Australian_Yoga_Journal_October_2017

raw foods as the weather heats
up, minimising anything too hot
and spicy. Spices like ginger, turmeric,
cardamom and cinnamon can be
tolerated before it gets too warm.

Vata
Vata types thrive in the warmer
months of spring, and are untouched
by the moisture that kapha and
sometimes pitta can’t tolerate.
Rather than having to counteract
the seasonal shift, vata types need
to harness the benefits. It is
suggested that vatas eat lighter,
cleansing foods like fruit and
vegetables, but to lightly cook
them rather than eat them raw.
Here is a list of foods all three
dosha can enjoy in spring.

Fruits and vegetables

When it comes to fruits and
vegetables, choose the ones that are
in season in your area. Just because
it is on the supermarket shelf doesn’t
mean it was a) grown locally or
b) grown within the last few days.

Tip: Cherries in Australia at any
time other than December are from
overseas, so stay clear. Check seasonal
guides in your area for availability.

Local meats

Spring lamb, freshwater fish, and
organic chicken.

Grains

Lighter grains are key. Opt for millet,
amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat and
dry oats (rather than cooked).

OTHER AYURVEDIC

SPRING PRACTICES

Yoga is great but as the weather warms

up, consider practicing without the

heating on. Your practice should

emphasise clearing the organs. Heart-

openers and twists are a great way to

detoxify the body. Prayanayma is also

a favoured practice as it can rid the

body of impurities and bring a sense of

lightness to mind and body. Your body

will know what foods, cooking methods

and practices it responds better to at

different times of the year. If you take a

minute each day to tap into what your

body needs, it will not lead you astray.

A GLANCE AT THE OTHER

SEASONS ACCORDING

TO YOUR DOSHA

Summer

The heat and humidity of summer is

aggravating for pitta and kapha types,

but can be nourishing and soothing for

vata who thrive in warmer conditions.

Winter

Winter encourages us all to consume

warming, cooked, nourishing foods,

but wet weather is aggravating for

kapha and cool winds are aggravating

for vata. Pitta types find winter soothing

for their hot constitution.

Autumn

Autumn and spring are nourishing for

all three doshas as temperatures are

mild. Early autumn is complementary

to vata types who tend to have more

energy in the months before summer.

Jordanna Levinis an Ayurvedic chef, retreat

caterer and food alchemist.

Her business, The Inspired

Table, focuses on catering,

recipes and education to

the conscious wellness

community and she be-

lieves that having a healthy

relationship with food is

transformational. You can find her at

http://www.theinspiredtable.com.auor on

Instagram at@theinspiredtable.

THE DOSHAS: DISCOVER

YOUR CONSTITUTION

PITTA

Qualities: hot, intense, light,

pungent, sharp, acidic

Build: pear shape, athletic, prone to

gain weight on hips, butt and thighs

Personality traits: orderly, focus,

quick-witted. Out-of-balance pittas can

be argumentative and short-tempered.

KAPHA

Qualities: heavy, slow, soft, oily, steady

Build: large eyes, smooth skin and thick

hair. Excess kapha can result in weight

gain, fluid retention and allergies.

Personality traits: calm, thoughtful,

loving, strong, dependable, patient and

supportive. Excess kapha can result in

indecision and resistance to change.

VATA

Qualities: quick-moving, light,

cold, erratic, dry, rough

Build: thin, light frame, agile, dry

skin, dry hair, cold hands and feet

Personality traits: love excitement

and new adventures, energetic,

creative and flexible. Excess vata

can result in anxiety and insomnia.

45

october 2017

yogajournal.com.au