Ok, we are coming into Spring, which in Ayurveda is the Kapha season. It is really important to change our routines in small ways to honor the shift in the seasons which also affects us, because if you don't already know, we are part of nature. There is no separation. When we can honor that, and make the seasonal changes like everything else in nature does, we are naturally more healthy and balanced. For those of you who experience spring allergies, this is extra important.
In the area where I currently live, the Pacific Northwest, we have had an unusually warmer January with less rain and I am seeing so many people with Vata Kapha issues right now due to the weird winter trying to turn to spring then back to winter before spring again. So, what does entering the Kapha season of spring mean, besides meaning that which flourishes in water? It means that most of us have gathered some Kapha we didn't mean to over the winter, and it means there are some general guidelines that we can all start shifting toward. However, if you have read my previous posts you know that general guidelines are not for everyone.
So, without further adieu, here are some general guidelines for transitioning between winter and spring:
This is an ideal time for a cleanse, an Ayurvedic cleanse, not the fad cleanses that are everywhere. Please remember fad cleanses are new, Ayurvedic cleanses are ancient.
More movement.
Transition from heavier foods to lighter foods.
Less fats: natural, fried, and processed.
Less heavy and extra-watery foods.
You know those steak and potato meals you love - less of them.
Instead of favoring Sweet, Sour, and Salty tastes for fall to winter, start having more of the Pungent (spicy), Bitter, and Astringent tastes (Don't worry - I will add a lit of recommendations)
Spices: Start incorporating more black pepper, pippali/long pepper, ginger (dry and fresh), mustard, garlic, onions, cayenne pepper, etc. Spice for kapha season does not just mean spicy hot herbs and sauces, but these specific spices.
Light breakfast, largest meal is lunch, dinner is light.
Drink warm water (rather than iced, cold, or room - if room is cold).
If your body can handle it, beans and legumes and some fish more than meat and seafood.
As long as Vata isn't aggravated add more bitter veggies like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, etc.).
Poached or hard-boiled eggs are great for this season.
Cook more with water rather than so much oil or ghee.
Minimize dairy. If you have to consume dairy have it warm with some turmeric or ginger to make it less congesting.
Eliminate all iced products: ice cold beverages, ice cream, popsicles, chilled drinks, etc.
Reflect on your Self-Abhyanga - is it beneficial, or adding too much Kapha right now?
What can you enjoy more of you might ask? Check it out...so much:
Fruits: lemons, limes, bitter apples, raisins, cranberries, pomegranates
Veggies: artichoke, asparagus, bell peppers, cruciferous vegetables (as long as no excess Vata), carrots, celery, collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, radishes, spinach, turnips
Grains: basmati rice (not jasmine, brown, etc.), amaranth, barley, buckwheat, millet, dry oats (not cooked - that's for Vata), quinoa, seitan, tapioca
Legumes: aduki, black beans, black-eyed peas, kidney, lima, lentil, miso, mung, navy, pinto, white
Seeds: pumpkin, sunflower,
Animal products: eggs, freshwater fish, poultry, shrimp, venison
Oils: flax, mustard, safflower, sunflower, ghee
And there are those cautionary tales:
If you have a Kapha imbalance/Vikruti, then these recommendations are EXTRA important.
If you have a Pitta imblance/Vikruti, please be careful with these Kapha recommendations as they can aggravate your current state. Less fats, less oils, but be really careful with the spices. Feel free to reach out if you want more info.
If you have a Vata imbalance/Vikruti feel free to add in those warming spices, and simply moderate the fats and oils - which you need. Less cruciferous vegetables and only specific beans/legumes (yellow mung are wonderful).
We want more reduction during kapha season rather than nourishing, as that is for vata season. This is the natural cleansing process to prepare us for summer.
So, in short:
EAT LIGHT, MOVE MORE, AND SPEND TIME GROUNDING, ROOTING, AND CALMING YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Happy Spring!
***Contact me if you want guidance for a spring Ayurvedic cleanse.