It is definitely springtime! What do you experience when you step outside? Is the morning temperature cool? Can you feel the earth’s moisture and “gooeyness” that comes with the season and all of its rain? Do you sense a “heaviness” in the air?
Here is a little background to help explain what Ayurveda calls “Kapha”…
Ayurveda recognizes that everything is energy. (Just like Einstein!) The ancient science categorizes universal energies into three major units—that which moves (Vata), that which transforms (Pitta) and that which builds and holds together (Kapha). These biological energies exist in the world around you as they exist in every cell in your body. Conventional medicine might refer to them as catabolic, metabolic and anabolic functions, but Ayurveda understands them to be a lot more.
Vata, Pitta and Kapha ebb and flow to create the world as you know it. Inside your body, they come together to provide your structure; your ability to digest food and thoughts; and your ability to walk, circulate blood and even breathe. Outside your body, these energies rise and wane with the seasons. Each of the three energies is known by its respective qualities.
If you’re experiencing these things, you are feeling what Ayurveda refers to as “Kapha.” It is easy to sense Kapha this time of year—in almost everything nature has to offer.
Kapha is understood to be the biological energy that nourishes, stabilizes and protects. It dominates in nature during the springtime. And it also exists within your body. Kapha gives you your structure, lubricates your joints and brings love into your life. As a matter of fact, Kapha creates the container for all life. Managed well, it enables strong immunity and a good long-term memory. But when out of control, Kapha will “weigh you down,” causing lethargy, laziness, greed and a sluggish metabolism.
As the Kapha energy outside begins to heighten, it may have an impact inside your body. Here are some common springtime imbalances:
- Respiratory issues and stomachaches: Kapha rules your stomach and lung regions. It is not uncommon during springtime to have an increase in coughs, colds or upset stomachs. When the season starts, an increased Kaphic presence might surface as a lack of appetite (this is normal—your body is burning excess winter fat). It could also bring on stomach flu, which is not unusual this time of year.
- Seasonal allergies: As the trees begin to release pollen, you know Kapha season has arrived. You might be dealing with excess mucus right now—commonly referred to as “seasonal allergies.” Post nasal drip, lymphatic congestion and watery eyes are all classic signs of a “liquid” Kapha imbalance.
- Oiliness: Kapha is the energy that gives us our “juiciness.” After a long, dry winter Kapha’s oiliness is generally a welcomed relief. No more cracking joints! But keep tabs on it. It can become excessive if you continue with the same winter diet. When this happens, you might notice skin blemishes or oily hair.
- Lethargy: Springtime energy can have a “heaviness” to it that is felt in both the atmosphere and the body. In excess, Kapha’s slimy, sticky and heavy qualities can cause poor circulation, slow digestion and difficulties letting go of sadness or grief.
Are you experiencing any of these imbalances? Here are a few recommendations for bringing your Kapha into alignment:
Get plenty of regular exercise.
Movement is pivotal to your wellbeing, especially in springtime. In excess, Kapha’s stability can begin to block the flow of your internal systems. This is where exercise comes into play. Movement may burn calories, but that is almost secondary to its other benefits. It improves the circulation of your lymphatic system (to clean “trash” from your body), renews the flow of your digestive system, builds muscle, increases oxygen to all tissues and calms your mind for clarity of thought. If you are not big on the gym or yoga studio, try to take a brisk, 30-minute walk each day. It works wonders!
Spice-up your food.
In the spring, it is important to stoke your digestive fire (referred to as “Agni” in Ayurveda). Spices are a big help. Black pepper, cayenne, garlic, ajwain, turmeric and ginger are all great options for adding a little zing to a spring vegetable dish. Each of these spices has healthful benefits. For example, pepper is a carminative, so it curbs gas. It also has diaphoretic qualities (that promote sweating) and diuretic properties (that promote urination) to dry out the excess fluids retained by Kapha’s moistness. Many of the other pungent herbs have antibiotic and antiviral properties. They work in concert with your body to stimulate your own immunity. In Ayurveda we call this your natural intelligence.
Go for the greens. Eat light and dry.
Again, this is not just about reducing calories. It is also about benefitting from the impact that different foods can have on your body. Spring greens are great for balancing Kapha. Kale, arugula, Swiss chard, dandelion leaves and turnip (or even beet) greens possess bitter and/or astringent qualities that tighten up your tissues and promote healing. You can also bring “light and dry” to your diet through foods such as dry beans and cooking methods such as roasting. Beans provide wonderful fiber, which helps your digestive system do its own “spring cleaning.” In general, Ayurveda suggest that you cook your food, eat it warmly and use spices to offset the side effects of a high roughage diet.
Get up before the sun.
It is natural to sleep longer in the winter. Your body needs rest to combat the season’s roughness. But as spring’s energy increases, excess sleep can cause imbalances. It contributes to the accumulation of Kapha. A daily schedule of getting up before the sun puts you in sync with the seasons. Once this becomes a routine, you should feel more energetic throughout the day.
Clear-out the clutter.
The concept of “a good spring cleaning” is important to apply during Kapha season. Excess clutter, jam-packed closets and stuffed drawers all weigh you down. Look around your house. Open the windows and doors to smell some fresh air. Make a run to your favorite charity. Have a garage sale. Commit to letting go of excess junk. Clutter never serves you well. And what’s more invigorating than lightening your load?
All of these suggestions are designed to help you stay in alignment during the spring season. And some of these lifestyle changes might be a little tough at first. So it’s a message worth repeating: Never underestimate the effort required to create life change. Start small. Be patient. Know that the momentum will pick up as you edge into alignment and your natural intelligence begins to take control. Most importantly—enjoy the process! Finding your alignment—or whatever you might call your journey to wellbeing—should be a fun, rewarding and joyful experience.
We’ll be writing about managing Kapha energy quite a bit in the weeks to come. Be sure to keep an eye out for related tips and topics.
In the meantime, we’re curious—what changes and challenges do you experience at the onset of spring (or Kapha season)?
