Springtime Ayurvedic Rituals + Products We Love
Hello Spring!
Today officially marks the beginning of the Spring Equinox in the Western Hemisphere.
In Ayurveda, Spring is ruled by by Kapha Dosha - the elements of Earth + Water and the bodies most valuable filtering organs; the lymph system, gallbladder + liver.
The ground is heavy and wet, temperatures fluctuate hot to cold in a moments notice, and sweet underground saplings drink in vital nutrients as they prepare to blossom from below.
As the qualities of Kapha Dosha increase in our external environment, our internal landscape becomes more susceptible to these same qualities. These Springtime traits often manifest in the body as:
- Dry, thickened skin from cold, windy weather
- Muddied sinuses from stagnant lymph flow and invading allergens
- Excess mucous in the chest from fluctuating temps + the increase of atmospheric moisture
- Sluggish digestion from Winter's naturally heavier eating habits
- An interrupted sleep cycle thanks to the yearly time-change
- An increasingly growing desire to bloom, expand and create. To shed old habits, outfits and ways of being in aim to embody an even greater version of yourself!
This season, enlighten up your wellness routine with these Ayurveda rituals and products designed to invigorate, nourish and pacify excess Kapha Dosha in the mind + body:
Garshana Gloves by Moon Magic
$25
Hand sewn from Silk noil - which is spun from the broken threads created after the silk worm has emerged from the coccoon - these Garshana gloves are designed to stimulate Kapha dosha by increasing circulation + removing dead skin cells.
It has also been said that with regular use can reduce the appearance of cellulite!
DAILY USE: Massage entire body with the gloves before showering using circular strokes and movements always towards the heart.
Follow up Garshana Massage with Abhyanga Oil Massage.
>> More on abhyanga <<
$16.95
Jala-neti, is a Sanskrit term that means to "cleanse the nose with water." It is a technique designed by the yogis of India. Though an ancient practice in the East, Jala-neti was introduced to the west by the Himalayan Institute in 1972.
This daily Vedic practice of saucha (cleanliness) is done by irrigating the sinus cavity with the use of lukewarm water and saline. Multiple studies over the years have proven that nasal irrigation "improves sinus-related quality of life, decreases symptoms, and decreases medication use in patients with frequent sinusitis."
The daily use of the neti this time of year helps keep the thin layers of mucus in your nose clean and healthy - giving your body the support and clarity it needs to fight the common cold + ease allergy symptoms without any long term negative effects.
PRO TIP: Add a teeny tiny pinch of Turmeric for added anti-inflammatory effects.
Please Note: If using Neti Pot, always follow up with Nasya Oil.
$18
Nasya is the Ayurvedic practice of lubricating the nasal passageway with herb-infused oil. Use it daily after the neti to soothe sinus congestion, moisturize the nasal cavity, support the intake of prana + promote mental clarity.
DAILY USE: Place 1-2 drops on clean fingertip & apply into nostril. Repeat on opposite side.
WEEKLY USE: With head tilted back, apply 3-5 drops of oil into nostril. Inhale Deeply. Repeat on the opposite side.
$22
This hand crafted warming oil is designed to loosen tension, heaviness and obstructed mucous in the chest, lungs and heart center. A GREAT medicine cabinet oil procured with 10 wondrous Ayurvedic herbs to boost immune function, enhance lymph flow and encourage vibrant function of breath.
The sweet herbaceous scent of arjuna, vacha, nettle, lemongrass and tulsi is brightened with ravensara, eucalyptus and frankincense essential oils make this oil a Spring must have.
Massage this oil into the chest, neck and armpits using upward strokes up from the hands through the wrist, elbows, upper arms, around shoulders towards breast + chest. Sleep with it on if possible.
Use daily, or during cold/flu/accumulation.
Metabolism Tea by High Garden Woodland Tea House
$13
This tea, made right here in Nashville, is designed to increase energy levels, stimulate digestive juices, and stacked with iron, calcium, potassium, carotene, vitamins, amino acids, diuretics, blood purifiers, and anti-oxidants!
Active herbs include: Yerba Mate, Eleuthero Root, Hawthorn, Lotus Leaf, Dandelion root, Nettle, Peppermint, Rhodiola Root & Ginger Root.
Drink daily for optimal benefits.
$12.95 (4 fl oz)
This calming oil is infused with Ayurvedic herbs that promote healthy sleep patterns, deep rest and relaxation. Herbs like Ashwagandha, skullcap, valerian root and chamomile flowers make this a great oil to:
- Calm the nerves and quiet the mind
- Ground and pacify the light and mobile nature of Vata Dosha
- Soothe and balance the sharp and active nature of Pitta Dosha
Massage oil into your head, temples and soles of your feet before bedtime to reset a disturbed sleep cycle + promote the grounding qualities needed for routine quality rest.