According to Ayurveda, Spring is kapha season, which if you know something about ayurveda you might associate this with allergies, colds, and gaining weight. However there are many benefits to cultivating healthy Kapha in our bodies and in our minds!
First, a little background on Ayurveda. Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical systems still in practice today. It originated in India and is the sister science to yoga. Translated from sanskrit ayurveda means the science of life. According to Ayurveda, everything is made up of the 5 great elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth. These elements come together to make three doshas: vata, pitta, kapha. Vata, pitta, and kapha are energies in the body, that govern physiological activity. We are all born with a unique ratio of the three doshas. If relatively healthy, following basic seasonal dietary and lifestyle recommendations will keep you that way.
We are now in the Kapha Season. Strength, stability, and growth are all associated with Healthy Kapha, since the Kapha dosha is made up of water and earth elements. Because earth is heavy and inert, now is the time get moving and to experiment with your exercise routine, take that dance, pilates, or yoga class you have been thinking about all winter. Try something new! Last weekend, my Husband and I took a salsa class for the first time we had a blast! Check out our moves....
Spring is also a great time to try a cleanse. The idea behind an Ayurvedic cleanse is to give your digestions a break, so that your body can focus on getting rid of ama (toxins.) It is best to eat foods that are easy to digest, cooked in spices that aid with digestion. It is also important to give your body ample time between meals so that old food is completely digested before you put more food into your system. Ayurveda does not recommend complete fasting. Instead it recommends eating Kitchari, and few other select things for 3-14 days, depending on your ama accumulation and your goals.
The Kapha dosha is also associated with love, care, and generosity. This spring take the time to implement self-love rituals into your day-to-day; pack yourself a healthy lunch, read your favorite book, draw, take a bath, etc. Creating a healthy Kaphic balance in your system will help you to feel grounded, safe, generous and kind-hearted. Try mantra meditation to promote healthy Kapha emotionally and mentally; repeat a phrase or word to yourself aloud or in our head, such as: I am love, I am safe, I feel grounded, or OM...
Not to scare you, but if you do notice feeling of heaviness in the body, excess tiredness, weight gain, depression, or excess mucus, these can be some signs of un-healthy Kapha. You might consider seeing someone knowledgable on Ayurveda. Thank you for taking the time to read. Please let me know how it goes, I would love to hear your experience!
Happy Spring! XO