Ayurveda understands the body in terms of three basic principles or 'doshas' - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which underlie all bodily processes. Balance of the doshas promotes health and well being and imbalanced doshas cause illness.

Many factors such as our daily work, food and the seasons of the year influence the balance of the doshas. The time when days begin to get longer and spring is in the air is considered the start of the Kapha period.

Kapha that has collected in the body becomes fluid with the warmer spring weather. It distributes throughout the body, disturbs Agni (the digestive fire) and can lead to various illnesses, in particular a cold or problems with the bronchial system. To avoid these unpleasant symptoms Maharishi Ayurveda recommends taking steps to reduce Kapha at the end of the winter season.

Use an Ayurvedic toothpaste or powder to clean the teeth. In addition to cleaning the teeth, Ayurveda suggests using a tongue cleaner to remove mucous, bacteria and debris from the tongue. Afterwards use one or two drops of Maharishi Ayurveda Nasal Drops in each nostril. This will help clear the head of excess Kapha.

Dietary advice

In spring it is important to eat light foods and to strengthen the digestive system. In the morning digestion is weak and heavy foods burden the body. This results in undigested metabolic products collecting. Breakfast should be light. It is best to drink Kapha tea with lemon and honey. Honey is added when the tea is ready for drinking as Ayurveda advises against honey being heated too much.

Before eating drink some ginger tea. As an alternative you could drink some Digest Plus tea, which is similar to an aperitif or bitters. The main meal should be at mid-day when the digestion is strongest. Follow the principle of half the stomach being full of food, one quarter with fluid and the other quarter should be empty. This allows the system/ stomach to fully digest what has been eaten. Ayurveda suggests drinking a glass of lassi at mealtimes.

This yoghurt drink supports the functioning of the intestines and improves digestion. Throughout the day it is good to drink hot ginger water. Taking a few sips every hour strengthens digestion and helps the body make better use of the nourishment it receives.

The evening meal should not be taken too late and ideally should consist of light, warm foods such as vegetables or rice soup. After eating the Ayurvedic preparation Herbal Di-Gest can be taken to aid digestion. Before sleeping use the herbal preparation Colon Cleanse. These products strengthen and fortify the metabolism and help the body to burn up waste products.

Read more on the second page >>>