“As above, so below, as within, so without, as the universe, so the soul…” -Hermes Trismegistus

While winter is considered a season of accumulation, springtime is about growth and possibility. In Los Angeles we are seeing an incredibly luscious landscape bloom with confidence and mastery. As within so without… I’ve listed a few practices below that help to gently remove accumulated imbalances from your body so that you too can unfurl with confidence and natural beauty.

(Keep in mind that you are a unique flower and these are general recommendations that are good for many. Please speak with your doctor if you are uncertain about the appropriateness of any of these recommendations.)

Wake up early (3-7am). Kapha is especially aggravated by sleeping in beyond 7am. (This does not pertain to you if you’re currently ill, pregnant, breast feeding, or elderly… trust your body and sleep in as necessary)
Daily oil massage using organic sesame or sunflower oil.
Hot shower to refresh the body.
Visit a sauna during the early part of spring if possible.
Cup of hot ginger and lemon water in the morning to stimulate digestion and cut through accumulated mucous from the night before.
Practice more vigorous asanas (poses) to increase metabolism, including backbends, and forward bends to warm the kidneys and heart openers to help clear phlegm. (Ask about individual instruction for more details if you’re uncertain of your unique needs)
Diet should emphasize bitter, pungent and astringent foods that help to clear mucous and excess moisture from the body. Avoid sweet, sour and salty flavors that are heavy and cause water stagnation in the body.
Eat meals that are warm, light and very easy to digest.
Avoid ice, refrigerated foods eaten cold, eating too much, eating between meals and sleeping during the day.
Honey is a wonderful sweetener this season. It helps to clear mucous.
Dandelion tea is useful in cleansing the liver.