Seasonal Guide: Ayurvedic Tips for Spring

Let It Bloom

Spring has sprung! Spring is one of my favorite seasons. I love the smell of wet earth, the sounds of birds chirping, the sun blessing us with its' company longer and the feeling of rebirth in the air. According to Ayurveda, spring is ruled by Kapha where earth and water elements dominate. As snow melts and the earth slowly awakens there can be a tendency to be sluggish both mentally and physically. Therefore, in Spring it is important to practice what brings you joy and continue to awaken your mind and body!

“Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.” — Henry David Thoreau

Tips on How to Find Balance and Thrive in Spring

Two guiding principles of Ayurveda are like increases like, and opposites create balance. In springtime we want to limit Kapha foods/habits and increase Pitta and Vata characteristics by inviting movement, creativity, and lightness into our diet and lifestyle. Here are ways you can practice this:

Garshana (Dry brushing):

After the heavy winter months, it is beneficial to invite circulation and detoxification into the body to help fight spring colds and lethargy. Dry brushing is a great practice for stimulating the skin and lymphatic system, enhances blood circulation and releases accumulated toxins.

How To: Work in long circular motions. Start with the feet and make your way up toward your heart. Conduct long strokes on the limbs and circles around the joints and create a large circle up the right and down the left at your belly. The direction of the stroke should always be toward your heart as this helps drain the lymph back to your heart. Continue up to your torso and onto your neck, and massage from the hands to the shoulders. Any amount of time you can give this practice is beneficial, but it is recommended you allow five minutes to connect with your body.

Neti and Nasya:

We all know spring flowers also means spring allergies! As the new earth emerges our sense can become inflamed. Therefore, focusing on practices that help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system are crucial. Working with a Neti pot can help clear out the sinuses and maintain nasal hygiene. It can also help with upper respiratory symptoms like sore throat and coughing.

How To: Fill the Neti pot with saline or sterile water. Tilt your head sideways, pour the water through the spout, and into one nostril. The water should drain out the other nostril, taking mucous and debris with it.

Move Your Body

Another great way to combat sluggishness or lethargy in spring is to get moving! Characteristics of Kapha and dense and heavy. Therefore, to find balance it is important to practice what makes you feel light and energized!

How To: Dance, go on nice long walks, practice yoga, qi gong, play, explore nature, soak in the sunlight, create a workout routine that works for you and have your friends/spouse help keep you accountable to your goals!

Eat Light, Bright Foods

To help increase digestive fire and detox from heavy winter foods it is beneficial to invite bright, light foods into your diet in spring!

How To: Look to include pungent, bitter and astringent tastes in your meals; think dark leafy greens like mustard greens and dandelion greens. Spices and foods like ginger, cayenne, onion, garlic and black pepper help to balance Kapha in the body. Restricting dairy is helpful to reduce mucus and berries are good for vitamins and minerals to help release toxins and boost the immune system!

Living in sync with nature reminds us that the only thing permanent in change! When we can flow with the changes in the seasons we can harness the new energy and learn to live in balance with the elements therefore finding holistic balance in our minds and bodies as well.

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Love & Light,

Justine