First flowers are decorating the soil, sun rays are warming the face, and sounds of chatting birds fill the air. Spring shows its cues, and suddenly the atmosphere seems to be more energetic. While this applies to nature, most of us do not transition that easily from winter to spring. During this time of the year, we might feel tired, heavy, and lack focus.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, the Kapha Dosha dominates the end of February until May in the Northern hemisphere. Giving some extra attention to nourishing this Dosha helps to get into your natural flow and enjoy the treasures of spring.
It provides our body with stability and structure and produces protective mucus layers for our sinuses, stomach, and lungs. Signs of a harmonized Kapha are strength and steadiness and a relaxed and moderate state of being. On the contrary, if the Kapha Dosha is disturbed, you can feel tired, heavy, and lethargic. The activity level is decreasing, and digestion is slowing down. You might find yourself, e.g., with symptoms of cold, sinuses infection, bloating, or allergies.
Especially in spring, with the dominant Kapha Dosha, the risk of those diseases is high. To stay balanced, adapting routines in your lifestyle that focus on stabilizing this Dosha and strengthening your Agni, the digestive fire, is essential.
1. Start your day with 1-2 cups of hot ginger water.
Boil 1.5 liters of water and add three slices of fresh ginger. Boil for 20 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups before breakfast, fill the rest in a thermos flask and consume the rest during the day. Feel free to add some honey (once your tea has cooled down a bit) to boost your metabolism.
2. Eat more green, bitter-tasting vegetables such as spinach and chicory or asparagus and legumes like red lentils or chickpeas.
3. Activate the fire in you with spices like ginger, turmeric, chili, and all sorts of fresh herbs from the garden. Particularly effective are basil, nettle, rosemary, sage, or juniper.
4. Avoid hard-to-digest foods like dairy products and sweets.
5. Move body and mind with Kapha yoga asanas, meditation, breathing exercises, and long walks in the fresh air.
Stand upright, bend your knees and sit down in an invisible chair. Root back firmly into your heels and lift your arms to ear level with your palms facing each other. Try to move down your shoulder blades towards your back and keep your chest broad. Keep drawing in your abdominal muscles to support your back. Breathe deeply.
Choose a comfortable, upright sitting position. Bring your attention to your lower abdomen and inhale deeply through both nostrils. Contract your lower belly, forcing the breath out in a short burst. It should feel strong and powerful. As you quickly release the contraction, your inhalation should be automatic and passive. Focus on the exhale. Start with 20 seconds. Always go at your own pace and never force yourself. Stop if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
This refreshing vegan and gluten-free ARTICHOKE BASIL SPREAD is the perfect spread for spring. The ginger in it activates our digestive fire, artichokes are great to detoxify your liver due to their high fiber, and fresh basil helps to digest well. Moreover, it is an excellent add-on for your ayurvedic Easter Brunch.
I love it on top of homemade Indian fermented masala dosas, together with a kitchary, or to dip veggie sticks. How do you like it? I would love to get your feedback via email or on my Facebookgroup, where I created a space to exchange recipes and Ayurveda Lifestyle insights.
If you are interested in a like-minded community to share your experiences, favorite Ayurveda recipes, and other aspects of integrating Ayurveda in your life, have a look at this community. We share our recipes, questions, and thoughts of our life with Ayurveda and are happy to welcome you there.
Wishing you to spring energized into spring.
Lots of love,
Julia
