Your Ayurvedic Guide to Spring…
Happy Spring! 
Nourishing rains are beginning to fall, saturating the earth, and the landscape is becoming a wellspring of life. 
It’s a season of birth, new beginnings, growth, and renewal. Seeds are germinating, flowers budding, leaves unfurling, and our physiology senses a natural opportunity for a fresh, clean start.
In the ancient medicinal school of Ayurveda, Spring is characterized by warmth, moisture, heaviness, and softness, aligning closely with the “Kapha” dosha (or constitution). In Sanskrit, the word “Kapha” means “that which flourishes in water”. 
The following are a few of Ayurveda’s best tips for balancing Kapha, and supporting the natural processes of cleansing and renewal that take place in the Spring:
Shift your diet toward lighter, drier foods with bitter or astringent qualities that are easy to digest. This helps to regulate moisture levels and open the channels for elimination. 
Think fresh fruit, bitter greens, steamed vegetables, legumes, garlic, herbs and spices. 
Consider a cleanse or a fast, if that is in your practice. 
Spring is the ideal time of year to detox the body of any congestion or toxins that you’ve accumulated through the Winter.
Gently and intentionally expand your yoga or exercise practice. Spring is a time for growth, so trying something new or increasing the intensity of your workouts is a great way to take advantage of this. Consider biking, jogging, or hiking! 
If you practice yoga, emphasize poses that help to cleanse the lungs, open the heart, and support digestion and detoxification. Warriors One and Two, Cobra, Bow, and Supine Twists are all great poses to incorporate. 
According to some teachers, Pranayama (breath work) alone can be enough to rid the body of impurities. Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath) and Bhastrika (Bellows Breath) are both types of breath work that bring a sense of lightness to the mind and help to cleanse the body. 
Finally, Spring is good time to escape the status quo and engage with your creativity. Try something new, embrace a sense of play and adventure, and make the most of the natural vibration of joy and inspiration that’s in the air. 
