TRANSITIONING FROM VATA TO KAPHA SEASON WITH AYURVEDA

As the seasons change, so do the needs of our bodies and minds. In Ayurveda – India’s ancient system of medicine – each season is associated with a particular dosha or energy type. The transition from Vata season (autumn and winter) to Kapha season (winter to spring) can be a challenging time for many of us, as the body adjusts to the new climate and energy.

During Vata season, air and space are dominant elements, leading to dryness, coldness, and instability. As the season shifts to Kapha, water and earth become more prominent, bringing heaviness, moisture, and stability. In other words, sluggishness, congestion, and weight gain, along with feelings of sadness or lethargy. Understanding the qualities of each season and how they affect the body allows us to make better choices to benefit health and wellbeing.

Breeze through seasonal change with the help of Ayurveda

We know from experience that the changes of the seasons bring shifts in the ways we feel and think. We love wrapping up warm in winter and choose very different foods to the ones we prefer in summer months. Ayurveda, India’s classical system of medicine, helps you navigate these transitions with ease by supporting existing habits and developing new ones. Understanding the qualities of each season and how they affect us makes it easier to adapt our diet, lifestyle, and daily routine easier, all in the service of better health and balance.

What does Vata season mean for you?

Autumn and winter are considered Vata season in Ayurveda, characterized by cold, dryness, and movement. Time for gloves and scarves! During this time, the Vata dosha, which shapes how we move and communicate, can get out of synch, leading to symptoms including anxiety, insomnia, dry skin, and joint pain.

To counteract these imbalances, Ayurveda recommends focusing on warming, nourishing foods such as soups, stews, and cooked grains. Adding healthy fats such as ghee or coconut oil to meals can also help lubricate the body and support digestion. Plus it’s important to stay hydrated and avoid excess caffeine and alcohol, which deplete the body of moisture. We know this on good days. Ayurveda is brilliant for ready-reckoners the rest of the time.

In addition to dietary changes, Ayurveda is rich with tried-and-tested grounding practices such as yoga, meditation, and daily self-massage with warm oil. This can help calm the nervous system, soothe dry skin, and promote restful sleep.

5 Minutes With Sunita

As an Ayurvedic trainer specialising in seasonal wellness, here are my top tips for transitioning from Vata season to Kapha season:

Start your day with warm lemon water…it stimulates digestion and support detoxification.
Use warming (and yummy) spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom in your meals to boost circulation and digestion.
Take short walks outside during the day to enjoy natural light and fresh air, even if it’s cold outside.
Practice gentle yoga poses such as forward folds and hip openers to help calm the mind and release tension.
Use a neti pot or saline spray to keep the sinuses clear and prevent congestion.

By following these simple tips and tuning into the needs of your body, you can breeze through seasonal change with the help of Ayurveda.

Until next time … Namaste

Founder Tri-Dosha