Spring is here and that means so is Kapha Season. Kapha is a Dosha (or constitution) in Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a sister-science to yoga. It is a holistic practice that is thousands of years old. Kapha Dosha is the combination of Earth and Water. There are 2 other Doshas in Ayurveda. Pitta is linked to the Fire and Water elements and Vata is linked to Space and Air.
Kapha can be described as cool, moist, wet, thick, calm, still, easy-going, and relaxed. This shows up in many different ways; including in peoples physical and mental constitutions, the food we eat, the weather, the seasons, and more.
When the weather turns toward Kapha qualities it brings mud, rain, slow vegetation growth, and plenty of humidity. This will lead into Pitta Season (summer) and then return in Fall.
Kapha season can bring relief to itchy dry skin, staticky situations, and a calm to a mind that has cabin fever due to the weather being too cold to go outside. Spring has the effect of causing some people to feel reenergized in a nice, slow pace that coincides with the earth waking back up. Kapha season can bring tons of relief to Individuals dealing with Vata or Pitta ailments.
Kapha can also bring imbalances. It can cause individuals prone to have more sebum or oils in their skin to have cystic acne, milia and small acne. It also can cause more noticeable sweating and body odor. It can congestion via allergies, sinus issues, etc. Kapha can also cause lethargy and slow once active people down.
When someone wants to balance their Kapha they bring in more of the heat and air elements. Physically, they could to eat foods above freezing, leave ice out of water, keep the skin dry and stoke their inner fire with more demanding workouts.
Slow Flow yoga is recommended for those who feel stuck, to bring movement into their constitutions. If you’re already moving slow, pick up the pace a bit. Working with Kapha is an excellent opportunity to try new things (like different posture transitions) with a calm and relaxed mindset.
Namaste
SUNYATA YOGA 