The Hero's Journey Ayurveda

Spring, March through May for us in the Northeast, is a season dominated by Kapha dosha. The three doshas, Vata (air/space), Pitta (fire/water), and Kapha (earth/water), are made up of the five elements and are the three principles governing nature and our physiology. Each dosha influences physical traits, digestion, emotions, and overall well-being. When out of balance, they can lead to various health issues. Kapha is responsible for the structure, cohesion, and lubrication in nature. In spring, we see rain providing the Earth with water for our farms, gardens, and the environment, and we see the first sprouts of tulips, daffodils, and the buds on the trees. We can usually begin to feel the effects of the compounded cold, wet Kapha dosha from late winter with spring. 

As a result of increased Kapha dosha, we generally see a time of increased moisture in the body. A lot of people struggle with seasonal allergies, inflamed sinuses, excess mucus, feeling a general heaviness, and some sluggishness. Although this time is primarily dominated by Kapha dosha, we also see Pitta dosha (fire element) emerging, and warming up the Kapha that has accumulated, causing this liquefaction and drainage.

Spring is a season of change and rebirth, so we inherently encounter a balancing act while navigating this season. Through our foundation in our daily routine, some adjustments to our diet, and mindfulness, we can successfully navigate and align ourselves with the seasons.

General Recommendations

• Aim to get a good night’s sleep that enables you to awaken before sunrise.
  • There are so many benefits to waking before sunrise and getting exposure to those early morning rays. Getting the exposure to these specific lightwaves help to regulate your circadian rhythm, your body’s internal clock. Getting 5-10 minutes of early morning sunshine can help to jump start your body’s cortisol levels, giving you the energy you need to start the day. *Do not stare directly at the sun or do so in a way that causes discomfort. Learn more from Dr. Andrew Huberman, a notable neuroscientist from Stanford University, here. 
  • A good night’s sleep truly prepares you for the next day. If you find yourself having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it will be key to find what helps support you to get better rest. Some individuals enjoy yoga nidra before bed, a cup of warm milk with rose jam, avoiding screen time for at least an hour before bed, etc. 
• Hot/warm lemon, honey water at the start of the day. This has a scraping effect in the physiology, helping to eliminate excess waste and toxins. Having this at the start of your day (after brushing your teeth) can help to get your metabolism moving in a gentle way!
• Favor fresh, cooked meals that are lighter and warming. Avoid heavy dairy products, raw veggies, and things with high moisture content during this time (zucchini, coconut, etc.).
  • Our spring seasonal veggies and herbs are: swiss chard, beets, parsnips, kale, leeks, cabbage, arugula, mustard greens, spinach, fennel, asparagus, radicchio, carrots, radishes, cauliflower, snap peas, chives, cilantro, parsley, dill, mint, strawberries in late May. 
• Spring is a great time to perform a cleanse. It is important to utilize cleanses that are supportive and nourishing to the body, while also helping to detox. This does not require a strict juice cleanse or anything harsh. You may opt to do a few days of a light, nourishing diet (cooked grains, greens, lean protein, etc.) with a day of juicing.
  • You should not finish a cleanse feeling majorly run down. There may be some adjusting, just like when you take a break from caffeine and your body adjusts. Take things slow, and avoid extreme, strict rules. 
  • If you are looking for a more intensive seasonal cleanse, or assistance in navigating a seasonal cleanse, please contact me for details. There are some slight tweaks that could be involved for each person as we are all unique!
  • If you are new to Ayurvedic cleanses, consider a kitchari kit. A kitchari recipe is soon to follow here that will include some incredible seasonal vegetables, and is easy to put together.
• Getting your exercise routine back on track is a great goal for the spring! Remember to start slow, especially if you have taken a lengthy break from exercise. Your body will need time to get back into a rhythm to avoid injury and build yourself back up. Yoga, swimming, light weights, and walking are all great workouts to get yourself back into the swing of things. 
• Self care should not be forgotten in all of this. While we tend to pick up speed in the spring, it is important to remember to maintain lightness and fun in your day to day. You will be so much more successful in your endeavors when you meet yourself with patience, support, and encouragement. 

Some Spring Recipe Favorites:

• Spring Greens Broth
• Greens with Turmeric and Fenugreek
• Green Mung Bean Soup
• Spring Balance Bowl
• Spring Juices

Allergy Tea: A yummy tea that can help to support you during allergy season is red clover with nettle and a dollop of local, raw honey.