Seasons and the Doshas:
In the life of everything that exists in nature, there is always a beginning, a middle and an end in regard to time. Ayurveda uses the doshas to designate these three divisions in a way that can be easily understood and seen throughout many aspects of life. Kapha represents the creation of the beginning, Pitta represents the preservation of the middle and Vata represents the dissolution of the end. The cycle of nature always begins with Kapha, moving into Pitta, dissolving into Vata and ultimately coming back into new growth as Kapha once again.
Seasons are one such measure of time in which there is a natural progression of the doshas. Kapha is strongest in the late winter and early spring when everything is moist, the temperature gets warmer and all the flowers and plants begin to grow. Pitta reaches its pinnacle in the late spring and summer when the weather is hot and nature is in a state of transformation between creation and destruction. Vata intensifies in the fall and early winter when the leaves fall, the plants recede back into the earth and the wind leaves us dry and cold. When we have an understanding of how the doshas flow with the tides of nature, we can adjust our lives so that the doshas remain in a state of balance.
Kapha season: Late winter through early spring (or when it is cold and wet)
Pitta season: Late spring through summer (or when it is hot)
Vata season: Fall and early winter (or when it is cold and windy)
What all this means is that people with a predominantly Vata, Pitta, or Kapha constitution will be especially sensitive during their season. Since we are ultimately some combination of all three doshas, it is ideal to learn ways of balancing whichever dosha is presenting out of balance at any time of year. We can do this through lifestyle, diet, and our yoga practice. It is so very important that our practice is informed by the influence of nature throughout the year.
For example, in the fall and early winter (vata season), it is best to eat warm, nourishing foods to help balance the excess vata present in our external environment. Without vata reducing foods during the fall and early winter, we are likely to experience vata imbalances such as systemic dryness, fatigue or anxiety. It is also at this blustery time that our practice be stabilizing and balancing.
During transitions between the seasons the regiments and diet are blended. It is also the best time to do rejuvenation practices as we shift from the old energy to the new energy- a time to detoxify and shed the old. Visit Remedy Herb Shop and stay tuned to Sangha Yoga Studio for more suggestions on how to stay Ayurvedically aware and aligned!