The Rite of Spring

The Joffrey Ballet's 1987 production of Vaslav Nijinsky and Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring

As Spring begins to warm the Earth and bring all living creatures out of hibernation its quite common to feel both jubilant and exhausted at the same time. The needs of the body are shifting and an awareness to unload is palpable. Many are affected by Spring time allergies as well, which deplete the system and causes general lethargy. This is a great time to create a personal Springtime ayurvedic program to increase general vitality and assist the body in alleviating allergy symptoms.

Medicinal Herbs

Before deciding to use herbal remedies you must make an appointment with your doctor. Bring the list of herbs to your appointment and how you will be using them. Inquire if these can be incorporated into your diet. Your physician knows your medical history and will inform you if something should not be taken because it is counterproductive to your system or will exasperate a medical condition or counteract the medication you are taking. Do not look this information up on the Internet, you have no idea if the information you are getting is accurate. Don't get cute, go see your doctor. If your doctor tells you there's no harm but these recommendations are worthless and you should continue using your medication.. fabulous! Continue using your medication and incorporate some of these ideas into your daily routine. If they help, great, if they don't, no harm done. Let's be honest if your prescription medication was working 100% you wouldn't be here looking up allergy relief.

Triphala
Contains three of the most important Ayurvedic herbs for detoxifying and rejuvenating the body.
Take ½ teaspoon or two capsules at night or first thing in the morning. Increase to 1 teaspoon or three capsules after one week. You can use it for up to six months at a time.
Turmeric
This common kitchen herb is effective for drying mucus and soothing irritation associated with allergies.
Take ¼ teaspoon with 1 teaspoon organic honey three times a day, or if your allergies are acting up, once every half hour. Honey is suggested to help digest the turmeric and make it taste better.
Ginger
Drinking ginger tea with lemon juice and organic honey before meals keeps the digestive fire healthy and your elimination patterns regular.
Talisadi
This herbal formula is great for preventing springtime colds. It's especially good for people who have a history of upper-respiratory-tract infections, weakened immunity, or bronchitis during the winter.
Take ½ teaspoon with organic honey in warm water three times a day before meals.
Diet

• Decrease amount of oil used in cooking ( try cooking with olive oil only for one month)
• Decrease the amount of fat ( ie French fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza)
• Increase pungent, bitter and astringent foods ( legumes, dark leafy greens, garlic)
• Increase your daily intake of water

Yoga

• Shoulder stand - Salamba Sarvangasana
  Shoulder stand and other inversions open the nasal passages for improved drainage. Two minutes is more than sufficient.
• Bridge Pose - Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
  Bridge Pose as well as other back bends help to expand the chest and lungs, giving increased breathing capacity.
• Garudasana ( eagle pose), Eka Pada Rajakapotasana ( pigeon) Prasarita Padottanasana (wide leg forward bend), Gomukhasana (cow face) These poses help to activate the liver and gallbladder meridian.

Incorporate breath in the form of kapalabhati and nadi sodhana to assist in clearing nasal passages.

Do what you can, keep doing what works and open up to feeling warm, happy and vital as Spring comes rolling in!