Holistic Ayurveda Spring Wellness Inspiration

Wake with or before sunrise: Kapha time is 6 to 10 a.m. and p.m. Springtime is also Kapha energy. While Kapha is related to springtime which signifies awakening and new beginnings, Kapha energy can also feel heavy, dull, sticky and stagnant like mud. Waking with or before sunrise helps mitigate the heavy feelings of Kapha and early spring. When we awaken in the peak of Kapha energy, say 8 a.m., we may feel more sluggish. Gently move your body when you wake. This is also an ideal time for physical exercise. Exercising during the hours of 6 to 10 a.m. is supported by the energy of the time of day, providing more natural stamina and counteracting sleepy energy.

Enjoy herbs and tea: Herbs generally help get stagnant energy moving. Each herb has its own energetic qualities and effects so always be mindful and aware. A safe place to start this spring is to enjoy ginger and chamomile tea. Ginger helps fire up digestion and adds warmth to any mixture. Chamomile is wonderful for moving Kapha and helping lymphatic flow. Add Ashwagandha as a nourishing adaptogen. Another option is to enjoy warm water with lime. Lemons are good too, though I prefer lime as a less acidic option.

Get outside to walk and observe nature: Movement is the remedy for stagnation, lethargy, and heaviness. Any movement is good for balancing Kapha and springtime energy- a gentle walk, a lazy stretch, a high intensity workout. You choose what feels nourishing and balancing for your energy and body. Taking a walk to enjoy and observe nature helps us naturally find balance and harmony with the grander rhythms and cycles of life and nature. Nature can be a wonderful coregulator.

Dance! Play! Move!: Again, movement is the remedy for heavy Kapha energies of lethargy, dullness, apathy, stagnation. Make fun and play a priority in your day as you loosen and shake off the heavier energies of winter. As anything frozen or stuck begins to melt and flow, help this process along by dancing, moving, and engaging in playful energy. Crying is a form of moving energy as well. Honour your tears and let them flow if they arise.

Eat light, try a cleanse, add triphala: During spring, as things are melting and moving, it can be helpful to avoid heavy foods like dairy and meat, especially eaten together. Favor lighter foods like soups and greens. Spring is a favored time to cleanse in Ayurvedic philosophy. Ayurvedic cleansing typically includes eating a monodiet of kitchari with spices, with options for juicing and oatmeal, and taking cleansing herbs like triphala, dandelion, or neem. What time you eat is also important, especially when cleansing. Ideally, avoid eating after sundown and eat your most nutrient dense meal at lunchtime. Triphala is a combination of amalaki, bibitaki, and haritaki and helps with cleansing, digestion, and mitigating the effects of overeating and challenging food combinations. Interested in an Ayurvedic group cleanse? May 4 – 8 2026 The Shakti School of Ayurveda and Tantra where I studied is hosting a guided group cleanse! Click here for cleanse details

Let in the Eastern light of sunrise: Sunrise light has a special quality of peace. Allow the energy of this light to bless your space by literally and physically letting the light in. Open a window or open the curtains. Spend time gazing at the sunrise light, basking in it and letting it bathe you in Sattvic, peaceful energy.

Go to the sauna and sweat!: Sweating is super important and helpful for lymphatic flow. Lymphatic fluid does not naturally flow on its own and your body needs help to have healthy lymphatic flow for overall strong health and immunity. Why is lymph important? The lymphatic system helps the body detox and move bodily fluids to and from where they need to go. If the lymphatic system is stagnant, toxins may remain stuck and nutrients may not get to where they are needed. Lymphatic health is key in overall wellness and healthy immunity.