Establishing an Ayurvedic Routine in Spring

Ayurveda, or 'life wisdom,' is all about achieving balance and allowing each individual's internal environment (body and mind) to operate in harmony with their exterior environment (the outside world).

One of the greatest methods to promote health and wellness is to live in rhythm with the seasons, which helps to balance the immune system, digestive routes, and each person's dosha. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are the three doshas. Take this dosha quiz to learn more about them and find your own.

Each time of day and season is regulated by a certain dosha, just as each individual has a dominant dosha. Spring is intimately associated with the Kapha dosha, which has features of moistness, heaviness, fullness, but also lethargy, and is associated with the soil and water elements. At this time of year, allergies might surface, and it's easy to become more prone to mucus formation in the respiratory system.

While Winter is all about snuggling up and eating comfort foods, Spring may leave us feeling overweight and lethargic. So it's time to lighten things up and lose the many layers of our 'Winter coat' in order to make way for fresh growth and plenty in the months ahead.

It's time to lighten up and lose the many layers of our 'Winter coat' in order to make room for fresh growth and plenty.

Congestion, a lack of appetite, allergies, or tiredness are all possible indicators of 'imbalance,' so if you're suffering any of these, an Ayurvedic Springtime practice may be able to assist!

Routines in the Spring

1. Rise early like the sun
As fresh life emerges all around us, now is an excellent time to be outdoors and appreciate nature as it grows. Aim to get up with the sun and spend a chunk of your morning (even if it's just ten minutes) strolling outdoors, taking in the fresh air and exposing your eyes to the healthy morning light.

As the quantity of daylight rises, this is a great way to reduce sluggishness, raise energy levels, and reset the body clock. Throughout the Kapha season, napping during the day is not suggested since it might cause stagnance and impede a decent night's sleep.

2. Dry brushing your body
Body brushing is a technique for removing dead skin cells and increasing circulation. As part of a Dinacharya, or morning regimen, Ayurvedic traditions generally incorporate several daily cleaning procedures like these. This is a terrific technique to boost your energy and blood flow first thing in the morning.

3. Ayurvedic massage (abhyanga)
Another key component of Ayurveda is self-massage and the use of oils, but with the weather already tending toward oiliness and moistness, it's crucial to pick your oils appropriately. Use a dosha-specific oil aligned with your dosha constitution to assist in enhancing circulation and mood levels throughout Spring, particularly for people with a Kapha dosha.

4. Herbal assistance
Adding herbs to meals may be a beautiful and efficient method to bring the body back into equilibrium. Ginger, pippali, cumin, coriander, and fennel are all helpful herbs that may be put into tea. Cinnamon, black pepper, and ginger make a very good tea for reducing bloating and heaviness after meals. Ayurvedic herbal teas for Spring has further information.

5. Tastes and foods
At this time of year, heavy, greasy foods should be avoided. Foods that are sour, sugary, or extremely salty should be avoided, according to Vasant Lad, since they 'provoke Kapha.' It's also advised to stay away from cold beverages and dairy products. Lemon, dark leafy greens, chilli, garlic, beans, radishes, and berries are all good sources of bitter, pungent, and astringent flavors. (You'll note that many of these items are coming into season as well!) All of these are supposed to assist in the detoxification of the body, the stimulation of digestion and metabolism, and the 'drying up' of extra lipids. Honey has a 'heating' effect on the body and is beneficial to ingest at this time of year to boost Agni, or 'digestive fire.' At this time of year, a cup of warm water with a spoonful of honey may help to balance Kapha energies.

6. Yoga practices for balancing the kapha dosha
Warming, energy-boosting poses like Navasana, twists, backbends, and Sun Salutations may help you feel more energized. Surya Bhedana (right nostril breathing) and other pranayama practices are also warming and energizing.

7. Skin Detoxification
According to Ayurveda, the best time to detox is in the spring. While many of us may have tried a new year's 'cleanse,' it's clear that detoxifying in the winter is both difficult and useless. During the Vata season of Winter, the body need sustenance and internalization, but as we reach the Kapha season, this is the appropriate time to undertake these purifying techniques.

Honor your body and mind as we transitioned from the darkness of Winter to the brightness of Spring by eating healthily, breathing deeply, and exercising in a manner that feels good to you. Enjoy the fresh colors and feeling of new beginnings, and remember to listen to your body, which is your greatest teacher!