Spring Ayurveda Guide

Root gently into growth as the light returns

Awaken with the energy of spring

Spring is the season of rebirth when winter’s quiet dissolves into light, warmth, and movement. The earth softens, buds swell, and life begins to stir once more.

As the sun lingers longer in the sky, animals emerge, and flowers bloom, we feel nature’s invitation to awaken. This is a time for renewal, both within and around us. A time to begin again, to plant seeds of intention, and to let go of what no longer serves.

Living in rhythm with the season

In Ayurveda, spring is linked to Kapha dosha, with its moist, cool, and heavy qualities. These can accumulate and create sluggishness. To restore balance, we are guided to lighten the body, ignite inner fire, and embrace the upward momentum of the season.

Tridoshic spring wisdom for vibrant renewal

• Rise early and invite movement into your morning.
• Dry skin brush before showering to stimulate lymph flow.
• Drink warm lemon water or cumin-coriander-fennel tea daily.
• Let go of what’s stagnant in your house, on your altar, in your body, and in your heart.

Kapha in spring: Melt stagnation and embrace movement

Spring is Kapha season so Kapha types are most susceptible to imbalance now. Common symptoms include fatigue, allergies, congestion, depression, and resistance to change.

Herbs for Kapha

• Trikatu (dry ginger, black pepper, pippali) – Breaks up ama (toxins) and stimulates metabolism.
• Tulsi – Clears mucus, uplifts mood, and strengthens the lungs.
• Punarnava – Excellent for detox, lymphatic drainage, and water metabolism.
• Triphala – Detoxes the digestive system as well as stagnant emotions.

Foods for Kapha

• Choose light, warm, spicy, and dry foods.
• Emphasize bitter and dark leafy greens, sprouts and micorgreens, bitter vegetables, barley, millet, sprouts, and lentils.
• A diet of Kichari is an excellent digestive detox and reset
• Avoid dairy, heavy grains especially wheat, fried foods, and excess sweet taste.

Pranayama for Kapha

• Kapalabhati – Clears mental and physical stagnation.
• Bhastrika – Builds internal heat and clears brain fog.
• Practice in the morning to awaken the system and prevent sluggishness.

Yoga for Kapha

• Practice energizing, dynamic practices like fast-paced Vinyasa.
• Include lots of backbends, twists, and standing postures.
• Poses: Sun Salutations, Chair, Warrior III, Bow Pose, Twisted Triangle.

Mindfulness practice for Kapha

• Walking meditation is invigorating especially in the early morning.
• Avoid over-resting or isolation; engage in group movement or community practice.
• Journal on: “Where in my life am I ready to move forward with courage and lightness?”

Vata in spring: Balance the winds and cleanse gently

Spring can be balancing for Vata if there’s enough warmth and moisture, but too much cleansing or activity can disrupt stability. It's best to support detox gently, while protecting the nervous system.

 Herbs for Vata

• Triphala – Mild detoxifier and colon tonic, ideal for daily use.
• Ashwagandha – Grounds, nourishes, and strengthens the adrenals.
• Licorice root – Soothes mucous membranes and balances dryness.

Foods for Vata

• Eat warm, moist, mildly spiced meals.
• Favor soups, stews, well-cooked grains (oats, rice), oils (ghee, sesame), root vegetables.
• Avoid raw salads, cold raw juices, smoothies especially cold ones, and dry fasting cleanses.

Pranayama for Vata

• Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) daily to calm the mind.
• Gentle Ujjayi breath to maintain presence and inner rhythm.
• Keep breath slow and consistent (i.e inhale for the count of 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4, repeat)

Yoga for Vata

• Practice grounded, fluid, and warming sequences.
• Focus on hip-openers, slow flows, and seated postures.
• Poses: Cat-Cow, Seated Forward Fold, Cobra, Sphinx, Bridge Pose.

Mindfulness practice for Vata

• Anchor your day with morning routine and evening reflection.
• Practice body awareness meditations with warm blankets or weighted items.
• Journal on: “What nourishes my inner stability and peace this season?”

Pitta in spring: Cleanse the liver and cool the fire

Spring offers a natural opportunity to cleanse and reset the liver, which is the primary seat of Pitta. While not a time of peak aggravation for Pitta, subtle imbalances can rise as heat begins to build.

Herbs for Pitta

• Guduchi – Anti-inflammatory and liver-supportive.
• Neem – Bitter and purifying, good for skin and blood.
• Kalmegh - Detoxifies the liver and subtle channels
• Amalaki – Cools and tones digestion without weakening it.

Foods for Pitta

• Favor light, cooling, bitter foods especially bitter greens like dandelion, arugula and mustard greens, cilantro, asparagus, and mung beans.
• Include fresh berries, aloe vera, coconut water.
• Avoid too much sour (fermented), salty, and spicy foods.

Pranayama for Pitta

• Practice Sheetali or Sheetkari to cool internal heat.
• Nadi Shodhana is balancing and calming.
• Avoid overexerting in breathwork; stay relaxed and inward.

Yoga for Pitta

• Practice non-competitive, creative flows with twists and heart openers.
• Emphasize play, joy, and softness in the body throughout any exercise.
• Poses: Crescent Lunge, Seated Twist, Pigeon, Cow Face, Camel, Moon Salutations.

Mindfulness practice for Pitta

• Practice non-judgmental awareness; notice perfectionistic tendencies. This is easily done with keeping a gratitude journal.
• Use gentle affirmations: “I am enough, exactly as I am.”
• Journal on: “What would it feel like to lead with grace instead of force?”

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