Gray hair and wrinkles can be a testimony of wisdom. But in a stressful world we often get caught up in equating our worth with productivity that could weigh on us post-retirement. Everyone, at every stage of life is a gift to the world. That said, aging does bring preventable and costly health challenges that we need to face squarely, from heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, arthritis, dry skin, falling hair, cognitive decline, stroke and cancer. There is also the possibility of depletion, loneliness and ageism. So, how can we look after ourselves better to ensure we are physically and mentally stronger as we age? Ayurveda is a holistic mind-body science which supports people through a comprehensive approach to live a healthier life right into their sunset years. It emphasizes that aging ( Jara ) is a natural process just like the seasons. It does acknowledge natural degenerative changes but recommends prevention, building resilience and an anti-aging regimen through its br
However, this dosha is made of the elements earth and water, and the new life and growth we see at spring time is created by increases in the element water. So, there is a risk that kapha can increase during the spring and typical kapha tendencies such as resistance to change can become dominant.
If we allow kapha to become out of balance in early spring then we will start to see signs of excess.
What are the signs of an increased kapha?
Here are the symptoms to look out for:
- A wet cough
- Cold hands and feet and a poor circulation
- High level of mucus and phlegm production
- Sluggish digestion
- Slow bowels
- An excessive desire to sleep
If you don’t know which dosha you are, take our quiz to find out.
How can you balance kapha in spring?
In order to balance kapha, we need to balance kapha’s heavy, dense qualities by increasing movement and stimulating the system to push through sticky congestion and accumulated damp. To maintain balance, take advantage of the lively energy in spring that is associated with all the new life and growth. For example, you could channel this energy into starting a new project.
The kapha diet in spring
The kapha diet in spring is all about reducing congestion and fluid build-up and will be of particular benefit to those who suffer with sinus congestion and heavy hay fever during the spring. Increased kapha can make you crave processed sugary snacks. So swap these out for warm fruity treats such as baked apples or a sugar free fruit crumble.
This diet is most beneficial towards the end of winter and in the very early stages of spring:
- Eat only when hungry, allow the body plenty of time to properly digest its food
- Emphasise foods that are light, dry or warming to stimulate movement and heat
- Favour foods that are spicy, bitter or astringent to power through sticky congestion
- Reduce foods that are heavy, oily, cold, sweet, salty and sour . These are considered to be energetically ‘cooling’ for the body
- Avoids stimulants, dairy and highly fatty or processed foods.
Daily spring rituals for kapha
Kapha will benefit from more stimulating exercise that gets the blood flowing. Make the most of the vibrant energy of spring, and the brighter morning by waking before 7am for a simple yoga practise. Yoga postures that are more stimulating and invigorating such as the Sun Salutations and Cat Pose can be especially helpful.
Spring herbal heroes for kapha
Herbs that help to reduce kapha include those that are considered slightly more stimulating and heating.
- Ginger Warms the circulation and reinvigorates the mind
- Red Ginseng Highly energising, reducing tiredness and fatigue
- Cinnamon Warms the digestion
- Turmeric Boosts circulation
- Green Tea Boosts cognitive processes such as memory and concentration
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