Welcome to Kapha Season

The cool moisture of Kapha season has arrived. The rains and late winter snow bring in the water we need to stimulate Spring growth. Individuals with Vata prominent doshas need to take care to stay warm in late Winter and early Spring. Kapha dominant doshas should begin adding light, drying foods to avoid congestion.

With any shift in season, there are steps you can take to stay balanced even when the weather can take you off your daily routine. Ayurveda teaches us that like increases like and that opposites balance. Listen closely to what your body needs.

In Kapha season, imbalances can arise due to heaviness causing sadness and inactivity. Warm up your body, enhance your metabolism and increase your circulation with daily Yoga Asana. 1. Sun Salutations promote circulation and emotional well being. 2. A vinyasa flow practice that incorporates asanas like Plank, Chaturanga Dandasana (lowered plank), Bhujangasana (cobra), or Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (up dog) and Adho Mukha Svanasana (down dog). 3. Forward bends keep your spine supple. 4. Inversions promote blood flow throughout the whole body, invigorate the brain and reduce dullness. 5. Twists reduce inflammation around the organs, minimize weight gain and promote proper digestion, which can get sluggish in winter.

Choose foods that are lighter, drier, pungent, and warming. As soon as they’re available, eat the first bounty of the season, sprouts, berries, dandelion and other greens like asparagus and spinach.

Cabbage Potato Soup

INGREDIENTS 1 head cabbage, sliced very thin 3 potatoes, large, cut into ½ inch cubes 4 Tbs ghee 1 jalapeno pepper, small, diced fine 1 Tbs black mustard seeds ¼ tsp turmeric and or ¼ tsp curry 1 Tbs coriander, ground 1 tsp salt 1 or 2 lemon slices, seeds removed

1. In a large skillet, heat ghee, mustard seeds, jalapeno pepper, and turmeric until seeds begin to pop. 2. Add the potatoes. Stir for 8 minutes on medium heat. 3. Add cabbage and cook for 15 more minutes until cabbage and potatoes are tender. 4. Stir in salt and coriander powder. 5. Squeeze lemon over all. Serve hot. Potatoes and cabbage can be a little drying for vata. Although the ghee, turmeric, and salt help mitigate this, vatas should still go easy on this dish. This recipe is cleansing and balancing for both Pitta and Kapha.