Seasonal Dosha Balancing

Introduction

Just as each individual has their own tendencies, so the Earth has different predominant energies throughout the year. Summer is hot and Spring is wet, for example, and these qualities are not just something “out there.” We are born to live in harmony with the Earth and her changes affect us at our deepest levels.

(To evaluate individual constitutions, see Doshas.)

There is inconsistency among sources as to which months make up the vata, pitta and kapha seasons. Some of these differences are likely due to the fact that — unlike the seasons which are determined by calendar dates — doshas are qualities which tend to differ throughout the world. You may wish to compare the qualities with your area’s weather to determine which dosha is dominant.

Generally speaking, seasonal doshas comprise the following:

• Vata season is autumn into early winter.
• Kapha season is the coldest part of winter into spring.
• Pitta season is the hottest, longest days of the year from late spring into early fall.

Practices that balance individual tendencies apply to seasons as well.

MAKING CHOICES TO BRING BALANCE

Ayurveda says that when we pay conscious attention to the choices we make, activities we engage in, and foods we eat, we can restore and maintain the balance of fundamental qualities within our systems. Our yoga practice can play a significant role in managing the state of our doshas; it can either balance out our inherent attributes or aggravate them.  – Olga Kabel

When applying dosha balancing principles, you can combine knowledge of your personal tendencies with the qualities of the season. For example, a Vata-dominant personality may have been feeling generally well throughout the year until Autumn arrives. Perhaps as the air becomes cooler and drier, she begins feeling irritable or scattered or experiences skin or digestive issues. This time of year may call for additional practices for her to regain balance physically, mentally, energetically and spiritually.

DOSHAS GOVERN CONSTITUTION AND SEASONS

The doshas — vata, pitta, and kapha — govern not only our own constitution, but everything else in the cosmos, as well. So instead of winter, spring, summer, and fall, the year breaks into vata season, which goes from late fall into early winter; kapha season, from the coldest part of winter into spring; and pitta season, which includes the hottest, longest days of the year—from late spring into early fall. Understanding the qualities of each of these seasons can help you reduce any adverse effects. Remember that your predominant dosha increases during the season it govern, so take care to choose foods and activities that will pacify and not aggravate it.  – Kathryn Templeton

Please Note

Ayurveda is Far Deeper Than This Tiny Bit

In the Seasonal Dosha-Balancing recommendations here, we have addressed only one consideration in Ayurveda: balancing the effect of seasons. But of course, there is much more in the deep science of Ayurveda that could be considered. Ayurvedic doctors and specialists study for many years (or a lifetime), developing a lifestyle based on the powerful principles of Ayurveda, and helping clients with any number of concerns. 

Asana, For Example, Can Be Tweaked to Meet Various Intentions

To get a taste for the potential complexity and adaptability available to the knowledgeable, we can consider the example of asana. Despite the fact that we’ve offered some categorical considerations here, there’s typically not one category that a pose must fit within. The following quote from expert Dr. David Frawley is an example of how poses can be adapted to the needs of an individual or situation. See the book link or other resources for more fascinating in-depth study.

Paschimottanasana regulates Apana Vayu. As with most forward bends it soothes Vata imbalance and reduces Pitta. To help balance the increase in Kapha in this pose, keep the chest as open as possible. – Dr. David Frawley 

Seasonal Transitions May Be Particularly Impactful on Human Energy Systems

In addition, special care may be called for during seasonal transitions.

Did you know that your energy may be more easily disturbed during the weeks between the seasons? Detox the buildup of elements from one season before moving into the next. – Kathryn Templeton