It's the end of March and Spring has officially started according to our seasonal calendar. However nature does not switch seasons from one day to another. It's a process of transitioning. According to Ayurveda this period is called Ritusandhi.
Ritu means seasonal and sandhi means joint. This transition period takes about 6 weeks and gives us the time to shift smoothly into the next season.
In the northern hemisphere during Spring the sun gains energy and is slowly warming up this side of the earth. This means the moon with its lunar qualities is residing and days are getting longer. The warm solar energy causes the ice in the mountains to melt which starts rivers to flow freely again. We human beings are a reflection of the macro cosmos so this too happens within our bodies.
In winter we can generally digest more and with the last harvest (and let's not forget end of the year festivities full of sweet, heavy and oily foods) we eat ourselves a protective winter coat that naturally insulates us from the cold outside. In Spring accumulated Kapha dosha (water & earth element) starts to liquify in the body so that it ideally easily can get eliminated out of our body.
This melting action can give rise to all sorts of ailments such as respiratory congestion, runny nose, blocked sinuses, phlegm in the lungs and throat, weight gain, hay fever and asthma.The common cold / flu is back again and we can experience a general feeling of heaviness that can also cause us to feel sluggish and lethargic.
For all treatments Ayurveda uses the law of 'like increases' like and 'opposites balance'. Our natural tendencies are already based on this. Say you are feeling cold, then you drink a cup of warm tea or put on an extra sweater instead of drinking something ice cold and taking off your sweater. Spring qualities vs their balancing opposite:
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Heavy vs Light
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Cold vs Warm
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Wet, oily vs Dry
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Static vs mobile / stimulating
If the symptoms mentioned earlier already sound familiar or if you would like to prevent the qualities above from accumulating, then let's take a look at the seasonal routine Ayurveda offers us to naturally shake off that winter coat. In general our aim is to start getting things moving again, by creating heat and friction. This will dry out the excess mucus and help the body to discharge everything it no longer needs.
Ayurvedic seasonal routine tips:
- Follow a Kapha balancing diet.
- Increase the use of the tastes pungent, bitter, astringent that have a cleansing depleting (catabolic) action on our body. Think of seasonal veggies like all green leafy vegetables, fennel, artichoke, cauliflower, radish, chicory, citrus fruits and sprouts. Think of kitchen herbs like (dry) ginger, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, mustard seeds, fenugreek, chili and tumeric.
- Use a minimum amount of cooking fat and try to avoid foods that are heavy, oily, dense, or cold such as animal products, wheat, flours, breads, pastas, cooked oats, nuts and everything that contains sugar, is deep fried or raw.
- Drink hot water and spicy teas, and keep your dinners warm & light (think of simple soups!)
- Eat smaller meals (your digestive fire gets lower) and only when you feel hungry. Make sure your lunch is your biggest meal and have it at noon when your digestive fire is strongest. Try to avoid snacking in between meals.
- Cleanse your body & mind by doing a detox like the Boost Your Vitality Detox
- GET MOVING! Now is the perfect time for a brisk walk in nature, some heavy cardio, hot yoga or dance class. This could also be an energizing Ayurvedic powder massage (Udvartana). Anything that activates your lymph!
- For your morning routine:
- Synchronize yourself with nature and use the rising energy of the sun to get out of bed. So set your alarm at sunrise!
- Incorporate the use of a neti pot (cleanses the sinuses), dry brush (stimulates the lymph and removes dead skin) and tongue scraper (removes unwanted waste material).
- Get rid of all that mucus and boost your immunity with my Immunity booster recipe
- For a bright sunny mood wear uplifting colors like orange, red, yellow, purple or an exciting print. If you're into aromatherapy you can uplift your spirit by using essential oils such as orange, cedar, grapefruit, tulsi, clove or frankincense.
- Declutter your inner and outer world. Let go of what no longer serves you! From old patterns and behavior to a house full of furniture and clothes. Embrace change and welcome in the transformative qualities of Spring > creativity and the beginning of new life!
Important: Ayurveda is not a one size fits all method. These advices above are general guidelines and not advised if you're pregnant or just gave birth. If you are coping with or recovering from serious disease make sure to check in first with your health care professional before implementing any of the above.