The period between each seasonal change is an important time to support the health of your body, mind and spirit. Making some simple lifestyle changes and taking a little extra care during this time is highly beneficial for maintaining immunity, good health and overall well-being.
Spring is a time of rebirth, of cleansing and renewal. As nature moves out of the cold, wet, dark winter, the earth awakens, warms and blossoms, bringing new life after the dormant winter months.
Your body mirrors nature, and what is happening outside is also happening within you. In the Spring, the heat of the sun warms the earth and melts the snow and glaciers, causing water and rivers to flow. At the same time, accumulated mucus and congestion from winter starts to liquify and spread in the body. This weakens the digestive fire which can lead to many typical seasonal symptoms like colds, runny noses, wet, phlegmy coughs, and sinus problems.
During springtime, flowers bloom and shed their pollen which can sometimes irritate the mucous membranes. The extra buildup of mucus can lead to an onslaught of allergies, sinus infections, asthma attacks, and hay fever symptoms.
It’s best to watch your exposure to dust, dirt, and pollen and find healthy ways to manage stress. Be sure to exercise and move your body daily. Getting regular massages to support your lymphatic circulation can be helpful during the spring, as can creating extra time and space to replenish your energy.
Bringing in the opposite qualities of Spring invites balance and healing. Therefore, to stay your healthiest in spring, you would bring dryness, warmth, and lightness into your diet and lifestyle. Consider doing a cleanse or detox at this time and plan a spring break to a warm and sunny place.
Focus on eating more bitter, pungent, dry and astringent foods while reducing the sweet, sour, and salty tastes in your diet. Consume lighter, more easily digestible foods and avoid fatty, oily and fried foods, as well as cold or iced beverages. Eat fewer dairy products and less rice, breads, and pastas.
The best foods for the season include peas, lentils, beans, barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, quinoa, radishes, spinach, artichoke, asparagus, beets, broccoli, carrots, lettuces, apricots, cherries, mangos, peaches, pears, pomegranates and raisins to name a few.
In order to counterbalance the heaviness of winter, make more space by doing some spring cleaning. Clean out your drawers, closets, office, pantry or whatever it is that feels over full and stagnant. Clear out, organize and release any of the old physical clutter and old heavy emotions. It’s the perfect therapy this time of year.