Support your body & mind as we transition into spring with these 5 tips for balancing your doshas!

As we transition between seasons, our energies can change in ways that impact both our mental and physical health. The Ayurvedic tradition recognizes the close connections between the natural world and our bodies, and provides guidance for managing seasonal transitions in a manner that supports our health and wellness.

For example, as we move into the spring, we are experiencing influence from the elements of earth and water as the restful season of winter begins to transition into the more energetic summer months. In the spring, this transition may result in feelings of slowness, heaviness, or coolness. Spring is associated with the Kapha dosha, which has a moist and cool nature. Here are a few tips for keeping our energies balanced during this transitional time of year, according to Ayurvedic philosophy:

1.) Recognize

As we move into springtime, the body receives mixed signals from nature. At its core, our body is in tune with the shift in the energy of nature at a cellular level. When the body understands that the days are getting hotter, it begins a natural detox. Unlike winter, which is a Vata-aggravating season, spring is characterized by Kapha qualities. We tend to eat more during winter because the body needs additional nourishment. Whereas, in spring, the body prepares to get rid of the extra ama that has been built up during the winter months. A self-referral process is very important here to understand our flaws and how to make little corrections daily.

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Overeating during the holidays in winter and poor eating habits combined with the toxins that enter your body through food, air, water, chemicals, etc. leads to the dampening of agni, your digestive fire, and further encourages the buildup of ama in the body. A weak agni can lead to sluggishness, extra weight, family pressures, financial stress, concerns about your family’s health, and then to a buildup of emotional and physical ama.

Undigested material which is essentially ama, ends up being stored in our body on a cellular level and in the circulatory and microcirculatory channels. This ama in the Srotas, or channels, slows down essential bodily functions including digestion assimilation, and elimination.

That’s where Ayurvedic principles give us a solution. According to Ayurveda, given a chance, the body will detox naturally. It is the body’s innate nature to detox and get rid of excess ama.

2. Release

The bodies of animals in nature are already connected to the changes in seasons. Ayurveda teaches us to live in tandem with the laws of the universe. It honors the changes that take place within you as the seasons change and understands that the body needs to shift gears and perform different functions as the seasons begin to transition.

It is crucial to tune into the transition of the season and recognize the need to incorporate changes in your diet as we move into the fickle hot-and-cold days.

3.) Rejuvenate

The sunlight and warmth return during the spring. As nature releases its lethargy, we find ourselves wanting to get rid of unwanted items and create a new space. Ayurveda understands that this is a deeply-seated tendency that is significant for the body. It is a powerful natural movement that is also a physiological tendency to clean out all the excess ama.

According to Ayurveda, it is crucial to take time out to slow down, relax and rejuvenate at the turn of the seasons. Ideally, a complete detoxification and rejuvenation regime of Panchakarma should be undertaken to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit. Once the body undergoes a complete detox, the Panchakarma treatment regime is designed to replenish your body with the right nutrients. Under the guided eye of professional Ayurvedic doctors, you can undergo a complete detoxification routine at least twice a year.

Apart from setting aside a few days for cleansing and rejuvenation, it is also important to incorporate more regular rituals into your routine, especially during spring. The key is to set up a routine, or dinacharya, conducive to the Kapha season.

4.) Rebirth

Spring is about rebirth. Tap into the natural urge to cleanse and clear out your life during springtime. Cleanse your clutter and create a space for rebirth. It is a way for your body to break out of its current patterns and embrace change. Make sure that you get rid of old products during this time as well. Cleansing and rejuvenation are not necessarily limited to your body but also your devices and relationships.

Declutter your workspace and living space. With the advent of spring, freshen up your surroundings and prepare your mind and body for a journey of transformation.

Removing unwanted and unnecessary objects from your surroundings is an act of detoxification. Not only is it physically healthy to wipe down and dust off all the bacteria taking up space in the house, but also mentally refreshing. Your mind becomes more sharp and focused when you work and live in a clean, clutter-free zone.

5.) Breathwork

Spring is the time when different tracts in your body need cleansing. Nothing is more cleansing and rejuvenating than a deep belly breath. Pranayama is an all-encompassing Ayurvedic technique of breathing that helps clear out the nostrils, fires up digestion, boosts energy levels, and awakens the senses. Pranayama coupled with basic yoga such as sun salutations early in the morning can help you connect with nature and tune into the dialogue that your body is trying to strike with you.

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