Spring is a time of renewal and awakening, as nature wakes up from the quiet winter months. In Ayurveda, the ancient system of holistic health, each season brings its own energy, and spring is ruled by Kapha dosha, which embodies the earth and water elements. This makes spring a season of moisture, heaviness, and stagnation, but also one of potential and new beginnings.

By aligning our daily habits with nature’s rhythms, we can support our bodies in transitioning smoothly into this fresh and vibrant season. Spring is a new beginning, a new start, and here’s how Ayurveda can help you get rid of the heaviness of winter and embrace the lightness of spring.

*Spicy tea can help your body ease into spring.*

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda, often called “the science of life,” is an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on balancing the mind, body, and spirit through diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies. It is based on the idea that everything in the universe, including our bodies, is made up of five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether (space). These elements combine to create three doshas: Vata (air & ether), Pitta (fire & water), and Kapha (earth & water). Each person has a unique balance of these doshas, which influences their body type, personality, and health.

In Ayurveda, seasonal living is essential. Ayurveda focuses on the importance of adjusting our food, movement, and self-care practices to stay in harmony with nature’s cycles. As we shift from the cold, heavy energy of winter to the fresh, damp energy of spring, Ayurveda suggests that we gently detox and incorporate more movement.

Simple Ayurvedic principles for spring

Spring is Kapha season, which means we may experience symptoms like sluggishness, congestion, allergies, water retention, or feeling mentally foggy. To counteract the heaviness of Kapha, Ayurveda recommends embracing light, warm, and energizing practices.

1. Eat light, warm and spicy Foods

Winter calls for heavy, oily foods to keep us warm, but in spring, our digestion benefits from lighter, drier, and spicier meals that help clear out excess moisture and stagnation.

Favor bitter, pungent, and astringent foods (greens, ginger, turmeric, cumin, mustard seeds, black pepper).
Reduce heavy, cold, and oily foods like dairy, fried foods, and excessive sweets.
Start your day with warm lemon water to stimulate digestion and detoxification.
Enjoy light, brothy soups and steamed vegetables rather than heavy stews.

2. Move and sweat to shake off stagnation

Kapha energy can make us feel sluggish and unmotivated, so incorporating daily movement is key to boosting circulation and energy levels.

Try yoga practices like Sun Salutations and dynamic flows.
Get outside for walks and hiking, especially in nature, to get your heart rate up.
Use dry brushing before your shower to stimulate lymphatic flow and detoxification.

3. Wake up early and create morning rituals

As the sun begins to rise earlier, we can follow nature’s rythm to get the most out of our days.

Wake up by sunrise to harness the energy of the light returning.
Practice yoga and pranayama (breath exercises) in the morning.
Sip on warm drinks and spicy teas made with ginger, cinnamon, and tulsi to keep your digestion fired up.

4. Spring cleaning

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home, it’s for your body and mind too!

Declutter and deep clean your space to make room for new energy.
Journal or meditate on what you’re ready to release from winter and what intentions you want to plant.
Incorporate herbs that support the natural detoxification of the liver, like dandelion and nettle.

Aligning with spring doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about following nature’s rythms, creating movement, and embracing renewal in both body and mind. Small shifts, like eating seasonally, waking up earlier, moving more, and incorporating simple self-care rituals, can make an impact on how we feel this spring.

If you’re curious to experience Ayurvedic rituals in a deeper way, join us for our March Soul & Cacao Circle: Awaken. This day-retreat will include guided meditation, an Ayurvedic workshop on spring nourishment, a hands-on herbal tea blending session, and a heart-opening cacao circle to help you awaken with the spring energy.

Spring is a time of growth, so what seeds are you planting for yourself this season? 🌱

Awakening with Spring: Ayurvedic wisdom for the season