Spring Wellness

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 recommends 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. Its qualities are heavy, dull, cold, wet and slow. Kapha lubricates the joints but too much accumulation can create excess mucus in the body. The seat of Kapha sits 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.

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. 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.
• With this excess mucus production we can see hay fever symptoms increase. Nasya oil is great to include during Spring time to help in preventing hay fever and reduce symptoms.
• 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 (HIT).
  
  

Movement can be particularly enjoyable during spring as the weather becomes more inviting. Activities such as walking, yoga, strength training, dancing or outdoor exercise can help you reconnect with your body and bring more energy into your daily routine.

The Ayurvedic approach is not about following a rigid seasonal checklist. It is about becoming more aware of how your environment, routines, food choices and activity levels influence how you feel. Your needs may also differ depending on your constitution, lifestyle and individual circumstances.

Bringing Spring Into Your Routine

A seasonal wellness routine can be simple. You might begin your morning with a few minutes of meditation, follow it with gentle or moderate movement, and choose a warm breakfast that feels satisfying without being overly heavy.

During the day, prioritise nourishing meals, regular movement and time outdoors. As evening arrives, gradually reduce stimulation and give yourself an opportunity to rest.

Spring wellness is ultimately about creating a sense of lightness and renewal. By paying attention to seasonal changes and making small adjustments to food, movement and daily rituals, you can use this transition as an opportunity to refresh your routine and reconnect with your overall wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kapha season in Ayurveda?

In Ayurvedic tradition, spring is associated with Kapha, which combines the qualities of earth and water. Traditional Ayurvedic practices focus on lighter foods, stimulating spices and increased activity during this season.

What foods are traditionally recommended in spring Ayurveda?

Ayurvedic spring recommendations commonly emphasise lighter, warm and freshly prepared foods, along with pungent, bitter and astringent flavours. Individual dietary needs can vary.

Is spring a good time to exercise more?

Spring can be a motivating time to increase movement, particularly as outdoor conditions become more comfortable. Choose activities that suit your fitness level and health needs rather than increasing intensity suddenly.

What is the purpose of seasonal routines?

Seasonal routines are intended to encourage awareness of changes in the environment and create supportive habits around food, sleep, movement and relaxation. Ayurveda approaches these practices as part of maintaining balance throughout the year.

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. Next year she will be going to India to further her passion and knowledge of Ayurveda and to delve even deeper into the wisdom that is Ayurveda.

Image source:
aistesaulyte.co.uk