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First of all...
What are "Dosha's"?
Dosha refers to categories or types of substances that make up the energy in different types of living beings.
It is an ayurvedic term used to categorize the specific functions and qualities in humans and living species.
There are three main Dosha's, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Seasonal Guidance for the Dosha's
Each dosha is associated with specific qualities, and seasonal changes can amplify or disrupt them. By tailoring your lifestyle to the seasons, you can maintain balance and harmony.
Vata Season:
Fall to Early Winter (Cool, Dry, and Windy)
Vata's qualities—cold, light, and dry—are heightened during this time, making Vata types more prone to imbalance.
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Diet: Focus on warm, nourishing foods like soups, stews, and cooked grains. Include grounding spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Avoid raw, cold foods and icy drinks.
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Lifestyle: Establish a steady daily routine with consistent sleep and meal times. Bundle up in warm layers and practice self-massage (Abhyanga) with warming oils like sesame or almond.
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Yoga: Choose slow, grounding practices like Yin Yoga, restorative poses, and meditative breathwork. Include poses that warm the lower back and hips, such as child’s pose and pigeon pose.
Pitta Season:
Late Spring to Summer (Hot, Intense, and Fiery)
Pitta’s qualities—heat, sharpness, and intensity—are amplified in the summer, leading to potential overheating or irritability.
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Diet: Favor cooling, hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and coconut water. Avoid spicy, salty, and oily foods. Use cooling spices like fennel, coriander, and mint.
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Lifestyle: Stay cool and hydrated. Spend time in nature near water, avoid overexertion, and prioritize leisure and relaxation.
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Yoga: Focus on cooling and calming practices, such as Hatha Yoga or gentle flow. Incorporate poses like forward folds and seated twists, and practice cooling pranayama like Sitali or Nadi Shodhana.
Kapha Season:
Late Winter to Early Spring (Cold, Heavy, and Damp)
Kapha’s qualities—cold, heavy, and slow—are heightened during this season, leading to sluggishness or congestion.
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Diet: Eat light, warm, and spicy foods. Incorporate greens, lentils, and fresh herbs. Avoid heavy, oily, and overly sweet foods. Use warming spices like turmeric, black pepper, and mustard seed.
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Lifestyle: Add movement and variety to your routine. Wake up early, practice energizing self-massage with warming oils, and try invigorating activities like brisk walking.
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Yoga: Choose active and dynamic yoga styles like Vinyasa Flow or Power Yoga. Include heart-opening poses, backbends, and stimulating breathwork like Kapalabhati.
Seasonal Balancing Tips for All Doshas
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Spring (Kapha Season): Focus on lightening up your diet and routine. Embrace energizing activities and fresh seasonal foods.
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Summer (Pitta Season): Stay cool, hydrated, and calm. Avoid overexposure to heat and intensity.
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Fall (Vata Season): Ground yourself with warm, nourishing foods, and create a routine to counter the erratic, windy energy.
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Winter (Vata and Kapha Season): Keep warm, eat hearty, cooked meals, and stay active to counter sluggishness.
