There is probably only one downside to Spring that I can think of - the onset of the dreaded hay fever and allergies.
Spring is the season of Kapha, meaning the Water and Earth elements are predominant in the external environment and therefore, our internal ones too.
POSSIBLE CHANGES TO THE MIND/BODY SYSTEM IN SPRING
The Agni or digestive fire becomes slow in quality often resulting in minimal appetite, slow digestion, heaviness after eating and nausea.
An increase in mucous and congestion in the body.
Having overall lethargy, lack of energy.
Greater fluid retention in the body, oedema.
Feeling cold.
Less motivation in the mind, often in conjunction with feeling heavy, dark or withdrawn.
In addition, due to warmer temperatures in Spring, there is also potential for the Pitta dosha to increase, producing excess heat in the body and inflammation. With the above factors combined, it can turn a beautiful season into a time of allergy, irritation and illness for many. In general, hay fever as understood in Ayurveda, is digestively linked. If you have a slow and unhappy digestion, toxins build and allergy appears. Our digestion, and therefore recovery from many forms of hay fever allergies, can be supported by implementing holistic Ayurvedic dietary and lifestyle guidelines.
STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING HAY FEVER AND ALLERGIES
Keep food light and easy to digest when and wherever you can. Your overall diet should include seasonal, fresh and well cooked produce that incorporates spices to clear toxins from the body, increasing digestive capability.
Sip warm pre-boiled water and herbal tea throughout the day in accordance to thirst. Water flushes out toxins from the body and warm water is easy to digest. Add a slice of fresh ginger, or make a ginger tea, to help keep the digestive fire strong and ready to fight off any potential pathogens.
Incorporate regular yoga and pranayama (breath) practice daily. Yoga and pranayama boosts your immune system, unblocks the channels of the body (i.e. a blocked and snuffly nose) and strengthens overall functioning across all elements of the mind/body system. An optimum practice would be Sun Salutations in the morning to balance the Kapha dosha with a brisk pace and repeated rounds.
As a simple anti-inflammatory and antidote for hay fever and allergies, try making this tea to drink in the morning approx. 20 minutes before breakfast. Take 1 teaspoon of both fresh ginger and turmeric. Finely grate into 1 cup of water and pour into a small saucepan. Add a pinch of black pepper and slowly bring to the boil until the spices are fragrant and infused. Slowly sip warm.
The above mentioned strategies are not only beneficial for those suffering from hay fever and allergies, but can also be used as general management tactics for all during the Spring season. We also offer more targeted treatments and medicines at The Sattva Centre to manage both acute and chronic hay fever and allergy conditions. As always, we would love to hear from you if you have any further questions or would like to make an appointment.
DISCLAIMER
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the science of Ayurveda. If you have an acute or chronic health concern, please consult your chosen trained health care professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner, contact The Sattva Centre directly - info@thesattvacentre.com