Welcoming Spring (Kapha season), the Ayurvedic Way

Kapha dosha embraces the elements of earth & water. Its qualities are heavy, wet, solid, dense, cloudy, dull, cool, smooth, soft & stable. To counter the negative aspects of Kapha we want to think & do the opposite of these qualities.

Lighten up the diet.
Exercise & stimulating activities.
Daily routine.
Dry sauna.
De-clutter.
Energetically warm essential oils: clove, cinnamon, juniper & eucalyptus.
Avoid napping.

Signs of Kapha imbalance: excess phlegm, overweight, sluggish, unmotivated, mucus in poop, depressed, stubborn & allergies.

Balanced Kapha: nurturing, thoughtful, patient, strong & sleep well.

Preferred tastes for spring: astringent, bitter & pungent.

Tastes to reduce during Spring: sweet, sour & salty. They increase the negative qualities of Kapha.

Your Spring Menu: greens, green tea, cooked vegetables, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, barley, millet, legumes & raw honey.

Foods to lighten up on: meat, dairy, wheat, white rice, soy, bananas, avocados, melon, cucumbers, squash, sugary foods, oils, processed foods, breads & nuts.

Digestive Teas Ideas

Equal parts cumin, coriander & fennel.

Sliced fresh ginger & lemon.

Cinnamon, cardamom & nutmeg.

*other herbs/spices to include: pepper, basil, chamomile, garlic, horseradish, parsley, sage, thyme, turmeric. Avoid bland food which creates mucus & use less salt to avoid water retention.

To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art. - La Rochefoucauld

YOGA for stimulating Kapha dosha & optimum digestion:

Hope Buchbinder of Modern Embodiment recommends balancing the sluggish qualities of Kapha by enlivening with vigorous movement & deep abdominal breathing. Energizing postures include: standing poses, inversions, & backbends. Digestion is enhanced by incorporating postures which open the abdominal space, release tension in organs and connective tissues, & bring us into balance with the parasympathetic nervous system.

ASANA

“Skull Shining” Breath
Child’s Pose
Crescent
Sun Salutes
Twisting Lunges
Twisted Wide-Leg Forward Bend
Side Angle
Triangle
Belly-Down Backbends
Forward Bend with fists in belly
Half Lord of the Fishes
Bridge
Belly-Revolving Pose
Happy Baby
Reclined Bound Angle

Health Tips

Welcoming Spring (Kapha season), the Ayurvedic Way