Spring Cleaning
We hope you have been enjoying the sun last weekend. It was amazing to take off that winter coat. Not only the weight we carried those winter months, but also the internal stagnant energy. How can you follow the natural flow of nature and support your body in the natural occurring detox of spring!
From an Ayurvedic perspective the seasons are important. The start of spring is the best time to support your internal cleansing process. Just like in nature, our body is constantly changing. Just look outside, the birds are chirping away and making nests, leaves are starting to appear, and the flower bulbs are blossoming. It’s time for our human bodies to join in that flow.
You may have some leftover winter blues in your system. You notice that you’re feeling down, tired and suffering from excess mucus or hay fever. How come you can still feel that heaviness in your body? And what can you do about it?
Ayurveda sees everything through the lens of the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, water, and ether. These 5 elements all have “managers”: Vata manages ether and wind, Pitta reigns over fire and water and Kapha is all about earth and water.
The end of winter and start of spring is part of the Kapha season. And Kapha, with the qualities of earth and water, gives the body stability and structure as well as lubrication of bones, muscles, and tissues. When looking at these qualities, you can imagine that excess Kapha can make you feel heavy, tired, low in energy, create colds and excess mucus of fluids. And this “holding on” is visible not only in the body but also in the mind as you hold on rigidly to habits and routines.
In the spring Kapha starts to melt. The sun gains more strength and air is getting warmer. This is the perfect moment for a spring cleanse and to support your body during that natural detox.
5 tips for your spring cleaning
Do the Opposite. Having a hard time getting off the couch? The thought of exercising tires you already? Of course, you can blame Kapha, but the only way out is to stimulate your senses and your body. To balance excess Kapha your use opposite qualities. So instead of heavy, cold, and oily foods, switch to light, dry and warming meals.
Move. Add exercise to your daily routine, preferably in the morning. During your yoga practice focus on postures that open up and create space in the Kapha area like the lungs and upper part of the torso.
Warming Spices. This is the season to add spicy flavors of chili, ginger, cinnamon, cumin and black pepper to your food. It will support your digestive fire. Avoid yoghurt and limit dairy, as it can create extra mucus.
Dry Brushing. Before hitting the shower in the morning, use a dry brush to stimulate the blood and lymphatic flow.
See the Sun Rise. Feeling down and out? Take a stroll in the morning and watch the rising sun. A small reminder that you can start again every day.
Thanks to Janneke Schuurman.