12/16/2025
Ayurveda ~ Finding Kapha (Earth +Water) balance.
Ayurveda is a life science focusing on a holistic approach towards healing the body, mind & spirit. This consists of three doshas which are Vata (air + ether) Pitta (fire + water & Kapha (earth + water). Winter is Kapha, yin & inward and a moment to soften & restore. The gunas (attributes) of Kapha are soft, stable, dense, cool, slow, & smooth. Feeling into these gunas & find balance by increasing their opposites. An example is if your body feels cool then warm up with spices & sauna, stagnant then stimulate with exercise & dense increase lighten with thoughts & meditation. The elements of earth & water are predominately in Winter, so cultivating more Fire, Air & Ether in your rituals, foods & lifestyle. Exercise, saunas, massage & Abhyanga (self massage with warm oils) & warming root grounding foods are helpful tools.
In this Kapha season we can look upon the wisdom of the animals. The bear represents the Kapha elements with its solid structure. As winter falls the bear hibernates & slows into a deep restful state. Before they hibernate they look for herbal allies to protect & build their immunity for the winter. The main herbs are Osha Root, Elderberry & Honey. Osha is warming expectorant and an anti-microbial lung supporter. If feeling the heaviness in your lungs, then chew on some Osha. Elderberry & honey to soothe your throat & heal your upper respiratory system.
Make food your medicine.
For more Kapha balancing rituals check out the Winter issue of the
