In winter weather, Kapha Dosha can be readily unbalanced, making weight, depression, and inertia un-glue the system. A countering Practice of challenging Asanas, or finding classes focused on yang, full moon energy will heat and expand the heaviness inherent in Kapha.
From the Daily Breath “Space For All”
With winter’s cold Kapha imbalances swell. That can mean literally for kapha who often deal with a watery metabolism. This creates swelling, where diseases of lungs and stomach, especially mucous conditions are aggravated. Remember like increases like, so lay off cheesy pizzas, creamy desserts, and other heavy, dull (read sweet) choices.
From the Daily Breath “Brain Spanking*”
A strong Kapha dosha is enlivened by a Sagittarian prankster. The often steady Kapha energy is moved from inertia by the wit and fiery seeking of Sag. Just as Sagittarians are brought down to earth and balanced by those with strong Kapha fortitude and reliance.
From the Daly Breath “Gift Giving”
When cold weather shuts bodies in and down, building inner fire through a more demanding Yoga Practice helps re-balance Kapha langour. Creating new muscle from a physical practice creates muscles of anit-drepression. Remember that honey boosts metabolism and is a perfect natural sweetener for those Kapha cravings.
From the Daily Breath “Birthing Light”
In the dead of cold winters, Kapha energy increases. To counter-act feeling lethargic, dense, and cold stay away from sweet, (not just sugar but wheat) sour, and salty tastes that increase Kapha bulk. Tastes that decrease Kapha are: astringent (leafy greens,) bitter, and pungent, which is why ginger and chili peppers are added to many recipes this time of year.
From the Daily Breath “Obsession”
Kapha, governing structure and fluid balances in the body, tends to be a dominant January energy, especially if the tendency is to put on weight, have poor circulation, and/or sinus congestion. To help balance Kapha, eat more fruits, veg., and legumes. Reduce oily, sweet, sour and salty tastes in favor of pungent, bitter, and light foods. Go to bed earlier, vary daily habits, and Yoga Practice. Bring up the heat to combat Kapha laziness, over-attachment, and congestion.
From the Daily Breath “Water Flowing/Fountain Full “
Like Capricorn energy, the Ayurvedic plan at this time of the year is to keep moving with an even tempo. Don’t be erratic, or over-exert, which makes the body more vulnerable to becoming sick. Steady as she goes, keeping heart rate, muscles, and especially bones jump to a disciplined rhythm.
From the Daily Breath “Seed Pods“
The use of aroma is an important tool for healing. The correct aroma at the right time can protect the vital force, or prana, increase resistance to disease, and regulate digestion and metabolism. In winter, when Kapha Dosha tends to be more un-balanced, use spicy and invigorating scents, such as Eucalyptus, Basil, Peppermint, and Rosemary. Note that essential oils are potent. Dilute before applying, test for allergies
From the Daily Breath “Yearning And Howling”
In relation to the extra winter heat drying our skins, and the nervous system being impacted by the loss of moisture, be aware of how much caffeine you are consuming. Caffeine affects the circulation, dilating and constricting the fine capillaries of the skin, another drying affect. Drink more water, plus moist stews, and soups. Increase essential fatty acids with nuts, especially walnuts. All of this helps us stay more grounded in an Aquarian time of air, cold, and often a lack of connection to the earth.
From the Daily Breath “Mishapen Hearts”
One of the strongest health notes in the Ayurvedic lexicon is ‘cleansing.’ This applies to mental diets as well as food diets. Mental ‘rasayanas’ are therapies to create healthier ways of living by building strong self esteem. A motivating rasayanas is to make a list of all negative thoughts, and core beliefs. Change the wording of that old mantra, Ie “I’m too stupid to learn new techniques.” To… “I learn new techniques easily and well.” Place a cancel stamp on the old each time it rears its ugly little head, soon it will surrender.
From the Daily Breath “Following The White Rabbit “
Kapha, like Pisces, is a strong water element, and often in early spring we pay attention to its imbalances caused by an over-abundance of ‘wet’ that creates extra mucus, bronchitis, and lung congestion. Some good balancing kapha choices in food are: figs, prunes, raisins, pears, beets, broccoli, mushrooms, chicken, rice.
From the Daily Breath “Power of the White Tiger”
In early spring, with season changes colds circulate. They often begin with digestion, or lack there-of. Kapha indigestion affects the stomach, Pitta the small intestine, and Vata the colon. When any of these doshas are un-balanced they grow, moving into other parts of the body causing dis-ease. Untreated indigestion expresses as colds, coughs, fevers, ulcers, and influenza. By asking, “what can’t I digest in this moment?” is a good first step toward healing. Another, is faith in the ability to cure ourselves of most things. This is an essential ingredient to Ayurvedic medicine. Another is elimination of excesses, then, re-kindle digestive fires by balancing the doshas.
From the Daily Breath “Seeding Sound/Seeding Light”
Moving from winter to early spring. Not only is the weather unbalanced, but bodies are changing to gear up for different experiences. Ayurveda teaches that to stay well we must remain balanced, despite changing conditions. Pay greater attention to nutritional, and emotional needs. March is a perfect month to experience a short fast, clean out the gunk, and re-vitalize.
From the Daily Breaths “Accidental Bumps”
Depending on where you live, and what the weather is doing, either work with Kapha imbalances if it’s wet and heavy, move into Vata if it’s warm, dry, windy, and if it is hot, add Pitta. Pay attention to balancing out the needs inherent in the Doshas/constitutions, just as you do to balance the rhythms of the seasons.
Listen to the body, what needs to shift in order for new energy to enter? We know instinctually, we simply tend not to pay attention. Promise yourself 20 minutes a day of nothing but sitting, listening, allowing, honoring, and gratitude.
{ 0 comments… add one now }