Ritucharya (Routines) for Spring
During each season, the body responds to the environment and makes natural shifts to be in harmony with the weather, daylight, and temperature. Each season is also ruled by a dosha, which means that dosha is more likely to be aggravated during that season. Kapha is aggravated by the moisture in late winter and spring, Pitta is aggravated in the heat of summer, and Vata is aggravated by the dryness of fall and early winter.
In general, we notice a shift in the seasons as the daylight changes and the qualities of weather move from hot to cool or dry to moist. During the seasonal shifts, it is important to support the body’s transition and adjust activities to support balance. Seasonal changes are also a perfect time to do a cleanse, eating foods that support detoxification of any undigested food or experiences from the previous season and allowing the body to enter the new season with a fresh start. Since the weather varies in different geographic regions and seasons don’t always follow “normal” patterns, it’s best to focus on the qualities present each day and make mindful choices to support balance. Think about bringing in opposing qualities to bring about balance based on the day’s weather conditions.
Kapha season is identified by cloudiness, cool temperatures, and moisture that are often present in spring. Opposite qualities bring balance, so warm, dry and light conditions and environment will pacify Kapha.
Meals and drinks should be hot, dry, and light
Focus on baked, broiled, grilled foods
Eat more vegetables, especially leafy greens which help detoxify and clean out the residual heaviness of foods eaten in winter
Avoid cool, moist, heavy foods like dairy and sweets
Avoid, sweet, salty and sour tastes in large quantities
Drink ginger and clove or other herbal teas, and drink warm water
Get plenty of exercise
Cook with pungent, bitter, and astringent herbs like black pepper, ginger, pippali (long pepper), and haritaki
The best foods to eat are the ones that are in season. In spring this includes asparagus, lettuce and leafy greens, and sprouted beans which emulate the new shoots and sprouts coming out of the damp earth. Each dosha has its own set of recommended foods for balance and optimal health and digestion. First, look at the seasonal foods list and recommended types of foods to be eating based on the time of year, then layer on recommendations based on characteristics of the dosha that needs balancing in your own body finding the overlapping foods. In spring for example, bitter greens are in season and fit the recommendation of being warm (when cooked), light, and drying. This is a perfect food for those with a Kapha constitution, but those with a Vata constitution should eat this food in moderation and pair it with other Vata-balancing foods*. Seasonal recommendations for each dosha are listed in the chart below.
Check out these recipes that incorporate the following seasonal ingredients for winter and spring.
Foods for Kapha Season
*Leafy greens, especially bitter ones, can be quite drying to the system. Cooking them into a soup and serving with a dose of olive oil or ghee makes them more balanced for Vata types.
**Meat and seafood are not commonly recommended in Ayurveda, as many Ayurvedic foods are vegetarian, though small quantities of meat and seafood are recommended for certain individuals.