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Springtime Ayurveda

by Kristen Rae Stevens

Snigdhah shita gururmandah slakshno mritsnah sthirah Kaphah

- Ashtanga Hrdayam 1:12

�As above, so below�

Springtime is a natural state of rebirth and awakening. By choosing to focus our attention on our health and self-care, we can enhance our wellbeing through tried and true supportive Ayurvedic daily routines. And also by using seasonal methods that inspire our personal strength and creativity as well as replenish our inner peace, enhancing our overall health.

To boost our own vitality we should follow nature�s clues and make seasonal shifts by changing our diet and exercise routine and even our sleeping pattern. This �alignment� procures many health benefits such as enhanced immunity, stronger digestion, and an overall calmness of being.

Kapha dosha is comprised of the elements water and earth. This constitutes the density of our body's tissues and the yielding aspects of our personality. The traits of this dosha as described in the slokah from the Ashtanga Hrdayam "are unctuous, cool, heavy, slow, smooth, soft

and static." These traits can manifest as strength in body and patience in one's personality. The kapha type who demonstrates these attributes can endure much -- both physically and emotionally, and they generally have a lot of love to share.

The stabilizing and nurturing nature of these qualities can at times lead to inertia and getting �stuck�. Getting up and going for a walk (especially out of doors) is a perfect antidote. If you find yourself feeling uninspired or unmotivated call a friend, make a walking date or offer to meet up at yoga class, but do keep yourself active this spring to clear out the remains of the winter.

Take advantage of the spring harvest in the form of seasonal herbs, plants and vegetables that promote warmth and circulation for the blood and diuretic and expectorant actions for the lungs and GI tract. These plants are your allies in keeping an optimized immune system and avoiding spring allergies, coughs and colds.

This would include but is not limited to: fennel bulb, dandelions, greens, watercress, ginger root, black pepper and raw honey. The bitter and astringent flavors found in leafy greens are excellent for reducing excess kapha and curbing cravings for sweets. By choosing more foods like this will help tone the palate and literally lighten the denser tissues of the body through cleaning the blood, reducing phlegm, fat and any water retention. For a perfect kapha reducing outing get moving and out go foraging in your area for wild edibles or take an herb walk. (1,2)

Sometimes that �wintry mix� can leave you feeling stuck at home and beyond unenthusiastic about things. Watch that you don�t slip into heavy mind space. Add some essential oils to your household products and sundries. Just a few drops of invigorating eucalyptus in your shampoo can reduce an oily mane and give you a mental boost (3). Don�t settle for the mundane; give yourself a new perspective by changing the furniture around or doing some deep spring cleaning in the very back of the closet. By reducing the amount of �stuff� we literally have hanging around can not only be beneficial to ourselves but others as well. Make a spring donation to your local Salvation Army or other social services organization -- help others in need and generate a whole-hearted experience of giving and receiving. After all, �all we need is love�. (4)

1. Local food listings: www.localfoods.about.com, http://cuesa.org
2. Bio-Dynamic Farming: www.hawthornevalleyfarm.com
3. Food the Brain and More: www.pcrm.org
4. �All We Need is Love�, The Beatles, 1967

Kristen Rae Stevens Biography:

Kristen Rae Stevens, B.F.A, E-RYT, Herbalist Ayurvedic Consultant

Kristen Rae is a longtime resident of Brooklyn, NY. It is here that she continually puts her cherished experiences in travel, art, movement and Ayurveda to practice in a private healing setting. For more information, www.somarae.com.



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