Kathryn Herbert, YogaFit®’s Master Trainer of Ayurveda, offers some simple tips to help you welcome the refreshing new Spring season. Namaste!
Spring represents renewal, growth, and creation. It’s also the ideal time to cleanse both your mind and body, much like a spring cleaning for the home. In the Ayurvedic practice, Spring is associated with kapha dosha, which is formed from the union of water and earth. Just as water nourishes the earth to promote growth, this season helps us sow the seeds of change in our lives.
However, when there is excess water and poor drainage, we’re left with stagnation—both in nature and in our bodies. This buildup can result in congestion, mucus, and fat accumulation. Stagnant kapha also dulls the senses, clouds the mind, and creates fertile ground for bacteria and viruses to thrive.
To clear this stagnation, Ayurveda offers cleansing methods like Panchakarma, but they should only be done under expert supervision. Instead, you can try safe and effective actions to balance kapha and bring vitality back into your body.
1. Fasting
Try a 24-hour fast, a 3-7 day fresh juice fast, or a 7-10 day mono-food fast to reset digestion. This helps clear kapha from the stomach and aids in tissue regeneration. Purium products, like those found at mypurium.com (use code: 1MAHAT for $50 off), can help simplify your fasting journey.
2. Food as Medicine
Eliminate heavy, sticky winter foods such as grains, meats, and sugary items, which can create toxin buildup. Opt for bitter, astringent, and pungent foods like spring greens, sprouts, lentils, and beans to clear excess kapha. Season your meals with fresh herbs and spices like cayenne and pepper for additional benefits.
3. Kitchen Remedies
Your kitchen can be a pharmacy! Here are a couple of powerful Ayurvedic remedies:
- Licorice Tea: Licorice cleanses mucus and supports the stomach. Simply mix 1/4 teaspoon of licorice powder (for children) or 1/2 teaspoon (for adults) in warm water and sip slowly.
- Clove Toothpaste: Clove is antiseptic and fights bacteria. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 4 drops of clove oil. Brush your teeth with this mix for clean, white teeth and healthy gums.
Incorporating these Ayurvedic practices into your routine this Spring will help you feel renewed and balanced. To deepen your understanding of how the body works and enhance your practice, consider exploring Yoga anatomy courses to align both mind and body.
For more insights, visit yogafit.com.
