Ayurveda divides the year into three seasons, Vata, Pitta and Kapha season. Kapha, (coff-uh), season starts out wet and cold in March and ends up wet and warm in May and June. As the trees and flowers release their pollen, those who are susceptible to allergies begin to feel the effects of Kapha in their respiratory system.

The main location of Kapha in the body is in the chest. When Kapha dosha becomes aggravated then mucous increases, leading to colds, sinus congestion, allergies and asthma. In fact, the English word “cough” comes from the Sanskrit word Kapha.

Each day is also divided into Vata, Pitta, and Kapha periods. The Kapha times are 6 am to 10 am in the morning and 6 pm to 10 pm in the evening. Digestion is weaker during these periods, since the heavy and wet qualities of Kapha tend to dampen the agnis or digestive fires. This is especially true during Kapha season. It’s best to eat your biggest meal of the day at lunch when the digestive fires are naturally at their peack, and to eat lighter breakfast and dinners.

The switch from Vata season to Kapha season can be a challenge for the body. During the cold, dry, and windy Vata season in late autumn and winter, our bodies need more of the qualities that help balance Vata-heavy, sweet, dense and oily. But these same qualities increase Kapha. When Spring arrives, there can be an overload of the heavy and dense qualities in the body. That makes Spring an ideal time for cleansing and detoxification.

Spring is also a good season to ramp up your exercise routine. Once Kapha is energized it brings you greater strength and endurance. It’s time to get moving, so get out there and have some fun!

Kapha Governs	Kapha out of Balance
Moisture for nose, mouth, eyes and brain.	Sinus congestion, poor sense of smell.
Sense of taste, which is essential for good digestion.	Poor sense of taste, food cravings due to lack of fulfillment.
Moisture of the stomach lining for good digestion.	Impaired digestion, poor absorption.
Protects the heart, strong muscles, healthy lungs.	Lethargy, respiratory problems, lower back pain.
Lubrication of the joints, soft and supple skin.	Weight gain, oily skin, loose or painful joints.

If any of these apply to you it’s time for a spring clean detox! Come into Fern Life Center and find out how to clear Kapha from your body, lose those winter pounds, and get ready for summer.

Diet and the Kapha Season Food can be spicier at this time of year. It’s good to favor bitter, pungent and astringent tastes like cooked green leafy veggies, fresh ginger tea, and astringent legumes. Make sure your food is cooked.  To fire up your digestion, eat a little ginger about 10 minutes before meals with some Celtic Sea Salt and lemon or lime juice. Sprinkle Fern Life Center’s Kapha Churna (spice mixture) over the top of your meals for added digestive boosting.