Dandelions, Violets, and Bluets are popping up all over my yard, a sure sign of warmer weather. I revel in spring, the explosion of growth and color. Ayurveda encourages and teaches us to plug into seasonal shifts and align with the seasons for health. Nature gives us beautiful cues of growth and light to help remind us spring is here.
Seeing the land go from brown to green is a reminder to schedule special spring activities. Release the force of Vata winter season, any mental darkness, align with the energy of spring and increase my engagement with nature. In Ayurveda spring is Kapha season, a time for new growth.
How about you? Have any special celebrations of spring? Here are examples of my spring rituals.
Manage Your Move To Spring
The transition to Kapha (Spring) season is a change that can disrupt our energy, challenge our health and wellness. Some people figuratively skip into spring, but I know too many people who get a cold or respiratory infection in late February and are snotty until May. Being sick during the transition of the season is a tradition year after year.
Ayurveda suggests you align with the greater rhythm of seasonal flow and enjoy a different result. Ritucharya alignment with the seasons helps us all flow through the change from cold and dry to cold and wet with enjoyment rather than discomfort. Information gives us the power to choose how we embrace and celebrate spring. What does it mean to in Ayurveda to align with spring season?
Spring Clean Your Habits.
The qualities of Kapha of the spring season are cold wet, sticky. Add warm dry and mobile to balance them.
- Add regular morning movement.
- Keep Warm. Throw a light jacket in the car for temperature changes over the day.
- Eat Warm Light nutrient-rich foods Add vegetable soups and spring greens to your menu
- Add foods that help your body release toxins. Spring greens like arugula, dandelion, collards support the release of toxins.
- Scrape your tongue each morning to remove waste.
- Get out in nature. Go outside and walk on paths where plants are coming to life.
- Add regular massage to your week Move lymph all season long.
- Go to bed before 10 pm and rise with the sunrise.
Revel In Spring Enjoy the New Season
Spring Cleaning.
Clear out the old to make room for new growth. Just put a bag of old clothes in your car to recycle them. Go through drawers and closets and let go of things that aren’t serving you. Make room for change and growth.
Get A Facial
Winter is dry and cold soothe your face with rejuvenation and moisture. Get ahead of the game. Slough off your old dead skin and add moisture when your body is ready to take it in.
Soften And Move Lymph In Your Tissues
Massage moves lymph and helps you clear out the stiffness of winter. Massage, warming and softening help to balance the tendency for stagnation on the chilly, wet days of spring.
Grow Things When Your World Does
I often plant seeds to grow plants for my garden in the early spring, but if you don’t garden, consider buying a house plant. Or do both. Plants are a natural living way to clean the air. Be sure to pick plants that won’t hurt any pets.
Honor The Natural Cycles
Celebrate the spring and fall equinox with a party. My friend hosts one where we all smudge, head outside, call the directions to honor earth’s energy, do a fire ceremony, release those things that don’t serve us and invite in new growth opportunities. Then we all chat and catch up.
Make this spring one you stay present in with balance. Build a structure to stay light and clear all Kapha season long. Clean up your habits this Kapha season so you can revel in spring.
Ayurselfcare’s purpose is to educate on the benefits of Ayurveda. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical care, treatment or advice. All the material here is for learning purposes only. Always share strategy and work with your health care team.
