The Kapha season spans from the depths of winter to the arrival of spring, embodying the coldest, heaviest, and wettest qualities of the year as per Ayurveda. It’s remarkable how swiftly we’ve reached mid-February, drawing closer to the end of winter. Your environment profoundly impacts your moods and needs, and although the weather may change rapidly, understanding the underlying Doshic qualities that persist throughout the year is invaluable.
Today, let’s delve into Kapha time and explore strategies to navigate this period characterized by the following Kapha qualities:
- Cold,
- Heavy,
- Static,
- Dense,
- Soft,
- Sour, and
- Moist,
- Dull,
- Smooth,
- Oily,
- Sweet,
- Salty tastes.
Often, you experience lethargy during this time of year, despite the anticipation of spring and the year ahead. However, Ayurveda can guide you in reclaiming your energy and motivation. As you encounter intermittent warmer, drier days or notice shifts in your body towards Pitta or Vata, you can make the necessary adjustments.
Over time, your approach to your mind and body will become an intuitive flow, crafted in the present moment, and tailored solely for you. Here are my recommendations for thriving during the Kapha season.
1
RISE BEFORE KAPHA TIME
Although the shortest day of the year has passed, your days are gradually becoming longer and brighter until June. However, waking up in the dark and cold may seem counterintuitive. Yet, rising early before sunrise can be incredibly invigorating if you’ve had enough sleep or practiced meditation to balance late nights. Trust me, I was skeptical too until I established my routine. Even though it’s more tempting to sleep in during the summer, waking up before sunrise (around 7 a.m. currently) is still beneficial.
Seize the Vata period in the early hours, characterized by abundant space and air elements, before the earth and water elements of the Kapha period dominate the next four hours. Embrace the morning and its energizing qualities, making the most of the fresh air and expansive atmosphere.
2
SHAKE IT OFF
Ayurveda is all about finding balance by counteracting the qualities that affect you. Since Kapha tends to make you feel sluggish, try incorporating more vigorous exercise than usual. Movement helps keep you warm, gets the blood pumping, and regulates the appetite. So, dance, cycle, run, or engage in dynamic vinyasas – choose your preferred remedy and get moving!
3
SPICE THINGS UP
Good news for those feeling the low-lying Kapha energy: now is the time to indulge in pick-me-ups that might leave you too wired during a Vata period or too hot during the Pitta season in the summer. Sprinkle on some chili, grate plenty of ginger, and grind some cloves. Many of your favorite spices are perfect for lifting you this season, and they can also help with congestion and a sluggish digestive fire if that’s what you’re experiencing.
Sipping on CCF tea can support that increased appetite you might be having in the cold weather. You can even enjoy a little regular (i.e., not decaffeinated) coffee around this time – as long as work is calm and you’re getting out into nature often. You might prefer it with oat milk or rice milk instead of dairy, which can be consumed at this time of year. If you have dairy, make sure it’s spiced up, like Golden Milk.
4
KEEP IT LIGHT
Whenever possible, try to avoid overly sweet or oily foods, as they can weigh you down when you’re already lacking energy. Instead, go for lighter fruits like apples and pears, include leafy greens, replace dairy with a non-dairy alternative, and choose grains like barley and buckwheat. Make sure they’re well cooked to help keep your belly warm and to avoid taxing your digestive system – and of course, don’t forget to spice them up.
5
WATCH YOUR APPETITE
During this time of year, your digestive fire can increase, which is why you might often crave hot, heavy foods to keep warm. However, if you’re indoors with central heating most of the time, this can throw you off balance and lead to extra snacking and indulgence. It’s important to recognize the difference between true hunger and non-hunger cues and ensure you’re fueling yourself adequately to stay warm. Try to avoid snacking between meals unless you have a significant amount of time before your next meal or you’ve just finished exercising. Tune in with your body’s cues for hunger and fullness to keep yourself nourished.
6
BUNDLE UP
Kapha is characterized by cold weather, so it’s important to keep yourself cozy. Use a snug blanket or a hot water bottle – both better options than overheating your house and especially your bedroom at night. A cool bedroom is important for a good night’s sleep. As always in Ayurveda, drink warm water instead of cold or room temperature water, and during this time of year, hot water is even better.
It’s important to get out into the weather and seek out the limited daylight, so make sure you’re appropriately dressed. Just like the previous seasonal period of autumn and the early months of winter, Kapha is characterized by cold, similar to Vata. So, in both seasons, think beanie hats, scarves, socks, and plenty of layers around your midriff to protect your kidneys.
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing
Alfred Wainwright, the author.
7
KNOW YOUR REMEDIES
If you’re suffering from cold and flu, make sure to rest up. REST IS BEST. No jumping about with exercise even if you are wearing the right clothing. Choose slower exercises like yoga to help open up your body and allow the Prana to flow, practice Pranayama, and maximize sleep and meditation.
8
THE ART OF AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is a rejuvenating method for Kaphas to restore their dosha and regain balance. Neuro-associative conditioning, which links specific scents with emotional states, can activate your inner pharmacy and enhance your body’s healing response. With the changing seasons, aromatherapy becomes a powerful tool to promote relaxation and well-being. UMA candles and body oils offer the ultimate indulgence, providing a soothing experience that helps you unwind and find balance in this season.
BONUS TIP: WHEN IN DOUBT, CLEANSE + RESET
You can consider doing a Cleanse + Reset to deal with this Kapha time of year. It can be a supportive and nourishing diet if you are “under the weather,” a phrase that very much describes the heaviness of this Kapha period!
