In the late winter / early Spring months, if you find yourself feeling sluggish, lethargic, and heavy. You aren’t alone.

In Ayurveda, an ancient healing science and tradition from India, the time between late winter and early Spring is Kapha season.

Kapha season is characterized by increased cold, moisture, heaviness, dull/darkness, and softness.

Think:

Winter snow and ice melts and Spring showers begin
Nature begins to soften. The ground is no longer frozen, trees bud and sprout, bulbs send their tender leaves up from underground
Days are often short, dark and cloudy
Seasonal allergies including congestion and runny noses are common
Nature is in transition. New growth is emerging everywhere giving a fuller and softer shape to trees and plants.

The primary elements that make up Kapha are Earth and Water. Kapha translates to “that which is nourished by water” and is responsible for structure, form and density. Kapha is the glue that holds everything together. If you have Kapha in your constitution you may be more likely to swing out of balance during the Winter and early Spring because of the Ayurvedic principle “like increases like, opposites create balance.”

There is more cold and moisture in the environment, so naturally there is more cold and moisture within our mind/body system. Winter imbalances don’t just affect individuals with Kapha in their constitution, imbalances can occur in any dosha depending on your activities, lifestyle and food choices. Read more about the doshas and discover yours here.

Because the seasons shift, creating a seasonal self care plan with routines, diet and lifestyle choices will support you in balancing (and capitalizing on) the energy of the season.

Before we get to the tips and tricks for Winter/Early Spring here are a few pointers that will help you identify if Kapha is elevated in your system.

Weight gain that is difficult to lose
Low appetite
Water retention
Feeling unmotivated or uninspired
Feeling heavy, especially in the abdomen and muscles
Dull, achy pains
Increased secretions - saliva, runny noise, eye excretions

Image via @ayurvedawithrebecca on Instagram

Tips:

Try a stimulating yoga practice - Consider a more vigorous and invigorating routine.
- Sun salutations are dynamic and build internal heat
- Add ujjayi (Victorious breath) to your movement practice
  - Create a slight constriction in the upper throat as you inhale and exhale through your nose. (It will sound something like Darth Vader)
- Include inversions like down dog, dolphin, legs up the wall, wide legged forward fold and headstand
Sunbathe - When the skies are sunny and the temps allow for it, go outside and feel the sun on your skin. Vitamin D plays a role in bone, muscle, mental health and immunity. Don’t forget sunscreen.
Sweat it out - Charge up your exercise routine, enough to break a mild sweat daily
Lighten up - Eat a small, light dinner to promote sleep and an early rise.
Fire up digestion - Eat cooked meals that are warm, slightly oily and well spiced
What to eat - Veggies, fruits herbs and spices are integral to an Ayurvedic self care plan
- Favor foods that are spicy, astringent and bitter
- Eat veggies like asparagus, green beans, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, celery, peas, radish, corn, leafy greens & spinach
- Season your meals with herbs and spices like anise, basil, black pepper, cardamom, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, garlic, ginger, oregano, sage & turmeric
- Eat fruits like apple, cherries, cranberries, grapefruit, pomegranate, raisins and prunes. Dried *unsweetened* fruit is also great
Honor meal times - Eat meals on a consistent schedule and have dinner before 7pm
Use your sense of smell - Diffuse warm and spicy scents such as clove, patchouli, cinnamon, eucalyptus, bergamot, basil, sage, and cedar
Seasonal cleanse - Spring is a natural time to clean and declutter. Consider a community cleanse led by a trained professional.
Use your breath - Take breaks to practice these stimulating and uplifting techniques. Set a timer for 3 minutes or practice for 5-10 rounds.
- Breath of Joy - Inhale by taking in 3 sniffs through your nose, Open your mouth and sigh to exhale (think fogging up a glass). Make it a whole body experience by lifting your arms up, out and up again with each sniff and down as you fold forward and exhale.
- Skull shining breath - Place your hands on your abdomen and inhale through your nose. Exhale in short, sharp bursts through your nose. (have a tissue handy) Continue until you feel your exhale is complete, then slowly exhale the rest of your breath through your nose.
Clear your sinuses - Use neti pot with saline to support hydration of the nasal tissues, clear excess mucus and allergens
Perk up with warm herbal teas - Consider Ginger, Tulsi, Masala Chai (hold the milk), and decaf Black or Green tea
Dress the part - Wear warm, vibrant colors like kelly green, gold, terracotta and garnet.
Bundle up - Cover your head, ears and neck when outside.
Ambiance - Light candles throughout your home and office. Candles bring in the fire element which balances the cool, dull and damp qualities of the season.
Invite nature indoors - Plants add color, texture, and vibrance to your home. Consider forcing bulbs like amaryllis, hyacinth and daffodils to bring a bit of renewal and uplifting fragrance to your space.
Declutter - Pick a few areas of your home to clear out, donate, trash and clean.
Brush, flush and glow - Dry brushing (garshana in Ayurveda) helps to move lymph, stimulate blood flow, smooth and exfoliate skin, and helps move toxins out of the body.

I AM WISHING YOU A VIBRANT, WARM AND REVITALIZING TRANSITION INTO SPRING.

If you aren’t sure where to begin and would like additional support, consider a Custom Seasonal Self Care plan. CLICK HERE to read more and get started.

With abundant joy,