Vasant Ritu
Vasant Ritu in Ayurveda is related to the spring season. In India those dates range from Mid-March to Mid-May. Those dates might be different based on the climate where you live. In Ayurveda you always go what is happening outside of your window vs a set date on a calendar.
The dosha most predominant during this season is the kapha dosha. When we look at what gunas or qualities are occurring at this time we often observe; dry, heavy, cold, and sticky qualities happening outside. The qualities happening outside in mother nature also affect what’s happening inside our bodies.
The yoga asana poses were chosen to help you reduce the accumulating kapha but not to provoke the pitta in the body at this season. The emphasis will be on extensions and backbends on your belly. The rituals during the spring season are about movement. When we think about the spring season we often think about colds, coughs and congestion. Kapha dosha does best when we can stay active so things don’t become stagnant in the mind or body.
Our remedies during this season will emphasis tips for spring allergies and finding the right exercise for your body during this season.
Understanding Spring
Vasant Ritu is known as the spring season. The spring season in Ayurveda is all about movement, keeping your agni high, and being in nature. It’s a time to move the body, start transitioning your foods to be lighter in nature, and keep the mind active. If we reflect back to the three gunas we want to make sure we don’t bring in as much tamas at this time. Which is why it’s important to keep both the mind and body active so you don’t feel heavy, dull and unmotivated.
A few Vasant Ritu practices are yoga nidra, enjoying ginger and honey tea and dry brushing to incorporate during these sometimes cooler months.
Practices to Incorporate:
- Neti pot if you’re sinuses are in need of clearing
- Nasya if you’re feeling nasal passage way is feeling dry.
- Moving your body first thing in the morning to get rid of excess kapha dosha.
- Facial steams to help relieve stuffed sinus pressure.
- Warm, cooked foods that incorporate lots of green veggies in them.
Your Vasant Ritu Plan Overview
In the Vasant Ritu season you want to pacify the kapha dosha. Often it is a damp, cooler, heavy season. If we think about what is happening outside you might have more mud, stagnant water, and cooler temperatures. To combat those qualities you will want to have more drying, lighter and warmer qualities introduced into your lifestyle. That might look like eating warm, cooked lighter vegetables, more broth based soups, making sure you dress for the weather and wear a jacket on those cooler days.
One of the best ways to help reduce kapha accumulation is to move your body. Exercise is vital as part of your routine during the spring season. Starting your day off with a good morning routine that includes a more vigorous yoga asana practice, lifting weights, or going for a brisk walk is ideal.
The food you will enjoy should be lighter in nature and seasonal. Look at what foods are growing in your area at this time of the year. Add those into your seasonal recipe rotation. Another seasonal ritual you could incorporate daily is enjoying a cup of ginger honey tea.
Weekly Challenge
What dosha needs to be balanced in the spring season?
Seasonal Living Collective
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