Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old medical system that translates to the science/knowledge of life. It is a modality deep rooted in the ancient philosophy that we are seasonal and cyclical beings composed of the natural elements. In order to create more harmony and balance in our minds and bodies for overall well-being Ayurveda recommend living according to the seasons including our diet, lifestyle habits and exercise. When we enhance our bodies natural rhythms we can restore balance to our entire energetic systems.

According to Ayurveda spring season is known as ‘Kapha’ season. Kapha is the biological union of the earth and water elements. The purpose of Kapha is lubrication and grounding, so whilst Kapha lubricates the joints, too much accumulation can create excess mucus in the body. The seat of Kapha in the body is from the shoulders up, which is why we see a lot of hay fever and sinus issues coming up over Spring. Its qualities are heavy, dull, cold, wet and slow.

In Ayurveda like increases like, so we want to offset this heavy feeling and decrease potential mucus in the body. We do this by cultivating habits and implement into our lifestyle lighter, drying & warming foods, herbs, spices and activities. It’s also a great idea to begin a seasonal cleanse a week before the new season begins, to create more ease and harmony in our bodies for the new season. Here are our tips below to live more in harmony with the spring season and restore balance to our bodies and mind: 

FOODS

• Meals should be smaller and foods need to be lighter, but still cooked/warming.
• Favour the tastes of pungent, bitter, astringent.
• Avoid heavy foods, such as pastries, dairy, nuts, meat and pastas.
• Avoid iced drinks or foods (deplete our digestive fire-agni).
• Add in more drying, stimulating spices such as black pepper, turmeric, cayenne, chilli, ginger and cinnamon.
• Eat your meals mindfully (really savour each bite) and wait for 10 minutes before going to the next task or activity.

LIFESTYLE HABITS 

• Abhyanga (Ayurvedic self-massage) with almond or black sesame oil in the morning before bathing.
• Strengthening the immune system should be part of any season ritual, but during spring when the immune system is especially compromised this should be increased. Including more high vitamin C fruits and vegetables like lemons, oranges, red cabbage and cruciferous veggies.
• Kapha times of the day are from 6am-10am and 6pm-10pm.
• From 6am-10am is when we should avoid sleeping in, awake just before the sun to meditate, do some moderate exercise, and eat a light, stimulating breakfast.
• From 6pm-10pm, we want to start to wind down for the evening. Have a light, warm, soupy dinner, avoid turning on the TV and instead read a book, journal or do some fun joy enhancing activities. Make sure to be in bed by latest 10pm.

EXERCISE

• This is a great time of year to exercise, and flush the body of accumulated toxins from Winter.
• Begin practising Yoga to tone the body, increase sweating and aid in lymphatic drainage.
• Add in twists in your Yoga practice, which act as detoxifiers.
• This is a wonderful time of year to increase weight resistance training and high intensity training (HIIT).

Bella Rothel has immersed herself in all things wellness, nutrition, mindfulness and holistic health for the past 6 years and is currently studying Naturopathy and Ayurveda after her own health issues and is committed to equipping herself and others with the knowledge and tools to restore our bodies back to balance, harmony and complete vitality.