Today is the official end of winter. It feels strange writing this in Delhi where the temperature has already reached 30 degrees Celsius and where, if it wasn’t for the gorgeous flowering trees and plants everywhere, it feels like we skipped spring altogether. And it probably feels strange for those of you in Europe where temperatures are still hovering around zero degrees Celsius. But nonetheless, today is spring equinox. The day where light and dark are balanced, where night and day are nearly exactly the same length. The day that ushers in a season of awakening and new beginnings. Of fresh energy and vitality. And we human beings are as much part of this transition as every other living being on this planet. So it is time to remove the cobwebs, clean up your system and get yourself into shape. Let’s have a look at some of the things you can do to support this natural transition and revive yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually.
An Ayurvedic perspective of spring
India’s traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda, provides a lot of insight into the effects of nature and changing seasons on our bodies. According to the science of Ayurveda, each individual’s constitution is a result of a combination of doshas, or energies, which are in turn made up of the natural elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether.* There are three different doshas: vata, pitta and kapha and each has its own inherent qualities. Foods, seasons, etc. also have different attributes of the doshas and thereby influence our physical and mental well being. Our state of health depends on how well we are able to keep our doshas in balance.
Winter as a season is governed by kapha, which is the element of earth and water. It is a time of cold and dark where our bodies rest, “build up” and store in order to keep us warm and grounded. Summer is the time of pitta, or fire, which is light, heating and drying. Spring is the period of transition between these two where we move from dark and cold to warm and light.
Most of us will naturally feel the urge around this time of the year to spring-clean our house, de-clutter our desks and cupboards, throw open the windows and bring in fresh flowers. Similarly, our bodies might need a bit of spring cleaning. This is the time to get moving, “dry out” and lighten our bodies by reducing excess kapha and eliminate toxins that have built up during the winter months. It is not uncommon to feel heavy and sluggish, suffer from minor aches and pains or come down with a cold or flu during this time as the body is detoxifying itself. To speed up this process, here are some tried and tested tips:
1. Get moving
Shake off the sluggishness by upping your level of physical activity. The aim is to increase your energy levels and get the lymphatic system moving which will speed up the elimination of toxins in your body.
- Invigorating exercise is perfect for this time of year. Find a form of exercise you enjoy (or more) and do it daily. Read my article “Move” for inspiration and tips.
- Dry skin brushing is a great way to move the lymph. Before taking your morning shower use a body brush and, starting from your feet, brush your entire skin with long upward strokes.
- Another great way to get the lymphatic system moving is by getting a massage or doing a self-massage (abhyanga) before your morning shower using natural oil, ideally one which is right for your body type. Massage from the feet upwards using long vertical strokes on the limbs and muscles and small circular movements on the joints.
2. Eat the right foods
- The liver and gallbladder are the organs that will be working hard to help cleanse your body and eliminate the toxins. Begin your day with a glass of warm water with a squeeze of lemon or a teaspoon each of (preferably raw, unpasteurized) apple cider vinegar and honey. Both are great liver tonics with powerful cleansing properties.
- Remember that foods are in season for a reason. Green is the color of spring and, according to Chinese Traditional Medicine, the color associated with the liver. This is therefore the perfect time to get plenty of leafy greens into your diet. Think different kinds of lettuce, kale, parsley, spinach, watercress, dandelion, arugula etc. These nutritional powerhouses are also rich in chlorophyll which is oxygenating and cleansing.
- Other foods that are a good choice because of their kapha balancing properties are root vegetables (such as beets, carrots and turnips), radishes, okra, leeks, seasonal berries, green grapes, seeds (like pumpkin and sunflower seeds), and beans. It is a great time to sprout your beans for extra nutritional benefits. A personal favorite is sprouted moong beans (green gram). I love adding them to salads or giving them a quick stir-fry with some mustard seeds, curry leaves, onion, coconut and green chillies.
- Avoid heavy, oily and overly sweet foods. You want to go lighter, not heavier. So steer clear of fried foods, too much red meat, heavy desserts, and also dairy products as they are mucus forming. We are trying to get rid of excess mucus.
- Use spices, herbs and other produce that have anti-inflammatory properties and/or help increase circulation such as turmeric, green tea, basil, ginger, cloves, coriander, onion, garlic and chillies.
3. Support the detoxification process
Besides choosing lighter, kapha reducing and liver supporting foods there are some natural supplements I personally use and recommend to assist the natural cleansing of your body:
- Triphala; an ayurvedic herbal formula which helps stimulate digestive health, improve liver and gallbladder function, boost immunity and assists in the detox process amongs other things.
- Chlorella; a type of fresh-water algae that is sold in supplement form in most health food stores internationally. It is a powerful detox agent and rich in chlorophyll which is very beneficial for cleansing and blood oxygenation.
- Detox teas: burdock root tea, dandelion root tea and nettle tea are all great to support the detox process
- Lots of liquids: fresh clean water, vegetable juices and coconut water to help flush out the system
4. Establish a spring-appropriate daily routine
- With the sun rising earlier it is easier to wake up early. Set your alarm half an hour earlier. There is so much to be gained from incorporating a bit of personal time each morning to do a simple yoga routine to wake up your body and to breathe to reconnect with your soul. I can’t even begin to tell you the difference it will make to your mindset, your awareness level, to your entire being. If nothing else, just do this…
- Breakfast should be light and nutritious, your main meal should be lunch which is when your digestion is at its strongest, and your dinner should be light. Between 11 pm and 3 am is the time of the liver and so as not to interfere with its function it is best to avoid eating late.
5. Connect with the energy of spring time
- Tune in to nature and the energy of this season. Go for nature walks, plant your spring flowers in the garden or just step outside to enjoy the new growth and colorful flowers everywhere.
- Focus on new things you would like to bring into your life: look into your own growth and set some goals for the next few months.
- With the world around you actively participating in the process of renewal right now there is no better time to bring awareness and purpose to everything you do in your own life. Renew your commitment to living life king size and experience each moment with positivity and joy.
* To find out your dominant dosha fill out the quiz on http://ayurveda.com/pdf/constitution.pdf
