These are all normal occurrences during the junction of two seasons - a phenomena predicted by Ayurveda over 5000 years ago. And along with giving these predictions, Ayurveda also gave us the cure! The ancient texts tell us that the
7 days at the end and commencement of seasons should be used as a transition period for our health. We should gradually give up the seasonal practises of the preceding season and gradually adopt the practises of the coming season.
And the best way to do this is through a cleanse!
We often speak of a Spring cleanse for our homes - reorganising cupboards, clearing out old things and making space for the brightness and lightness of Summer. Why not do the same to your body?
The Winter to Spring transition and Ayurveda
During Winter, the energy known as
kapha
is predominant. When you look at the qualities of
kapha
(cool, heavy, slow, soft, smooth and unctuous) you'll notice that this is exactly what is prominent during Winter. Cold temperatures; the heavy energy that we feel around us (and often characterised by the heavy foods we eat to keep us warm); and the slowness that seems to permeate the environment (notice how even animals hibernate or retreat inwards during the Winter months, subsisting on what they've harvested over Summer).
As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, we see Winter slowly transition to Spring and then into Summer. While heating the environment outside, the sun also heats the environment inside our bodies, and everything we've accumulated over Winter slowly starts to melt. And we see this melting through a build up of mucus in the body - evident through a high incidence of colds, flus and runny noses.So this transition period is the best time to give our body a good clean out, and be prepared for the coming Summer months.
Through a combination of dietary changes, lifestyle recommendations and the addition of medicinal herbs - you can see yourself through an Ayurvedic Spring Cleanse. Here are 3 easy-to-follow tips to begin your own Spring cleanse journey.
- Now cleansing on the inside always begins with your gut, your digestion. Use this inter-seasonal time to give your digestion a bit of a break from your normal diet, and rekindle your digestive fire. For those heading into Summer try this digestive tea: 1 tsp fresh grated ginger, 1 tsp fennel seeds: Bring 1 cup of water to the boil with the ginger and fennel, and simmer for 3-4 mins. Strain and enjoy! If you find the fresh ginger too heating, then swap it for 1 teaspoon of dry ginger. For those heading into Winter, sip on this: 1 tsp fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp fennel seeds, 1/2 tsp coriander seeds: Bring 1 cup of water to the boil with the spices, cover, simmer for 3-5 mins, strain and enjoy!
- As important as it is to cleanse our insides, we also have think about cleaning our surroundings. So this week, take the opportunity to do a Spring Clean of your house - your room, your kitchen, your office, your study - whichever area you think needs it the most. It's called Spring Clean for a reason ;) Whether you use the Marie Kondo method, or simply sort your room out into things you need to throw away and things you need to keep and organise - rearrange the cluttler outside. You'll be surprised at how cleaning the clutter on the outside will help clean the clutter inside your mind!
- To help you choose these foods, Ayurveda characterises diet and nutrition according to the 6 tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent, astringent). Winter into Summertime is the best time to consume foods which are predominantly bitter, pungent and astringent.As you head from Summer to Winter, favour foods that are sweet, salty and sour in taste.
If you want to go even deeper, then contact me now to arrange your own personalised Spring Cleanse.
