🌿 Ayurveda: What to Focus on in Late Winter → Early Spring

Thanks to Chelsea Shapouri for the yummy photo!

This period marks the gradual shift from Vata season (cold, dry, light) toward Kapha season (cool, damp, heavy). Ayurveda supports transitioning smoothly by reducing excess Vata and preventing Kapha buildup.

1. Support Digestion & Metabolism

Late winter/early spring tends to slow digestion. Focus on:

• Warm, cooked meals

• Spices that kindle agni (digestive fire), such as ginger, black pepper, cumin, and cinnamon

• Avoiding heavy foods like excessive dairy, cold drinks, or refined sugars

2. Lighten the Body as Kapha Rises

Kapha accumulation can cause sluggishness, congestion, and low motivation. Helpful practices:

• Drink warm water with lemon in the morning

• Choose lighter grains (quinoa, barley, millet)

• Favour bitter and astringent greens (dandelion, kale, arugula)

3. Reduce Wetness and Cold

As snow melts or humidity rises, it’s easy to feel mucus or heaviness. Lean into:

• Steam inhalation with eucalyptus or tulsi

• Nasya oil (simple sesame oil is fine)

• Dry brushing to stimulate lymph

4. Strengthen Immunity

Winter-to-spring is a common time for colds. Ayurveda suggests:

• Chyawanprash (if appropriate for you)

• Tulsi, ginger, or turmeric tea

• Adequate rest and rhythm

🧘‍♂️ Yoga: Seasonal Focus for Wellbeing

1. Build Heat (Tapas)

To counteract Kapha heaviness:

• Sun Salutations

• Faster-paced vinyasa

• Ujjayi breath: This helps to lighten the body and boost energy.

2. Open the Chest & Clear the Lungs

To prevent spring congestion:

• Backbends (cobra, bridge)

• Twists (supine twist, revolved crescent)

• Kapalabhati (skull shining breath), if appropriate

3. Strengthen Core & Stability

This stabilises lingering Vata while invigorating Kapha:

• Plank variations

• Warrior sequences

• Balancing postures

4. Re-establish Routine

Ayurveda emphasises dinacharya (daily rhythm), especially during transitional seasons:

• Wake at consistent times

• Warm water upon waking

• Self-massage (abhyanga) with warm sesame oil

• Early, light dinner

🌱 Mind & Emotion Focus

Winter → spring transitions often bring emotional shifts:

• Vata may cause restlessness or scattered thoughts

• Kapha may cause heaviness or a lack of motivation

Helpful practices:

• More sunlight exposure

• Gentle journaling to clarify goals

• Meditation with a warming breath (e.g., bhramari or ujjayi)

What are you going to choose as your practise to help you through this transition? Look forward to hearing your thoughts.