Ayurveda provides simple, yet specific guidelines that support our wellness and overall energy. The better we feel, the better we can move forward in the direction of our goals with positivity in our minds and hearts.
In the spring, the atmosphere is moist and warm, which signals to the brain that it is safe to reduce the digestive flame which is strongest in the winter.
This reduction of the digestive fuel can weaken the immune system as we adjust to the seasonal changes.
By tuning into our mind and body, we can better care for ourselves and remain balanced as the seasonal energy continues to shift. What are the signs your body is sending you?
Common signs the body needs help this season:
headaches
fogginess
sniffle-y noses
stuffy heads
allergies
post nasal drip
phlegm
congestion
respiratory imbalances
coughs, colds
ungrounded energy
digestive disturbances
sluggishness, mental heaviness
allergies
Why do we feel more of these symptoms in the spring?
Ayurveda states that like increases like. On Earth we are blessed with the 5 elements; EARTH, WATER, FIRE, SPACE and WIND. The qualities of the spring are associated with WATER and EARTH.
These WATER and EARTH elements are extra active during the spring months, and energetically they are:
Thick
Heavy
Slow
Cool
Soft
Cloudy
Oily
Static
Dense
If we understand that springtime naturally causes excess in some areas, we can pacify and harmonize these imbalances by increasing opposite energies.
To be in the flow with mother nature this season we must open our channels in order to cleanse and release any excess heaviness that may have accumulated in the winter.
In order to rebalance this energy, we must follow the sacred laws of nature and incorporate the opposite energies via diet and other sensory inputs.
Spring Tips for Optimal Energy, Fat Burning Metabolism, Digestion and Flow:
Eat less and eat smaller portions to give your digestion a break
Avoid ice cold drinks because they weaken the digestive “fire”
Reduce or eliminate; heavy, oily, greasy deep fried foods
Reduce or eliminate dairy, which increases sluggishness
Drink hot water throughout the day, which will help open your channels and support detoxification and digestion
Consider a detox (the spring is an optimal season to reset the fat burning metabolism for increased energy)
Honey is a favorable sweetener for the spring (added to warm tea is fine but never to steaming hot tea, which will make it unfavorable to the blood cells)
Eat lighter and consider vegan and vegetarian diets (meats are easier to digest in the winter)
For increased energy, eat 3 nourishing meals with no snacks--this will help you feel lighter as we increase the “air” element
Incorporate leafy greens, which have a scrubbing effect, creating more "space" and less dullness in the colon
Favor: astringent, bitter, and pungent foods, which have a cleansing effect (i.e. cauliflower, broccoli, chillies, kale) and support this reharmonization of the body
Reduce or eliminate: sweet, sour and salty foods, which increase heaviness, swelling, sluggish digestion and respiratory imbalances
This is a fantastic time to incorporate spices in your meals such as cumin, turmeric, garlic, mustard seeds, cinnamon, ginger, fenugreek, practically most spices because they are warming and enhance digestion (fia! - increase the fire element)
Exercise is of incredible value all year long, but it is of immense importance in the spring when sluggishness is common. Exercise helps move lymph fluid, which can only travel with movement. This supports the white blood cells that protect us from pathogenic invaders! Aerobic exercise is optimal.
Mother Nature is always on task to care for us by blooming foods that are naturally intelligent to our needs.
When grocery shopping this season…remember to:
Favor: Light, spicy, bitter, pungent, astringent, and warming foods.
Avoid: Sweet, sour, salty, heavy, deep fried, super oily foods.
Examples of seasonal fruits and vegetables include asparagus, broccoli, greens, butter lettuce, green bell peppers, watercress, strawberries, apricots, pomegranates, dandelions, garlic, celery, kale, parsley, etc.
Generally speaking, drinking hibiscus, dandelion, ginger or cinnamon tea support the cleansing and melting of the winter kapha coat. Ayurveda is big on digestion. During the winter the body tends to accumulate “ama,” or undigested food matter, causing an array of health problems.
The ayurvedic fix is simple: give your digestion a break and your body will heal itself. “A break” can mean eating less, eating well and perhaps even incorporating a simple nourishing detox to reset your system.
Mother Nature is always radiating with beauty and magic. We can learn so much from her. This season we are called to be productive and to plant good seeds for the rest of the year. By taking good care of our physical wellness, we create space for our mind and soul to awaken with new ideas and inspiration.
The ancient science of Ayurveda (which translates to, the science of life) has been around for over 5,000 years. By following the sacred laws of nature, we can heal ourselves and return to living in harmony with the Earth.
Have a beautiful, joyful, productive and harmonious spring my friends.
**NOTE: These are general guidelines for most healthy people. If you have been feeling imbalanced in any way emotionally, mentally or physically, you may need specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to open your channels and unblock the flow of energy. ***
