Spring Health & Recipes

Springtime—the season of rebirth, new life, and growth. After the cold and dark of winter, spring is quite literally that breath of fresh air we have been waiting for.

In Ayurveda, spring is considered kapha season and is especially marked by this dosha's characteristics—particularly in the form of wet weather, lingering cold, and the softness and growth we see around us.

These qualities aren't isolated to the natural world—as Nature transforms and transitions into the next season, we are also deeply affected by this change. Kapha can also increase within our own physiology, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

And for most of us, a bit of kapha accumulation after the long winter comes with the territory, which may only increase as we march steadily into the kapha season.

How can we ensure that excess kapha is balanced so we aren't riddled with health frustrations throughout the season? Ayurveda's answer is simple—focus on balancing excess kapha through daily routine and diet.

These articles focus on doing just that so you can stay balanced, healthy, and vibrant and enjoy all that this beautiful season has to offer. Knowing this inherent connection between kapha and spring, it will come as no surprise that there is often an overlap with kapha and spring in these article topics. But all doshas will find helpful tips and insights to make the most of this season.

A Spring Diet

Nature, in her infinite wisdom, provides us with what we need to align our meals with the season. Many of the fresh produce have bitter, astringent, and pungent tastes that naturally balance out kapha—for example, think of green onions, which are slightly pungent, and arugula, which is bitter, pungent, and astringent.

Stroll through your local farmer's market to see the foods of spring in your area. As you prepare your meals, focus on incorporating as many fresh foods as you can. Some examples of spring seasonal foods include strawberries, artichokes, asparagus, spring greens, and sprouts.

How you incorporate these seasonal foods is the fun part! These articles and recipes are full of inspiration to help you fill your plates with delicious, healthy, and seasonally appropriate meals. And just because they are healthy doesn't mean they can't double as perfect springtime party foods to share with friends and loved ones!

A Spring Routine

Your daily routine is one of the best ways balance your doshas throughout the year, and by making seasonal adjustments, you can keep all three doshas balanced and in harmony.

Knowing kapha has the qualities of slow, cold, and wet, you can bring in movement, warmth, and dryness into your day to counterbalance kapha. To take this out of the abstract and into application, this could mean enjoying more invigorating exercise and practicing a faster-paced abhyanga (or self-massage with oil) while using a kapha-balancing herbal massage oil. Enjoy activities that are stimulating and inspiring to keep your mind active, and align your routine to match the circadian rhythm around you—for example, don't oversleep (which increases kapha), and wake up by or before 6 a.m.

Of course, these are only a few examples. These articles hold more tips and inspiration to keep kapha and all your doshas happy throughout spring. Happy reading!