Spring into Balance - the ayurvedic way

While we typically think of the seasons as spring, summer, fall, and winter,

Ayurveda divides the year according to the most prevalent dosha during each period.

Kapha is made up of water and earth elements, and it is more dominant from the second half of winter through spring.

When balanced, Kapha gives strength, structure, stamina, lubrication and immunity to the body.

Kapha season qualities include:

• Dampness and moisture from melting ice, snow or rain

• Heaviness and stagnancy in the air

• Cold and cool temperatures

• Dullness

An excess of Kapha dosha can manifest as colds and flu, as well as congestion, allergies, weight gain, water retention, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Mentally it can show up as brain fog, a general feeling of heaviness, lethargy, sluggishness or depression.

Do you experience any of these symptoms?

If the answer is YES, incorporate the following tips into your life!

WHY?

Because when we adjust our diet and lifestyle to match the season, health-promoting digestive microbes dramatically change. Spring microbes support balanced immunity, digestion, mood, energy, blood sugar, weight, sleep and much more..

3 TIPS TO AVOID KAPHA IMBALANCES

TIP #1: Eat more foods that are bitter, pungent and astringent/ warm, light, and dry in nature

As soon as they’re available, eat the first bounty of the season—sprouts, berries, dandelion and other spring greens—which naturally support this time of cleansing.

The types of foods that should be limited are cooling, moist, and heavy and have sweet, sour and salty tastes.

Portion control is also essential for balancing Kapha!

Keep in mind: At the end of a meal, the stomach should contain one-third of food, one-third of liquid, and one-third of space.

TIP #2: Get moving!

Since Kapha is heavy by nature it needs some extra movement to create stimulation and

shake off sleepiness, heaviness, and some of that lethargic energy from winter.

Try starting your day with Sun Salutations, a brisk walk, and/or Kapalabhati pranayama.

TIP #3: Rise early!

Try rising before sunrise to beat the Kapha time of day (6-10 am).

When we sleep into the Kapha time of the morning, which is after sunrise, our Kapha levels automatically rise. This makes getting up and going more difficult – not just physically out of bed, but for all the body’s systems.

How do you practice staying balanced during Kapha season? I’d love to hear your thoughts and additional tips!

Disclaimer: This article was written for educational purposes only and is based on the tradition of Ayurveda. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, prescribe or heal any health condition or to replace standard medical treatment or advice.