As the world awakens from the slumber of winter, nature begins to burst with new life and energy. In Ayurveda, this time of year corresponds to Kapha season. This typically spans from late winter to early spring, bringing with it a sense of grounding and resilience. This is a time when the elements of earth and water dominate, creating a fertile ground for new beginnings and fresh perspectives. Enter Spring: a time of renewal, growth, and rejuvenation.

The Essence of kapha season

As we move into the winter season, there’s an intricate interplay of energies that takes place. Early winter arrives with the crisp winds and dryness associated with Vata Dosha. Gradually, the season transitions towards Kapha’s territory, bringing colder temperatures and increased moisture. With the arrival of spring, that heaviness of winter slowly melts away, making way for a gentler, lighter energy. This liquefying quality that comes with the arrival of spring also has an impact on our bodies. Accumulated toxins are dissolved and discarded, excess mucus is liquified and expelled and stored adipose tissue is scraped and eliminated.

This shift from the heaviness of winter to the lightness of spring emphasizes the importance of aligning ourselves with nature’s rhythms. By understanding these seasonal changes, we can support our bodies in this process. Adapting our routines to maintain balance and vitality throughout the winter months then allows us to seamlessly ease into the renewal of spring.

During Kapha season, there is a natural tendency towards lethargy and stagnation. Days can feel heavier and motivation might decrease, ushering in a time of cocooning with quiet evenings and cozy blankets. This season brings about a natural desire to slow down and conserve energy, so it’s normal to down-shift and recharge.

That is when the stimulating energy of Spring comes in. Everything in nature starts coming to life and so do we. That is the beauty of living with the seasons: being able to harness each season’s energy and embrace their qualities for our well-being.

Embracing Nature’s Cycle

Living with the seasons was a common practice in ancient times and people lived intimately with these seasonal changes. Winter meant a time for gathering close to hearths, consuming heartier, warming foods, and engaging in activities that conserve energy. At the same time, spring’s return was a collective sigh of relief, a time to shed heavy layers, embrace the invigorating sun, and sow seeds for future crops. This cyclical existence nurtured a deep respect for nature’s power and a recognition of the interconnectedness between humans and their environment.

Today, it is as important as ever to integrate these old standards into our routines and rituals. By aligning with the rhythms of nature, we can harness the transformative power of this season to revitalize our body, mind, and spirit.

Whoever wishes to investigate medicine properly should proceed thus in the first place to consider the seasons of the year and what effect each of them produces.

Hippocrates

Regardless of your predominant dosha, you are bound to notice certain shifts in energy during winter. Our bodies tend to retain more water, you can experience signs of congestion, colds and an excessive accumulation of mucus. It is also a time where allergies tend to spike up. The characteristic stagnant quality of Kapha can also be seen in an accumulation of toxins over the winter season, brain fog, melancholy or depression and a general lack of motivation. Recognizable? 

Spring renewal practices

A big part of aligning with the season’s rhythm is making small adjustments to our routines and rituals. This time should focus on rejuvenating, cleansing, and energizing practices that will support the body in making the transition to the warmer season. Let’s look at a series of invigorating practices that you can easily incorporate into your day to regulate moisture levels in the body, open up channels for purification, and energize body, mind and soul.

Cleanse

• Use a dry brush or chickpea flour to massage your body. This helps move excess lymph and improves blood circulation.
• Follow a monodiet cleanse that helps restore balance to the doshas and boost metabolism.
• Favor astringent and bitter tastes as these have detoxifying properties and help scrape away fat and toxins.
• Add herbs and spices to your diet that help stimulate metabolism and improve elimination like black pepper, mustard seeds, ginger, and basil.

Rejuvenate

• Do Abhyanga with a Kapha balancing oil like Osi Oils Rejuvenate to nourish your body and soothe the nervous system.
• Incorporate a meditation practice, even a short one, to rejuvenate the mind and soul.
• (re)Connect with the ones close to you and engage in creative activities

Energize

• Get your body out of winter hibernation by waking up earlier, ideally before 6 am.
• Do some form of stimulating exercise and get some sun on your face if it’s possible.
• Switch hearty meals for light, fresh foods that are gentler on your digestion.
• Use intoxicating smells to energize your soul. Choose essential oils like rosewood, peppermint, or eucalyptus.

As you navigate through this season, remember to listen to your body and honor its needs. Embrace practices that bring warmth, lightness, and vitality into your life. Take time to reflect, recharge, and connect with the natural world around you. Remember, this season of renewal is meant to nurture yourself, embrace change, and welcome the fresh energy that Kapha season brings. 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.

picture: Andreea Juganaru