March Intentions: Ayurvedic Digestive Tips for Spring Cleansing

Flower buds on branches, new shoots breaking through the ground: little signs of nature in spring - and in the gardening season - are almost here. Whether you are a green thumb or not, nature continues to be our best teacher. Like oursexternal environment shiftsfrom season to season also our inner landscape;Our bodies need more heat and nutrition to maintain balanceOutside of the cold of winter and in the hot summer months, we need different foods and daily routines that are cool and better suited to longer, sunnier days.Our digestion also shifts slightly throughout the yearFor this reason, certain herbs, spices, and diets seem to work best at different times of the year. If you've ever tried eating ice-cold acai bowls in late winter or heavy, earthy feasts in the middle of a heat wave, you'll understand that oursagnirequires as much seasonal nutrition and lifestyle as the rest of our bodies. Holistic health systems understand that our body is a microcosm of the macrocosm -'as above, so below'.

Agniis the Sanskrit term used to describe this'digestive fire'as well as other aspects such as the fire deity and the fire element. Systems likeAyurvedaConsider our digestive capacity as a crucial factor in overall health. When we digest well, we feel good. A balanced digestive state in which we can steadily absorb, assimilate and eliminate all the nutrients we need is known asSama agniA digestive fire that burns through food too quickly (often leading to acid reflux and heartburn) is known astikshna agni.As we arrive at the intersection of late winter and early spring, our digestive systems can lean toward thismanda agni,which refers to slow and sluggish digestion. If we've been eating lots of savory meals, sweet foods, proteins and fats all winter long and are spending more time indoors or curled up on the sofa (as is always a good idea during the cold and dark seasons!) Then come spring, it's likely that we're really feeling the need for a reset, a detox or a "spring cleaning". Imagine physically and metaphorically shaking off your heavy winter coat and being ready to slip into a fresh, new season. Use your March intentions to prepare the body for spring – if we are advised toconsume a lighter diet, with warming and stimulating foods and herbsstrengthen the lymphatic systemand lots of dynamic movement to shift the ongoing heaviness, it's time to bring our attention to ouragni.Read five ways to get startedStrengthening your digestive fireas we take steps to prepare for spring with our intentions for March.

This month's mantra:

“I digest all thoughts, experiences and foods with ease. “

Get hot

Spices can help stimulate the digestive tract and cleanse the intestines.Hot and stimulating spices such as cayenne pepper, mustard, black pepper andGingercan help break up stagnant energy or mucus in the body and remove excess ama (an Ayurvedic reference to a type of cold, sticky substance that resembles a buildup of toxins in the body). Think about how you may need to grab a tissue after a bite of extra spicy soup or curry - this is exactly what happens in your body when these spicy spices are consumed. Although it may not sound appealing after a long winter or one too many heavy meals, this is exactly what the body needs. Sprinkle these spices on your meals or make oneAgni teaMix by adding 2 tablespoons grated ginger, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of honey to 2 cups of water. Simmer for 20 minutes, then strain into a thermos and drink throughout the day. However, if you're already a fiery pitta-dominant type (prone to irritability, anger, or inflammation), limit how much of it you drink or avoid it entirely, as your digestive fire is probably already burning brightly.

Contact Twists

Yogamatter (link removed) andOrganic cotton yoga mat

Yoga positions that help massage the intestines can also help you ease digestion.In spring, it's time to adapt your yoga practice to what your body and mind crave. Especially if you're feeling bloated or dealing with water retention and PMS, a yoga practice with lots of twisting can work wonders. Practicing in the morning supports the body's natural inclination to eliminate waste at this time, allowing you to gently detoxify and rejuvenate your mind and body before jumping into your to-do list. Choose a dynamic with your March intentionsVinyasa flowpractice with Parsva Bakasana (side crow) orParivritta Ardha Chandrasana (Rotated Crescent Pose)to challenge your balance or rotate seated and underfed asanas to metaphorically express any heaviness or lethargy.

Increase your blood circulation

Gentle exercise can rid the body of toxins.As we emerge from winter, it's time to get the circulatory system of blood and lymph moving a little more, detect remaining toxins, and prevent swelling and water retention when the heavier and humid days of spring arrive. With our March Intentions, increase your blood flow naturally by practicing simple heel movements (literally jumping up and down on your heels) while waiting for the kettle to boil in the morning, or by starting a rebound routine. Use onedry body brushTo stimulate the lymphatic system and remove dead skin cells, alternate your shower from hot to cold to really encourage circulation. Take a brisk morning walk and enjoy pomegranate, beetroot, berries and leafy greens to ensure healthy circulation throughout the day. If your work involves long hours of sitting, make it part of your March intentions to take exercise snack breaks, including short bursts of dance, squats, or simple stretches every hour or so.

Breathe to strengthen your Agni

Yogamatter (link removed) andOrganic cotton yoga mat

Stimulating your digestive system can also be helped through digestive techniques.KappalabhatiThe breath (translated as “luminous skull breath” for its ability to stimulate the brain immensely) can be practiced in the morning and before meals in late winter and spring to increase digestive fire and eliminate feelings of sluggishness. To practice, exhale forcefully through your nose, as if you were trying to blow out a candle using only the air from your nostrils. As you exhale, feel your stomach pull up and down and contract your abdominal muscles. During this exercise, inhalation is passive. After 10 rounds, stop to breathe slowly and deeply before repeating two more times. This exercise is not suitable for pregnant or menstruating people due to the strong force applied to the abdomen. Therefore, make sure you can safely participate in this exercise before you begin.

Consider a seasonal cleanse

Digestive cleanses also do the trick to rid the body of toxins.The crossroads between one season and the next is the perfect time to consider a gentle seasonal cleanse. With your intentions for March, try cutting out sugar, refined foods, caffeine and alcohol for a few days and instead opt for an Ayurvedic dish that is full of nutrients but is very light on the digestive system. Made with mungdal and gentle Sattvic ingredients, this dish gives the digestive system a well-deserved break, allowing the body to focus on repairing and revitalizing cells. A mono diet of Kitchari can be taken for a day or a whole week, depending on your personal preferences. Attempt(link removed), perhaps with seasonal greens and herbs from your local market. Maybe you see this day or week as an opportunity to get yourself back on track with a digital detox and lots of time in nature. Whatever you do to strengthen your agni and prepare for spring, enjoy the process and listen to your body.