Ayurveda identifies three different Doshas or fundamental body types: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These are at work everywhere in nature, and also in our physiology. For good and healthy functioning of mind and body it is important that these three doshas are in balance.
Many factors influence the balance of these doshas, such as our daily work, our diet, and the seasons. When the days gradually start to lengthen and the first signs of spring appear – that is the start of Kapha time, according to Ayurvedic teaching. With the onset of the warmer spring weather, the Kapha that has accumulated in the body begins to liquefy. It is then distributed throughout the body, it disturbs agni (the digestive fire), and this can lead to various health disorders, especially colds and other respiratory problems.
Ayurvedic Spring Time Eating Tips
In spring it is important to follow a light diet and to strengthen the digestion. In the morning the digestion is still weak, and heavy foods will overload the body, resulting in an accumulation of partially digested metabolic products. Breakfast should therefore be light, and one particularly suitable drink is Kapha Tea with lemon and honey. (The honey should not be added until the tea is cool enough to drink; according to Ayurveda, honey should not be heated).
Immediately before meals drink some ginger tea. The main meal should be at midday, as the digestive power is strongest then. The right amount to eat is: half of the stomach should be filled with solid food, one quarter with liquid, and the remaining quarter should be empty. Then the stomach is in a position to digest the food properly. At lunchtime Ayurveda recommends a glass of lassi. This yogurt drink supports the intestinal flora and improves digestive function.
Hot water with ginger, taken throughout the day, strengthens the digestive power and helps the body to make better use of the food. The evening meal should not be taken too late. It is best to have easily digestible, warm foods such as vegetable soup or rice soup.
Physical exercise
Regular, light exercise is important in spring, for example cycling, walking, and gentle jogging. The Ayurvedic rule is: one should exercise up to only 50% of one’s own capacity. A brisk walk in the fresh air is always good. Don’t forget to take a scarf and something to cover your head. The long-awaited warm weather should not tempt you into wearing clothes that are too summery. Warm clothing still applies.
Some general tips
One should eat only when hungry. Do without snacks between meals. If you feel hungry you can drink fruit juice or eat some sweet fruit. Do not eat until the last meal is completely digested (after about 3-5 hours).
Spring Time is a great time to go to an Ayurvedic Spa for auyurvedic body treatments like: Abhyanga massage, shirodara, pizichilli or if you have the time it is great to go to a center which provides a full panchakarma experience which is the ultimate in detoxification.
Top Ayurvedic Spas:
Chopra Center for Wellbeing located at the La Costa Resort,
Carlsbad, CA
The Raj Ayurvedic Health Spas
Fairfield, IA
The Ayurvedic Institute
Albuerque, NM
Hanalei Day Spa Hanalei, Kauai, HI
