Springtime is Kapha Season
Combat Spring Fatigue With a Detox
In Ayurveda, our biological clocks have a significant role to play. Since they influence Dosha balance, this innate mechanism has a direct effect on wellbeing. It may not come as a great surprise, then, that Ayurvedic teachings group the seasons into cycles based on the course of the sun. The three Doshas are assigned to the seasons in accordance with their specific characteristics. Spring (from February to June) is when Kapha dominates.
A Fit and Energetic Spring
Spring, often characterised by damp and cold, is when Kapha dominates. Like the snow, this Dosha strives towards a liquid state. We provide balance with food that is spicy, bitter and astringent, e.g. dandelion, lollo rosso, celery and spices such as aniseed, fennel, cumin and chilli, avoiding heavy, oily and salty foods, snacks, and cold drinks. Moderate exercise gets the circulation going, enhances mobility and boosts endurance. Perspiring – whether through exercise or in a sauna or steam room – stimulates circulation, blood flow and the metabolism.
Recipe: HOLISTIC AYURVEDA DETOX DRINK
Serves 1.
Ingredients:
Preparation: add all the ingredients to a blender, whizz, then pour into a glass jar or bottle and store in a cool place. Keeps for 3 days.
Spring – Increased Kapha
Good to Know – Eating Right in Spring
Based on the primal elements of earth and water, Kapha has a stabilising effect on body and mind. Foods that have a positive effect on a Kapha constitution include basmati rice, millet, lentils, chickpeas, spinach, fennel, hot spices – such as pepper, ginger and chilli – linseed and sunflower oil, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, hot water and honey. Kapha types should enjoy balanced, home-cooked meals and make sure they are getting enough exercise and digesting their food properly.
Kapha, Pitta, Vata – Doshas in Balance All Year Round
We don’t recommend trying to precisely divide up the Doshas across the calendar year – it makes more sense to observe the weather, using this as your guide. Ayurveda assigns specific characteristics to the weather and associated temperatures. Each stimulates a corresponding Dosha in the human body. To keep the Doshas in balance, Ayurveda advocates a seasonal food and lifestyle routine.
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