Kapha season conversaton

[Guest guest]

Kapha is the ayurvedic word for a metabolic principle combined from

the elemental principles of earth and water. It governs structure and

fluid balance, and just like in our spring season, the sap starts to

run, noses often do also from melting of the density needed for winter

warmth and energy, starting to loosen and melt and naturally needing

support for spring cleansings. Postpartum we do not want to do spring

cleansings really, not the first 2 months or so as we are in such a

unique and vata extreme condition, all mothers. But it is good to

take a look at what we can wisely do.

 

As Jennifer Workman, Ayurvedic Practitioner and Registered Dietition

explains on her website and newsletter from thebalancedapproach.com,

 

" We're moving into the Kapha Season:

Kapha can increase congestion, colds, flus, & sinus problems.

 

According to Ayurveda, we are now moving out of the Vata season and

into the Kapha season (in the northern hemisphere).

 

The change of seasons can cause lots of chaos with energy levels,

congestion problems, lethargy, digestion issues, irregular sleep

patterns, colds and flu's and sinus infections.

 

Remember, each person's constitution and cold or illness will be

unique, so getting specific advice is always recommended.

 

It is also time to begin thinking about doing a Spring Cleanse in

April or May. "

 

Jen goes on to recommend both her favorite specific products as well

as general ayurvedic advice - immune and respiratory supports, more

dynamic exercise, stronger spicing in foods, focus on warm and less

moist foods. More dynamic exercise such as the surya namaskara sun

salutations in the dark again daylight savings early mornings to get

us going, less sleeping in, a little extra ginger and lemon in warm

water type beverages, more turmeric (such as in curry powder) in the

foods...

 

" Get lots of rest, try a dry sauna if congested or wet steam if too

dry. You can also take a warm bath or shower with Eucalyptus, Myrrh or

Tulsi essential oils.

 

For sore throats Gargle with 1/2 tsp Turmeric, 1/2 tsp lemon juice,

and 1/2 sea salt in 4 oz warm water. Continue to gargle throughout the

day. "

 

Dietarily, For most of us this means it is best favor the chili side

of Mexican but hold the cheese (for instance), for less dairy and

lower fat in general, for those rice cakes and crackers instead of

oily rich baked goods, drier cereals with some hot skim or nut milk

instead of full fat if you like instead of so much mush, and more of

natures stored legumes and the fresh spring cleaning greens. A more

orderly explanation may be found on many ayurvedic sites and in the

files at www.ayurveda.

 

After childbirth, we can still offer the vata pacifying warm moist

cooked foods and environment, but if kapha excess(giving phlegm,

heaviness, dullness, extra fluids or congestion for instance) is

appearing, we can modify in a few simple ways. This may show up as

less puddings and moist nourishing sweets, more stewed or baked

fruits, sweet fresh fruits and juices. More pepper, ginger, turmeric

and well roasted garlic as well as the other indicated herbs in

abundance will help, in addition to thin seasoned dhals of split mung

bean and asparagus or other lighter vegetable soups per the list.

 

Definitely minimizing even room temperature water and favoring boiled

water and hot vata and kapha pacifying herb teas. We can sometimes

substitute anise for the fennel (it is warmer and more pungent, still

lactation supportive) in the same recipe of 2/3 tsp to 1/3 tsp

fenugreek and 2 quarts water.

 

Leaning more into sesame oils and less clarified butter or other more

cooling or rich fats like butter or coconut or olive oils. Mom still

needs extra fats however, for multiple purposes, and it is important

at this time not to lean her into lowfat, unless medically recommended

for alchoholic liver or other conditions. Including more of these chai

type spices in the hot milk tonic and perhaps making it half

water/half milk if craved but Mom is showing signs of kapha also.

 

Roasted sesame can be made into a tahini " milk " without dairy, rich in

calcium and other minerals, protein, with a little cardamom, nutmeg,

perhaps lecithin to emulsify, and dark raw sugar for glycogen balance

if Mom is sick and likes this, in addition to favoring the think dhals

to keep her protein and other nutrition up without aggravating a cold.

 

Don't forget those hot water bottles, diffusing and wearing essential

oils such as Jen mentioned, and adding them to some salt or epsom

salts and mixing in the bath water.

 

Time to walk my talk and retire for the night...just couldn't resist

opening the conversation. Enjoy! Ysha