Aligning with Spring
From mid-March to mid-May, we welcome Spring (Vasanta Ritu). It’s a time when nature begins to thaw, bloom, and breathe again. The sun shares more warmth and light, and just like the Earth, our bodies start to shift.
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In Ayurveda (the sister science to yoga), spring is influenced by Kapha dosha—the energy of water and Earth. Kapha gives structure and stability, lubrication to the body, and calmness to the mind. But it can become heavy and stagnant when it accumulates, especially after a long winter. As it starts to melt in the body, we may experience congestion, allergies, sluggish digestion, or a sense of dullness—physically and mentally.
The great news is that spring is a wonderful time to support the body’s natural intelligence in clearing, awakening, and renewing.
Here are five simple yet powerful ways we can realign and harmonise with spring’s vibrant energy:
1. Embrace Lightness
Think: warm, dry, and mildly spiced meals. Grains like barley and millet, cooked leafy greens, and mung beans are all wonderful this time of year. Kapha thrives on heaviness, so now we shift toward Lightness. A little raw honey (never heated) is the only sweetener I use in spring—it’s a natural Kapha pacifier and supports clear breathing.
2. Reduce What Weighs You Down
This applies to both body and mind. Let go of cold, oily, or heavy foods— dairy, fried foods, and sugary treats can clog and slow you down. But it’s also a beautiful time to look inward: what habits, thoughts, or patterns feel heavy? What can you gently let go of?
3. Cleanse with Intention
Vasanta Ritu is the most supportive time for cleansing. Whether it’s a full Panchakarma or a few days of lighter eating, cleansing doesn’t need to be extreme. It’s about honouring your digestive fire (Agni) and giving your body space to process and release. Even short periods of fasting, if appropriate for your constitution, can make a big difference in how you feel.
5 Simple Shifts for the Season of Renewal
4. Move & Circulate
Spring energy is rising and expansive, and our movement should mirror that. Gentle but consistent activities like yoga, brisk walking, and dancing can help shake off winter’s stillness. Dry brushing and self-massage with warming oils—like mustard or herbal powders—stimulate lymph and circulation. And always, stay connected to your breath.
5. Honour the Sun
As daylight returns, so does solar energy. One of my favourite practices this season is reciting or meditating on the Aditya Hridayam, an ancient hymn to the sun. It brings clarity, vitality, and inner strength. Whether you chant it, greet the sun with Surya Namaskar, or spend a few moments in the morning light, connecting with Surya is a powerful way to attune yourself to this season.
Spring is a season of hope and potential—when we return to life, both inside and out. When we live in alignment with the seasons—not in resistance—we start to feel more connected, more clear, and more alive. That’s the gift of Ayurveda. That’s the power of yoga.
So ask yourself gently:
What is ready to melt away?
What is quietly waiting to bloom within me?
