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The one thing that’s permanent in this world is change. The more we can accept change the more peacefully we can move through life. Ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India), curates our diet and activities to naturally align harmoniously with the change of season. The practice allows us to make health-related decisions that correspond to the fluctuations in weather. Seasonal routines help us reduce and eliminate accumulated toxins that amassed throughout the previous season. However, when we meet change with resistance then imbalance prevails and
our health becomes compromised.
I have found that the people who are most healthy always comply with the reality of weather. They don’t complain of days being too cold or hot, too rainy or dry but tend to rejoice in something lovely that occurs within their day. People of this nature have always inspired me to make healthier routines when approaching a new season.
Because we are moving into spring, and its vata dosha qualities, I wanted to outline a few helpful Ayurvedic routines for the health issues that arise in our lives at this time of year. Spring is predominately characterized by the qualities of vata dosha which are mobility, subtlety, dryness, lightness, roughness and coolness. These qualities are present in spring’s expressions of gusty winds, fluctuating temperatures, and allergens released into to the air. Within the body, vata is responsible for all movements such as heart rate, circulation, elimination, and respiration. These key functions are influenced by weather and seasonal qualities which can provoke imbalance. If an individual accumulates an overabundance of data qualities they may become vulnerable to getting scratchy sore throats, issues brought on from pollen related
allergens, feeling bloated, ongoing insomnia, or a low-grade fever.
In order to avoid these vata imbalances I have outlined a few basic ayurvedic routines as we approach spring. Ayurveda suggests that we align with activities and foods that have qualities opposite to the characteristics of the current season. So, instead of light, dry or raw foods we should be gravitating towards warm, nourishing naturally sweet fare. The suggested guidelines below will provide radical benefits for a healthy integration into the coming season. As much as you can, practice each routine with focus and consistency so you can observe the impact of
each activity. ”
Diet
Favor
soft, warm, well cooked foods such as
soups consisting of various root
vegetables
Eat at set meal times every day and
make lunch the largest meal of the day.
Meals should consist mostly of foods
that are properly sautéed and served
warm such as: asparagus, carrots, green
beans, sweet potato, beets, cabbage,
oats, rice, and lentils. For carnivores:
duck, salmon, and tuna are permissible.
Avoid
foods that are predominately raw, such
as large salads or snacks of uncooked
veggies.
beans of all types, tempeh, raw onion,
dried fruit such as dates, figs, and
apples.
overly dry foods such as, crackers, cereals,
pretzels, and unpeeled almonds. Also avoid
too much caffeine.
Lifestyle
Favor
Rise early with the sun which starts to break
into day at an increasingly earlier time.
Use warm sesame oil for a self massage prior
to bathing. This will keep the skin fresh and
well hydrated, preserving a healthy tone and
luster.
Visit a sauna once a week to sweat and heat
the body
On warmer less windy days find time to
sunbath for 10-15 minutes.
Reserve time to avoid excessive talking and
observe sacred silence for an extended
period of time.
Designate 10-20 minutes at dawn or dusk to
meditate on deep breathing.
Avoid
Excessive travel.
Irregular schedule patterns with too
many overwhelming obligations.
Irregular sleeping routines.
Too much time on the internet, phone,
TV, or any other electronic stimulant.
Too much physical exertion when
hungry.
Suppressing natural urges to use the
bathroom, coughing, yawning, or
sneezing.
Herbal Remedies
Herb
Fresh ginger, lemon, and raw honey tea
Benefit
for elimination of accumulated toxins and
for improving immunity.
Herb
Turmeric. Can be taken in a tea or as a
spice in meals.
Benefit
Turmeric is used to maintain healthy
circulation and clean digestion.
Herb
Holy Basil or Tulsi
Benefit
Highly beneficial herb for improving
respiration and defense again allergies
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