Welcome Spring!

Better known as the “Kapha” time of year in Ayurveda, this season is ruled by the elements of water and earth and is characterized by the qualities of heavy, cold, moist, dull, stable, soft, and oily. To see some examples of this just take a step outside and notice what you find. The ground is soggy and cool, muddy if you will. Check out the tiny little buds, steadfast and holding strong to the ends of their branches. The mornings tend to be a bit heavy and wet, at times finding some dense fog in areas. This time of year lends itself to a sense of slowness as the earth is coming alive once again.

Understanding that we are a mirror image of nature and the universe, Ayurveda encourages us to pay attention to these environmental components as they can impact the human system by increasing these same qualities in our minds and bodies. If we are not tuned in, those same qualities that create stability, strength, and nourishment can manifest into an accumulation of toxins leading to sinus issues and allergies, sluggish digestion, and weight gain to name a few. The whole system, the macrocosm (universe) and the microcosm (us), works together to keep everything functioning and balanced. When we are tapped in and listening for the subtle shifts that happen, whether that shift is seasonal, time of day or even time of life, it is a lot easier to stay away from the imbalances that can occur.

Springtime could be looked at as “Natures New Year” through the lens of Ayurveda. As the seasons shift outside, so do the natural tendencies and needs of the body and mind. We may notice that we begin to crave different types of foods. Moving from the heavier, more grounding foods like root veggies and dense grains which get us through the winter, we may crave lighter choices such as bitter greens, drier fruits, and pungent spices. We may even find that we want less food on our plates as our appetites decrease. The urge to begin moving our bodies more, whether that is getting outside to walk/hike or beginning a new exercise routine is quite normal as we are breaking out of “hibernation” mode. Just as the buds and blooms are emerging from the mud, we are also coming alive once again. This is not a coincidence and is not happening by accident. This is your innate sense, the healer and guiding force within, steering you toward balance. Listen up!!

Kapha season is naturally a heavy, slow, dull, and wet time of year. This is so life can begin again. However, if we are not paying attention and miss the cues for shifting with the season we may move toward imbalance as the already occurring qualities begin to build and accumulate. One of the main tenets of Ayurveda is “like increases like, opposites balance or pacify”. Common sense, right? With this rule in mind, it is extremely beneficial to bring in opposite qualities of the season. Light, dry, mobile, sharp, and warm are some of the characteristics we should look toward when shifting our diet and lifestyle to meet the Kapha season. With Mother Nature’s support, we really don’t have to look far. The days become warmer and lighter for longer periods of time, which allows us to spend more time outside moving our bodies. Spring balancing foods tend to be lighter with a drying effect and have more bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes associated with them. Many of these foods also have natural cleansing properties to them helping to flush out the lymphatic system and shed accumulated toxins. Even the bright and vibrant colors that blossom this time of year naturally seem to fight off the dullness that can be brought on by too much heaviness.

Since spring is a transitional season, it is an ideal time to start over and reset our system much like the way we would clean out our closets and drawers. Using season appropriate diet and lifestyle suggestions, we can support ourselves within this natural process of renewal. Along with adapting our diet choices to the season, it is extremely important to be sure and have a regular daily routine. Some of these things would include waking with or before the sun, scraping your tongue, and drinking warm water all before any food or activities. Following that would be a great time to get some movement in such as yoga or a brisk walk. Having a light, warm breakfast afterwards would bookend a very solid morning routine. Due to its steady nature, Kapha can be responsible for slow moving digestion and metabolism. Adopting these few simple practices, doing them around the same time each day, can truly have one of the most profound impacts on both our physical and mental digestive systems, helping to move us away from the excess and accumulating tendencies of the season. The following information includes some things to look for as well as some tips and tools to keep in your arsenal to stay healthy and balanced:

Signs that you are in alignment with nature and her seasonal rhythms:

• Strong immunity
• Endurance
• Feelings of stability in body and mind
• Easy movement in joints
• Regular bowel movements
• Regulated body temp (not too chilly)
• Lubricated mucus membranes
• Ability to sleep soundly, not feeling the need to nap often
• Sense of contentment
• Feeling a sense of renewal
• Cravings for lighter, rougher foods
• Cravings for bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes
• Healthy, bright looking skin

Some signs and symptoms that you may have missed the cues at the change of season and could already be imbalanced:

• General feeling of heaviness in the body and/or mind
• Sluggishness, feeling “stuck in the mud”
• Brain fog
• Lethargy
• Excessive sleep
• Slow metabolism
• Diminished immunity
• Seasonal allergies
• Chills, clammy skin
• Congestion in the sinuses and/or chest
• Weight gain
• Dull, lackluster skin
• Cravings for sweet, sour, and salty tastes
• Cravings for heavy, dense foods
• Thick, white coating on the tongue

Kapha season recommendations to avoid or move out of imbalance:

• Daily Routine (waking at same time, tongue scrape, warm water in AM)
• Neti pot, nasya oil
• Dry brushing
• Move the body everyday (walking, yoga, aerobics)
• Enjoy warm, cooked meals such as vegetable soups
• Sip warm water and hot teas throughout the day
• Favor seasonal foods: Dark leafy greens, asparagus, cranberries, dried fruits, buckwheat, barley, black beans, mung beans
• Add spices like cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, mustard seeds
• Limit snacking in between meals
• Avoid excess dairy products, meat, oily, and/or fatty foods
• Limit iced or cold beverages
• Declutter spaces in your home
• Take part in an Ayurvedic spring cleanse (under the supervision of a professional)

Even though Kapha season gets a bad rap for being sticky, heavy, and dull, it can also be a time for you to eliminate toxins, bolster immunity, and revitalize body and mind. By tuning into the cues of Mother Nature, paying attention to the qualities inside and outside, and making some adjustments to your diet and lifestyle routines you will have no problem finding ease and balance all year long.

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