Tea
Start the day with lemon and ginger tea to stimulate the Agni (digestive fire). This helps prevent Manda Agni (slow digestion) which leads to buildup of waste in the body.
Swap Your Grains
Swap out heavy grains with light and drying grains. Choose quinoa or barley over pasta and dense breads.
4. Vigorous Movement Practices
If your regular movement routine isn’t quite vigorous, this is the time to up your game. Maybe include jogging, running, sun salutations, or heated flow, which all help with build internal heat. This promotes sweating which releases excess moisture from the body.
5. Sauna, Steam Room, or Hot Bath
To further induce sweating, a sauna or steam room, or even just a warm bath at night, are other great strategies to lighten the water element in the body.
6. Increase Sun Exposure
To counteract the heaviness in the morning, try to wake up just before sunrise and enjoy the sunlight as much as you can. The Kapha elements are most present from 6-10am and 6-10pm so it’s best to practice Kapha balancing routines during those times of day.
Hopefully these simple strategies leave you more energized, lighter, and balanced within the new energy of Spring.
Ready to learn more about your individual constitution with an Ayurvedic expert? Schedule your initial consultation with an Ayurvedic Doctor or Health Counselor. This involves gathering your medical history, an intake evaluation, clinical observation, diet, and lifestyle questionnaires. A customized personal wellness plan is developed based on this initial assessment to bring you back into a state of balance and help you achieve your goals.
