Spring is in the Air

The birds have been serenading me and AE on our daily walks. Flowers are beginning to emerge from the earth. And, in my neck of the woods, we’ve enjoyed some blissfully spring-like temperatures. I know we’ve probably not seen the last of winter’s cold air, but I can feel it, spring is just around the corner.

Ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine from India, is a sister science to yoga. One of the ideas that Ayurveda teaches is that with the change in season, we should make some changes in our diet and exercise routines.

Ayurveda teaches that the spring, or Kapha Season, is a time characterized by a slow, heavy and static energy. During this season we are more prone to colds and congestion, sinus headaches, and respiratory problems (like asthma, hay fever and allergies).

Emotionally, we may be more likely to battle prolonged sadness and depression. The stable, consistent energy of this season actually lends itself to the development of habits – good or bad. So, the practices that we start in the spring are likely to continue all year long. If you’ve already lost track of your New Year’s Resolutions, try setting some Springtime Resolutions.

Our yoga practice can help balance the Kapha energy and keep us happy and healthy all season long.

A yoga practice with more movement can help to balance the heaviness characteristic of this time of year. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a vinyasa practice, where you “flow” from one pose into the next. So, enjoy several rounds of Surya Namaskar (sun salutation) during your daily practice.

The energizing nature of backbends, such as Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge pose) and Bhujangasana (cobra pose), makes them an important element of your springtime practice as well. Experienced practitioners may also enjoy the benefits of inversions such as Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulder stand).

And, after all the hard work of a vinyasa practice, do not neglect your need for rest. Restorative poses such as Viparita Karani (legs-up-the-wall pose) and Salamba Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (supported bridge pose) offer a great springtime transition between your active practice and your formal surrender to rest in Savasana.

Are you a Kapha? Do you suffer from any of the above issues, indicating a Kapha imbalance? What are your favorite springtime yoga poses? I’d love to hear from you!