Ayurveda into Spring
In Ayurveda, practicing seasonal routines is one key to staying healthy. A seasonal diet and lifestyle that invites qualities that are dry, light, and warm will support our bodies natural process of renewal.
Spring is ruled by Kapha dosha where qualities of heavy, soft, cool, and cloudy are present. To adjust for the changing season, consider the following:
Wake early. To minimize heavy kapha qualities in the body and mind, try waking by 5:30 am.
Daily Cleanse. Scrape your tongue each morning after brushing your teeth. If you're prone to seasonal allergies, using a neti pot a couple of times a week will help to clear out the nasal passages.
Hydrate. Sip warm or hot water throughout the day. Hot water increases the digestive fire (agni) resulting in a better breakdown and assimilation of the things we consume.
Move it. Get your heart rate up. Try a cardio session, go for a run, or do a vigorous yoga practice between 6:00 and 10:00 am. If you're familiar with Kapalabhati pranayma, this is the time of day to practice. The fiery nature will stoke your digestive fire (agni) and prepare the body to remove heaviness that has accumulated.
Lighten up. In the winter, we tend to gravitate toward sweet, sour, and salty foods to offset the dry, light qualities of the season. Too much salty and sweet leads to excess kapha (heavy, dense, cloudy)in the body. Now's the time to enjoy foods that are light, bitter, and astringent: kale, collard and mustard greens, asparagus, dandelion, green peas and beans, and seasonal fruits. If it's just coming into season - eat it! Our digestion is strong around noon so try and make lunch your biggest meal of the day. Stick to foods that are light, simple and easy to digest during breakfast and lunch.
Wind down. Relax. Establish a nightly ritual - sip tea, take a bath, read a book. Try and get to bed by 10:00 pm