Dean of the Faculty of Fitness and Health Culture at Synergy University
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system that existed several centuries before Christ. Its difference from modern medicine is its systemic comprehensive approach. Today we can utilize the profound wisdom behind it. Applying these principles leads not only to health and wellness, but also to well-being in all areas of life.
Life in nature flows in cycles, so the environment is fairly predictable. Yes, there is snow in summer and its absence in winter, but even these changes are accompanied by clear precursors. If we know how to adjust to these rhythms, our well-being is perfect.
Ayurveda Principles for a Healthy Spring
Spring is already in the air, the first insects are waking up, there is more life around. Depending on the region, it manifests itself in different ways: somewhere magnolias are already blooming, in other places only mother and stepmother, and in northern latitudes there is still snow.
Ayurveda recommends not to drastically change your diet and lifestyle from one season to another. This will leave us vulnerable to imbalances and disease. It is important to transition gradually. We will now talk about the period from mid-March to mid-May.
Sleep
Winter was a time of rest when we could sleep even during the day. But spring is the time to get active! Set your alarm and go to bed at the same time every day.
Avoid oversleeping: seven to eight hours ofsleep is enough for full recovery.
Nutrition
It’s time to favor astringent, bitter and spicy flavors. Consumption of sour, sweet and salty foods should be avoided in spring. It is important to eat fresh and easily digestible foods now.
It is good to consume different variations of toast and breads. Avoid dairy products, especially when you are congested, as they form mucus.
Green vegetables and radishes are great choices. Include mustard seeds, peppers, garlic, horseradish and ginger to add spice to your diet. Basil, mint, dill, and rosemary are wonderful this time of year.
But use all oils in small quantities. Nuts are desirable to remove from the diet. Good – pumpkin and pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds. Look at seasonal products on the market, introduce them into the menu. There are ramson, green onions – now it will give you the maximum benefit.
Drink herbal teas with a sharp and bitter flavor (green tea, yerba mate), cranberry morsels, freshly squeezed juice from green vegetables.
Physical activity
A daily 15-minute walk, a minute of jumping rope, dancing to your favorite song… Whatever your starting point is, start increasing your activity level.
Favor more moving types of yoga, brisk walking, jogging, cycling and more. Take a walk every day during daylight hours. If the weather permits, at least open your arms so you can get that much-needed vitamin D.
Dry Finnish and infrared saunas are perfect for this season. Russian steam baths are already less effective as they give you excessive heat.
Remember that the transition from season to season should not be abrupt – we must adapt our lifestyle from winter to spring. Have a wonderful spring!