Co-author- Vd Sara Maid, Vd Aishwarya Saindane, Vd Tejas Ahire
Welcome to a transformative journey guided by the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. As winter bids adieu and spring beckons with its promise of renewal, the body transforms. In the winter months kapha accumulates in our body. We tend to consume heavy foods during the cold season and if our digestive fire is not strong enough, the undigested food converts into ama and creates toxins. This ama goes into the srotas (microchannels) in our body and obstructs the exchange of nutrients and wastes. As a result, this makes us feel tired and in the long term, may cause health issues. Also, the accumulated kapha in the winter season liquefies during spring time and diminishes the digestive fire as well as causes many Kapha issues. In the coming weeks, you may notice this as people transition from one season to another and may catch coughs and colds during the early spring days.
Transitioning from winter to spring can be challenging for the body. Fortunately, following a suitable seasonal routine can assist us in overcoming the challenges of spring while enhancing our overall health, allowing us to fully enjoy the blessings this season brings.
Follow these steps to help you prepare for the season:
Prepare your mind and environment
Clear the clutter from your living space and create a serene environment conducive to healing and introspection. Set aside time each day for self-care practices such as meditation, journaling, or gentle movement to calm the mind and nourish the spirit.
Plan your cleanse
Map out a realistic timeline for your cleanse, taking into account your schedule and commitments. Aim for one week for a gentle cleanse. Gather herbs, supplements, and detoxifying foods you'll need for your cleanse.
Here is a list of what you may need for the cleanse:
- Tongue Cleaner
- Triphala Powder
- Trikatu Powder
- Turmeric Powder
- Ginger
- Sesame Oil
- Neem Powder
- Coconut Oil
- Anu Tailam
Ease into your cleanse with a pre-cleanse phase to prepare your body for detoxification. Focus on eliminating processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugars from your diet while increasing your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Include physical exercises, and dry massage in your routine daily. Engage in gentle movement practices such as yoga, qigong, or walking to support your body's natural detoxification processes. Focus on slow, mindful movements that promote circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system, and release tension and stress from the body.
During your cleanse, focus on light, easily digestible foods that nourish and support detoxification. Incorporate plenty of cooked vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and soups into your meals, and limit or avoid dairy, gluten, processed foods, and heavy-to-digest food.
Proper hydration is crucial during any cleanse. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins and keep your body hydrated and balanced.
Prioritize rest during your cleanse to support your body's healing journey. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night and incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or aromatherapy to promote deep rest and rejuvenation.
Ease back into your routine gradually, reintroducing foods and activities mindfully. Pay attention to how your body responds and continue to prioritize self-care practices that nourish and support your overall health and vitality.
Routine may vary from one person to another and these steps serve only as a starting point to guide you in preparing for and embarking on your spring cleanse journey.
Watch out for the next blog as we share a detailed regimen for a week of spring cleanse.