As the colder and darker grip of winter begins to loosen, the arrival of spring invites a renewal of the mind, body and spirit. We leave behind hibernation and dormancy and embrace dynamic growth and lightness. Just as the seasons change and nature undergoes a transformation, so too does our inner being and it is essential that our beauty and wellness routines reflect this evolution.
In Ayurveda, this transitional period is known as Ritu Sandhi, which literally translates as the junction between two seasons. Ritu Sandhi is a two week transitional phase between seasons, which is vital for a smooth seasonal shift and prevents imbalances that can manifest such as allergies, colds, fatigue, skin issues and digestive sensitivities.
Springtime and Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, each season is characterised by a dosha and a distinct set of qualities. Late winter and early spring mark the Kapha dosha season, aligning with the earth and water elements. Kapha, with its attributes of moisture, coolness, slowness, steadiness, smoothness, and oiliness, sets the tone for this seasonal period. Ayurvedic practices during Ritu Sandhi emphasise the importance of balance and mindful choices to harmonise with the evolving energies and prevent the accumulation of excess Kapha, which may lead to a sense of heaviness or congestion. Beginning with a wet and cold March and evolving into a warmer May and June, the Kapha season is a time to embrace a more abundant way of being, clear out the clutter and move our bodies freely.
Our Top 5 Ayurvedic Tips and Mauli Picks To Move In to Spring with Ease
Try an Ayurvedic Detox Ritual
In Ayurvedic tradition, the onset of each season marks an opportunity for a cleanse, not only for the body but also for the mind. Incorporate our detoxifying bathing products, such as the Himalayan Bath Salts, to cleanse and purify the skin and mind, leaving it feeling refreshed and renewed. A gentle detoxification can combat the heaviness of winter and eliminate accumulated toxins.
Boost your Digestive Fire
As the sluggishness of winter recedes, focus on igniting your digestive fire (your Agni) with lighter and warmer foods. Opt for colourful vegetable salads and fresh seasonal fruit to benefit from a plethora of vitamins and antioxidants to nourish your skin and inner health. Incorporate spices like ginger, turmeric and black pepper to stimulate digestion. We love ginger tea after a meal to help remove stagnation in the body or try 1stp of our Triphala powder in a cup of warm water with honey before bedtime to support healthy digestion and elimination.
Sleep in Harmony with Nature
As the days get lighter, gradually adjust your schedule to follow a circadian rhythm of sleep. Aim to sleep at 10pm and wake by 6am to reflect the sun’s pattern. Try our Sleep Dharma Pillow Mist with nature’s most soothing botanicals of bergamot, chamomile, lavender, geranium and clary sage to ease the transition. Prioritising deep restful sleep strengthens your immunity and supports overall wellbeing.
Embrace Energising Abhyanga Massage
Use Abhyanga massage in your seasonal routine to rebalance and revitalise yourself. We love our Spirited Kapha Body Oil during the first week of Ritu Sandhi to harmonise the Kapha energies within us to help alleviate lethargy, flu-like symptoms and revive the senses when feeling low energy. Focus on grounding and energising movements, such as light body tapping, shaking, foot massage and abdominal massage to activate the lymphatic and digestive system, clearing away toxins.
Revive and Renew your Skin
Make way for the vibrancy of spring and renew your skin with gentle exfoliation. Our Supreme Skin Exfoliant & Mask, infused with healing herbs, removes dead skin cells, unveiling a fresh and glowing complexion. Use it weekly to encourage skin renewal without stripping away the skin’s natural oils. Transitioning seasons can impact your skin’s brightness, texture and moisture levels but by integrating a rich clay mask treatment into your Ritu Sandhi ritual, you can re-energise your skin, stimulating circulation, cellular renewal and purifying your skin, ready for the new energy of spring.
Ayurvedic practices like meditation, movement and gratitude are also essential when transitioning seasons. Ritu Sandhi is a time of introspection and renewal so incorporating calming activities like yoga and breathwork, as well nurturing your passions, is important to stay balanced and help your vitality radiate outwards.
For more Ayurvedic tips from Mauli Rituals read our journal.