Spring is Kapha Melting!
Both inside and outside our bodies!
Our bodies are continually exposed to natural seasonal changes, which has a direct effect on how we feel. In nature kapha is called soma, it is all things cooling and nourishing. Things like the moon, forests, freshwater or plant nectar all represent kapha in our external environment. When the season is providing an abundance of cold, rainy, snowy weather there is greater potential for kapha vṛddhi (increased kapha). In our internal environment kapha performs both normal and abnormal opposing activities, such as sturdiness or looseness, nourishment or leanness, enthusiasm or laziness, potency or impotency, wisdom or ignorance, and many other opposing pairs.
The qualities of Kapha include dampness, coldness, softness, stickiness, jelly-like texture, and is heavy blocking and stable. These qualities of kapha naturally manifest in the winter but are more readily experienced during the Spring. When the warming weather melts kapha from its solid form, the fluidity of kapha creates respiratory congestion with damp mucus-like fluid. Many people experience sinus congestion, coughing, and allergies which are all common symptoms that kapha is melting or moving from its stable form.
Kapha also accumulates in the digestive system and slows our metabolism. Again, these same qualities of heaviness and dampness combined with cold accumulate and suppress the digestive process. As a result, digestion is sluggish and our bodies respond naturally by suppressing hunger and appetite. This is nature’s way of maintaining homeostasis or a normal state of self. When the digestion process is slower than what is required for optimal bodily function, it is called manda āgni. In this state, weak digestion creates congestion, and for some indigestion, constipation, and even headaches.
Kapha naturally builds and accumulates during the cold winter season and the warming sun of spring and early summer naturally melt or liquefy kapha. The melting of kapha disturbs and decreases metabolism directly affecting digestion and respiration. Kapha in its solid winter state feels comfortable. However, it’s when kapha melts we experience the uncomfortable symptoms. This is the signal its time to modify your foods and activities. With proper seasonal modification, the effects of kapha will normally subside.
During the spring season, lightening procedures should be done to reduce the accumulated kapha. One should avoid heavy, sour, oily sweet foods and change toward lighter easily digested meals. Meals properly cooked with ginger, shallots, cumin, black pepper, and chili aid the process of reducing excess kapha.
When the spring flowers begin to bloom, this is the signal to begin a regular exercise routine. As well as dry brushing, herbal gargling, eye washing, and even therapeutic smoking are recommendations to reduce kapha.
After modifying your foods and activities, if you still have symptoms of excess kapha, there are Āyurvedic products to help manage symptoms. We recommend Vyoshadi Vatakam or Pippalya Asavam for respiratory congestion and Jīraka Arishtam for sluggish digestion.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and this information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at mailto:contact@kottakkal.shop and we will provide you with one of our affiliated Ayurvedic professionals. Check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.