If you prescribe to the ancient Indian system of health known as Ayurveda, now is the time of year that we shift from Vata to Kapha. The seasons of Ayurveda coincide with changes Mother Nature bestows upon us.
Vata is the time from Fall through early Winter and Kapha (pronounced Kah-fa) encompasses late winter through spring.
Kapha season is defined as cold, cool and wet; with wetness prevailing as its most distinctive characteristic. We all experience the influence of Kapha differently but, rest assured, you will feel its impact. The trick to finding balance begins with awareness of the characteristics of the season and how they may show up for you.
For example, Kapha characteristically promotes groundedness and steady feelings. While winter is a time for introspection and hibernation, if the body has too much Kapha, it will tend to be sluggish and congested. You may find yourself more prone to hitting the “snooze” button or feeling continually “stuffed up.”
Here are a few tips to help you keep Kapha in check:
- Have a cup of hot water first thing in the morning to clear excess Kapha for the day ahead. Warm ginger tea throughout the day will strengthen your agni, or digestive fire. I keep a small thermos of hot tea with me for sipping throughout the day.
- Kapha can slow the digestive process. A walk of 100 – 1000 steps after meals will aid digestion. You can also lean to the left while sitting or lay on your left side to expedite digestion.
- Use a Nasal Rinse: Neti is a nasal rinse with a mineral salt solution delivered using a Neti Pot. It does wonders to reduce – and even eliminate – seasonal allergies and congestion. Along with strengthening agni, neti is a great preventative practice to ward off springtime colds. Neti is meant to keep the nasal passages toned to prevent congestive issues. It is not meant for curing a condition once it has developed.
- Massage—whether you practice the Ayurvedic self massage (Abhyanga, or, external oleation) or receive a professional massage from me, you are treating your largest organ (the skin) with oil, nurturing your body, enhancing longevity, supporting your immune system, and helping move metabolic wastes out of your tissues. Massage may also help with sleeplessness and anxiety.
- Eat foods that favor the season of Kapha: Hot ginger tea taken at meals will help wake up dulled taste buds and can make digestion more efficient. Eat lots of vegetables, beans are particularly Kapha-friendly (with the exception of soy beans) and fruits like apples, pears, cranberries. Limit your consumption of red meat and dairy.
Namaste!