As we journey toward the Spring Equinox, (this year it's March 20), we are also entering Kapha season, when the nights get shorter, the days get warmer, and the flowers are in bloom.  It is the time of Earth’s reawakening, and can be a wonderful time for us to take a fresh look at our lives.
 
Since the qualities of Spring are those of Kapha Dosha – cool, moist, unctuous, dense, heavy, and oily - nasal congestion is a common complaint during this time of year.  Avoid exposing your nose, throat, and lungs to cold air, and use a little oil or ghee in your nostrils to buffer you from allergens.  Dressing in layers will help you stay appropriately warm throughout the temperature swings of the day.
 
Your diet can play a huge role in keeping you free of colds and flu and feeling good throughout the season.  Avoid heavy, oily foods, choosing instead freshly prepared soups, cooked vegetables, and whole grains.  Avoid dairy, especially in the morning, and try adding more bitter, pungent, and astringent tasting foods to your table.  Ginger, black pepper, and clove are good Kapha spices to keep digestion stimulated, but take care not to overdo hot spices, as they can aggravate Vataand Pitta in excess.  Add Kapha Chutney (recipe below) to any meal for a balancing effect.
 
Take advantage of this time for rebirth by taking stock of your commitments, your routine, and your surroundings.  Give yourself permission to make changes to any areas that no longer work for you.  Clean out your physical spaces: home, office, and car, clearing out clutter to make room for something new to bloom in your life!
 
Above all, take time each day to nurture your Kapha Dosha.  Get outside, get moving, and spend some time in nature.  Walking, biking, gardening, and hiking are great ways to enjoy the fresh air and the sights and sounds of the Spring.  Enjoy this beautiful time of change!