Spring Into Balance: Ayurvedic Routines for Vasanta (Spring) Season

Spring—the King of Seasons! 🌿🌸

Dr. Lad calls spring the king, and for good reason! It’s the season of renewal, where life bursts forth in vibrant colors, gardens bloom, and the warmth thaws the frozen earth. But as nature comes alive, so does the Kapha in our bodies. That winter accumulation of heaviness and moisture starts to melt, leading to spring colds, allergies, and sluggishness.

So, what’s the Ayurvedic secret to embracing spring without the sniffles? A seasonal reset! The transition between winter and spring—Rutusandhi—is the perfect time for a cleanse to shed excess Kapha and step into the season feeling light, energized, and in sync with nature.

Let’s dive into the ultimate spring routine to help you bloom with the season! 🌞

Ayurvedic Morning Rituals & Routines to Start Fresh in Spring

The following Ayurvedic routines for Spring will help you start your day fresh and refreshed!

🌅 Rise & Shine (6-7 AM): Shake off the winter slumber and greet the morning sun!

🦷 Oral Care:

Brush your teeth & scrape your tongue (trust us, it’s a game-changer).
Swish 1-2 tablespoons of warm sesame oil (oil pulling) for 2-5 minutes—then spit it out!
Massage your gums & rinse with warm water.

💧 Hydrate:

A cup of warm water first thing in the morning stimulates digestion and gets things moving.

🛁 Abhyanga (Self-Massage):

Massage warm sesame or sunflower oil all over your body, then take a warm shower.

🤲 Garshana (Dry Brushing):

A dry massage with a silk or raw silk glove wakes up the lymphatic system and gets circulation going!

💨 Kapalabhati Pranayama (Skull Shining Breath):

A powerful way to clear Kapha and wake up your system. But do this only under a trained practitioner’s guidance!

🏃 Move That Kapha!Spring calls for dynamic exercise—time to shake off the winter stagnation:

Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) with Ujjayi breath
Power walking in the fresh air
Light weight training or any movement that keeps you warm and energized

🧘 Mind & Spirit:

Meditation & Prayer: Set intentions, reflect, and ground yourself.

👃 Clear the Sinuses:

Use a Neti Pot (warm saline water rinse) or Nasya (herbal nasal oils) to combat spring allergies and congestion.

☀️ Spring Wellness Tips:

Avoid daytime naps (they increase Kapha!).
Stay warm & dry—protect your neck and ears from cool drafts with a cozy scarf.

Spring Diet: Light, Warm & Kapha-Pacifying

Spring is the season when Kapha liquefies, weakening digestion, so keep meals warm, light, and easy to digest!

🥦 What to Eat:

✔ Grains: Basmati rice, quinoa, millet, oats, buckwheat, barley

✔ Pulses: Red lentils, adzuki beans, pinto beans, chickpeas

✔ Fruits: Apples, apricots, berries, cherries, dark grapes, mangoes, pears, pomegranates, dried fruits

✔ Veggies: Artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, carrots, radishes, spinach, all leafy greens

✔ Spices: Onion, garlic, turmeric, asafetida, cumin, coriander, fennel

✔ Sweeteners: Raw honey (NEVER cook it!) & molasses

✔ Herbal teas: Ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, clove for warmth & digestion

🥄 Lassi Recipe (A Springtime Digestive Aid):

Blend together:

¼ cup fresh yogurt
1 cup water
Pinch of cumin powder
Pinch of salt

🚫 What to Avoid:

❌ Heavy, fried, or oily foods

❌ Iced or cold drinks (they slow digestion!)

❌ Large, heavy breakfasts or snacking between meals

🌿 1. Supports Digestion

Sweet lassi (made with yogurt, water, and a touch of sugar or spices) is especially good after meals.
It stimulates Agni (digestive fire) without aggravating Pitta—ideal in hot weather.
Contains probiotics that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

🌿 2. Balances Doshas (when prepared appropriately)

Sweet lassi is cooling and best for Pitta types—it soothes heat and inflammation.
Salted or spiced lassi with cumin or ginger benefits Vata and Kapha, reducing bloating and heaviness.
Avoid lassi with meals high in incompatible foods (e.g., fish or sour fruits), as it may imbalance the doshas.

🌿 3. Rehydrates and Nourishes

The water content in lassi makes it a hydrating post-meal or midday drink.
Offers a light source of nutrition—especially helpful during summer or when recovering from illness.

🌿 4. Builds Ojas (Vital Essence)

Especially when made with fresh, organic yogurt and natural sweeteners like dates or honey (not heated).
Builds strength, vitality, and immunity if consumed in moderation and with proper food combining.

🌿 5. Calms the Mind and Nerves

The grounding, nourishing nature of lassi helps soothe Vata and anxiety.
A good choice for afternoon or early evening if one is feeling frazzled or over-stimulated.

Spring Energy: A Season of Creativity & Expression

With longer days and blooming landscapes, spring is all about renewal, inspiration, and fresh ideas. While Vata and Pitta folks feel energized, Kapha types might struggle with allergies and sluggishness. The key? Align with the season, follow a Kapha-balancing routine, and let creativity flow!

Now’s the time to bring those winter ideas to life—write, create, plan, and bloom into your best self this spring! 🌸🌞