Ayurvedic spring tips
Each of the seasons brings with it wisdom on how we can shift and adapt our routines and activities to be in line with nature, and experience more flow and balance as a result.
Spring is the light and warmth that begins to wake us from our wintry slumber, bringing the energy of new growth and beginnings and a renewed sense of lightness and optimism.
In Ayurveda, each of the doshas govern, or are more dominant, during the different seasons. Winter is dominated by Kapha’s heavy, cold and slow qualities. When spring rolls in, that heaviness begins to melt away by the warmth that comes with the spring season. Animals emerge from hibernation, plants sprout new flowers and things start to move towards more activity.
In the body, we see this too. Winter is a time for slowing down and turning inwards to reflect and recalibrate. When we feel the energy of spring around us, there’s a natural desire to move into more activity and a lightness that we desire in both body and mind.
To take full advantage of each of the seasons, we can adapt our daily routines. This is called ritucharya in Sanskrit, and refers to simple, often subtle changes we can make day-to-day that ensure we can flow with the energy of the season and prevent it from causing any imbalance.
Seasonal cleansing
As the doshas accumulate in nature, so to do they accumulate in our bodies. Winter, as a Kapha time, means we also see an increase of Kapha in the body. As spring warms and starts to liquify Kapha, we see an increase in conditions like hayfever and seasonal colds. With too much kapha in the body we feel sluggish, heavy and tired. To balance this, Ayurveda recommends a gentle seasonal cleanse to move the accumulated doshas.
The junction of the seasons is the best time to do this, and Winter > Spring and Summer > Autumn are considered especially important.
A 3-7 day kitchari cleanse is a great way to reset and give your body a chance to restore and renew ahead of the new season. Get in touch if you’re interested in a Kitchari cleanse and I can send details – and stay tuned for group cleanse options available in the future!
Spring ritucharya
To help us stay balanced through the season of spring, there are a few adjustments we can make to our diet and lifestyle.
1 Move the body
Break up the stagnation that Kapha brings with more energetic movement. It’s important not to overexert as this aggravates Vata, but moving more is essential.
2 Get more sun
Fill up on Vitamin D and sync your circadian rhythm by getting more sunlight. Aim for early morning sun and late afternoon.
3 Reduce heavier foods & increase lighter foods
Start to eat lighter foods, focusing on bitter, pungent and astringent tastes and reducing sweet and salty foods which tend to be heavy and Kapha increasing.
4 Eat warm, light and easy to digest meals
This applies all year round as it keeps our digestive fire burning brightly and reduces issues like gas, constipation and bloating.
5 Nasya
Applying a drop of warm black sesame oil into each nostril helps to lubricate the nasal passages and protect them from the increase in allergens in the air.
6 Get out and about more
Spend more time socialising, connecting with others and dusting off those forgotten hobbies and creative pursuits. Spring is about hitting refresh and starting anew, so ride the wave of that sentiment by getting out there and enjoying.