NEWSLETTER

Spring Cleaning with Ayurveda by Jai Dev

Somewhere or somehow, most of us have now heard the word Ayurveda. Whether in the yoga studio, an alternative health magazine, or in the news surrounding a local football star, this "science of life" is slowly becoming more and more visible in our western culture. Although some understand it as a diet, or a way of knowing one's "body-type", Ayurveda is first and foremost a science of understanding how we can be in harmony with Nature in order to achieve optimum health and peace of mind.

One important aspect of Ayurveda that has gained much attention here in the west is its system of classifying each of us into a specific mind/body-type based on our own unique physical and psychological characteristics. This gives us great insight into the types of imbalance that each individual will be prone to, as well as what the greater potentials may be both physically and emotionally. From this we can also determine what types of foods, herbs, aromas, and other lifestyle regimens will best enable them to lead a more harmonious life and move towards what is known in the Vedic traditions as swastha, or perfect health. However, simply understanding constitution does not give us the complete picture. We must account for all of Nature's influences. What climate does one live in? What is their age? And what is the current season?

Season is particularly important when we are learning to integrate a healthy diet into our lives. Most of us go on eating the same thing all year round, not realizing that it is Nature who dictates our diets as we move from season to season. Ideally, through the winter we have been eating heavier, warmer, and moister foods to balance the cold, dry and light qualities of the season. We have probably been less active as we have been staying indoors hibernating in our home heating systems. We might have even put on a few pounds while doing so. And guess what? It's ok, and even natural to do so!

Now we are entering the spring months and it is time to shed off that extra heaviness and stagnation we may have accumulated over the winter. The snow is melting from the mountain-tops and the presently moist earth is allowing the vibrantly green vegetation to sprout forth from below the soil. Just as the earth naturally holds on to more water in the spring, so does our bodies. This is the season in which we may experience more congestion, heaviness, and a lack of appetite. However, the earth is providing us with exactly what we need in order to remain with natures rhythm. In the spring we do well with the bitter, pungent and astringent tastes to help detoxify the body. Bitter greens and root veggies, peas, radishes, legumes and sprouts are all excellent foods to help antidote the heavy, moist, and stagnant qualities of the spring.

Ayurveda offers many ways of assisting ourselves along into spring. A cleanse can be just what the body needs to make the transition. Cleansing programs can be a wonderful experience both physically and spiritually. The nature and length of the cleanse is determined by the constitution of the person as well as any imbalance they may be experiencing. It is imperative to have the support of an Ayurvedic practitioner for any intensive cleansing programs. An incredible practice for the spring, as well as for the healing of many diseases, and general maintenance is Pancha Karma, Ayurveda's most powerful vehicle for healing and transformation. It is a 5-10 day cleansing and rejuvenative program that includes a specific diet, massage, enemas, herbs, and various other therapies.

Some healthy spring things:

Take a chlorophyll supplement in the morning before breakfast. Spirulina or fresh Wheat Grass may be used.

Start your mornings with exercise before breakfast. Sun Salutations or fast-paced walking are great.

Some good spring-time yoga postures are Bow pose, Upward-Facing Bow (wheel), and Camel. Kapalabati, Bhastrika, and Breath of Fire Pranayams are excellent. Emphasize these into your morning practices.

Jai Dev is the director of the Pancha Karma Center and Ayurvedic Spa at the California College of Ayurveda. He is a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist certified by the California College of Ayurveda and the American Institute of Vedic Studies. For info about consultations or Pancha Karma call 530-575-0753.

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