We live in an age with so many options in the arts of healing. Inexpensive practices to encourage wellness. Prevention is key, and living well is easy and joyful.
Spring and Autumn are the two seasons that people are prone to colds and flus. I like to use a blend of Ayurveda and modern day living during this transitional period. Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old science. Ayurveda in all of it’s perfection can be partnered with modern day ammenites. Juicers, blenders, gyms and studios, super markets with foods of every season, and electronic gadgets that make our healing easier. I like to use the things that have served me well for many years on my healing journey.
As we flow into Spring, we need vitality, strength and ENERGY! Spring is always the time of movement and we begin to feel compelled to purge. Winter builds stagnation as our movement slows down. As Winter is a time to go inward, Spring is external. Beginning early in practice for Spring ensures that we diminish sickness. Easing in early with easy practices can insure that we are ready for this season of renewal.
These practices are some of my favorites. I have already began leaning into them in the last two weeks as our weather has began to warm up.
Hydration. Our body begins to do alot of work as the space around us energetically shifts. We need to stay hydrated during this time to keep the flow going. I love infused waters. Sitting clear pitchers of water with fruit and herbs in them are enticing reminders to drink. I love parsley and cucumber rounds. Blueberries and chopped apples. Pick your favorite fruits and toss them into water. Also warm teas. If you are new to hot tea drinking, read my blog “Art of Tea” for more info. Warm herbal teas or warm water with lemon. Try to avoid ice for now because our body needs more flow and warm water moves through the system nicely. Get into the habit of having practices that encourage drinking more water.
Fasting can be as challenging as you like. Full on 24 hour fasting is a great way to allow the body to detox on deeper levels. If you want a fast that is less challenging try a three day fruit fast. Juicing is nice. 3, 4, and 7 day juice fasts is a great way to prep your way into Spring season as well. Also begin to play with some intermittent fasting during your work week. An eight hour feeding window Monday thru Friday is one way to get started. As that becomes easier, make your feeding window smaller.
Bring on the heat with saunas for detoxification. Infrared Yoga is my favorite way to get heat on the cellular level. Heat encourages detoxification and there are many ways to move into this practice. Heat always encourages lymphatic flow and your glowy skin will love you for it. This is one of the best ways to get anti aging into your day.
Let the cold in. Cold showers are great for metabolism, circulation, awakening the nervous system, and for that winter lethargy and depression. This takes some practice if you love heat but so worth it. I count to thirty at the end of my shower and allow the cold to give me that boost before stepping out into my morning rituals.
Nutrition wise, plants alkalize the body, decreases inflammation and assist in gut health. Eat more plants during this time. Eat meat and dairy a little less and avoid sugar and processed foods. One step at a time allows us to move through feelings of overwhelm when changing our eating habits. We want to be well long term so go for long term goals. Wellness is not an overnight fix but a lifestyle change, so be easy with yourself. Notice how you FEEL when you make better decisions regarding food decisions.
Move. Spring is a season of wind, change, movement. It is important to find adventure and joy in your practices. One thing at a time. If you love being outside, take a walk or set a goal for a short hike in Nature. Our beloved landscapes offer up so many options to get outside in nature. Cycling, indoor or outdoor is great for heart health and during calories. Find your own rhythm. Yoga is always my go to, in every season but during this time I hit the mat at least fifteen minutes a day at home. Set a space for your mat and just move intuitively. Set the timer and enjoy feeling your way through stretches. There are no rules. This is your body, it knows where to go. Get a little uncomfortable and never forget to take your sweet savasana.
I hope these tips inspire you to prepare for Spring and give you an incentive of your worth. Your body, mind and spirit will love you for it. Don’t forget that this is your life. It is not a race, it is a practice. We are designed to grow, to reset, to let go, and to continuously move forward on this beautiful journey of LIFE. Never forget to Make LIFE Your Medicine!
Tina Chabot
e-RYT 500
Ayurvedic Health Counselor