Spring is in the Air

Lets dance into the Spring season feeling balanced and light on our feet.  Spring is a time to regenerate our bodies and souls.  Stretch your lungs, breathe deeply and embrace the newness in your life!

The shift from Winter to Spring in nature occurs seamlessly.  Unfortunately, way too often, the transition for the human body can be confusing.

Now in Los Angeles most of us have not been hibernating during the winter months like my friends and family in the midwest.  Even with consistently “good weather” here in LA, it is important to focus on what is specific to Spring health.

As Spring arises we may feel sluggish, depressed (from the winter blues) and experience weight gain.  No fun as we are trying to enjoy the great outdoors and fit into our lighter clothes!

Allergies and asthmatic disorders present themselves during this time of the year.  I had not experienced any symptoms of allergies until I moved to LA.  From the dry air to the Santa Ana winds, my eyes began to itch and nose was stuffy.  I felt the misery so many of my students experience around the Spring season.

What helped me the most?  Making shifts with my yoga practice and diet.     

Yoga for the Spring
The gallbladder and liver are associated with the Spring.  They are considered the main organs for detoxifying the body.  I love a good twisting pose.  Twists massage the internal organs and increase digestion.  Practice standing twist to build heat and to work the legs.  Practice floor twists for a deeper benefits.

Food for the Spring
My belly cannot take a lot of raw foods in the winter.  I need more warming foods like soups, porridge and hot teas.  In the summer my body loves lots of salads and smoothies.  In Spring I focus on a balanced diet, some warm food and some raw.

Eating lighter foods will help boost your metabolism.

I also find that cutting out diary reduces mucus and inflammation in my body.

I encourage you to dust off your blender and make green veggie smoothies.  Enjoy kichari, a yogi curried mung bean and rice dish.

Check out your local farmers market and partake in the new fresh fruits of vegetables of the spring season.  In LA we are fortunate to get many items year around.  However, I particularly look forward apricots, artichokes and various tender lettuces in the Spring.

 

 

Making the choice to change up your yoga practice and diet will assist you in creating a smooth transition from Winter to Spring.  As always, listen to your body for maximum benefits.  We only have one body, be good to it!

Yoga Tips:

Everything you bring into your body has to be processed by your liver.  From the huge billboards on Sunset Avenue to the shows you watch on tube.  Also, be aware of your thoughts.  My yoga teacher believes negative thoughts are way more damaging than the food we eat.  Just a little food for thought as we dance into Spring.

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Photo Credits- Alex Vasilescu, google images