According to Ayurveda, the beginning of spring is a time of heaviness. Everything in nature is thawing out from the winter which makes it wet and heavy. Our bodies are connected to Mother Nature and they too feel heavier and sluggish at the end of the winter. This season in Ayurveda is referred to as Kapha season. To balance our bodies and even help remove the excess weight from winter we need to lighten up and detox! Start eating more greens preferably bitter greens like dandelion, kale, collard greens and broccoli rabe which help support digestion. Herbs such as turmeric, garlic, cumin, ginger, cardamom and cloves help to stimulate the digestive process so add them to your meals whenever you can. Minimize sweet and salty foods and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink herbal teas.

When you eat slowly chew each bite and eat 2-3 meals a day but only until you are 80% full. No snacking! That gives your body a chance to digest what you have eaten. Vigorous exercise is important this time of year to work all the toxins out of the body through sweat. Also try saunas and hot baths with Epsom salt and baking soda. Yoga can help detox the body with various poses as well as bring peace to the mind. In my previous posts I talked about a neti pot to clear excess mucous from the nasal passages. It’s a great time of year to use it. We want to also release stored up emotions and anything else that needs to be detoxed including relationships that no longer serve you. And don’t forget to meditate!

Love & Happy Spring