The science of Ayurveda is great and ancient, although it is not commonly known amongst most people. In short, Ayurveda is an alternative medicine system that originated in India. This type of traditional medicine aims to holistically treat and heal not only the body but also the mind and spirit. This is can be achieved by changing your lifestyle - including your diet, the way to exercise, meditate and breathe.
What Dominant Dosha Type Are You?
Ayurveda differentiates between three different elements: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Together, they form the five different elements:
Vata: air and space
Pitta: fire and water
Kapha: water and earth
Even though we all contain these elements within us, most of the time one of the three is most dominant in determining our physical and mental state. Finding out which one of the Doshas fits you best can be very worthwhile, as the right ayurvedic diet and lifestyle can guide you towards a more balanced life. Luckily these tests are available everywhere online, such as this one (in Dutch) or this one (in English).
The Doshas are also prominent factors throughout the seasons. The forever changing weather, temperature and transitions influence all of us differently. For example, if you have a lot of fire within you, such as the Pitta type, you might feel unbalanced when hotter seasons start, whereas Kapha-types thoroughly enjoy the sunny seasons. The wisdom of Ayurveda knows how important the transitions between seasons are. In Ayurveda, we leave certain lifestyles and habits behind as the seasons change.
So what does this mean? Let’s have a look at our current seasonal transitions.
Ayurvedic Spring
Now that the trees are becoming greener and greener, the flowers are blooming and the sun is making a more frequent appearance- our lives are starting to shift again. Temperatures are shifting from cold to comfortably warm. Perfect conditions for the earth to soak up all the recent rainfall and moisture to create beautiful fields in blossom. This gentle stirring of nature around us all affects us deeply. Our bodies sense a new, fresh and clean start. The mood seems to lighten and our skin is starting to glow again. After a long and dark winter season, most of us start to feel truly awake again when Spring arrives.
However, Spring is not the best season for everyone, as it can trigger heaviness and seasonal irritants, such as hay fever. Spring is normally characterized by the reoccurrence of warmth, moisture, and palpable softness. A gentle season with nurturing aspects, a season that seems to pass slower than others as it softly melts from Winter into Summer. Luckily, our daily (ayurvedic) routines can play a huge role in making the shift of seasons as comfortable as possible, whether you’re more a Kapha, Pitta or Vata dominant type!
It’s Kapha-season
If one element was most in touch with Spring, it would be Kapha. In Sanskrit Kapha means “That which flourishes in water”, and as this season is highly characterized by soft showers of rain, this is a very suitable season for those who are mostly Kapha. Spring increases Kapha, which means that also those with more Pitta and Vata-dominant characteristics enjoy more Kapha-virtues. When Kapha is in balance, you will feel strong, composed, and stable - and these great Spring weather conditions will make that possible. In Winter, we got used to staying home, sleeping, and eating more. If we continue those traits through springtime, we could be at risk of unbalancing our Kapha. This can result in heaviness in your body and you might feel more sleepy, dull, or even depressed. This could include gaining weight, retention of water, and feeling heaviness in your limbs.
That’s why it’s important to really shake off your winter coat, to rid yourself of excess Kapha.
Here are some tips that could help you there:
Get into a rhythm and daily routine. The right rhythm can help you gradually lighten up - both physically and emotionally!
Eat lighter foods at regular intervals during the day. Foods that are easy to digest will keep you energized, and make sure to wait at least 3 hours in between your meals! Make sure to steer away from foods that increase Kapha, such as dairy products and iced foods and drinks. Also, Oily and fried foods will make you feel heavier, so make sure to keep them away from your diet this season.
Add herbs such as Triphala, Turmeric, Ginger, Talisadi, and Nasya Oil. A combination of these can help prevent springtime colds and allergies while boosting your immune system.
Connect to nature. Spring is a beautiful season, everything is rebirthing around you. Make sure to be outside enough to witness and appreciate it.
Practice yoga and breathwork. By circulating your breath (prana) properly, you will be able to strengthen your lungs and clearing your head. Finding this conscious relaxation will be incredibly fruitful all year round, but especially in Spring - when everything around you seems to transition.
Slow down. Make sure to simplify your life and turn off your technical devices every now and then. Without endless notifications to scroll past on your phone, you will be able to rest your mind a bit. Maybe go on a retreat or spend a weekend with a loved one. Focus on creating a more positive space in your life.
If you’re able to integrate these changes carefully into your Spring routine, you will be able to get the most out of this season. And don’t forget: enjoy!
