It’s that time of year again…Winter is technically ending, but it still feels like everything is moving in slow motion. If you’ve been feeling sluggish, bloated, or like getting out of bed requires Olympic-level effort, you’re not imagining it (cue me, ‘morning-person’, literally PEELING myself out of bed this morning). Welcome to Kapha season!
In Ayurveda, this late winter to early spring transition is ruled by Kapha dosha, the energy of earth and water. Think of it like the last remnants of winter clinging on; cold, damp, heavy, and just a little resistant to change (kind of like us hitting snooze five times in the morning).
The good news? Ayurveda doesn’t just diagnose the problem, it gives us solutions. By making small, intentional shifts, we can balance Kapha and feel lighter, brighter, and ready to embrace spring.
Kapha is the essence of stability and endurance. When balanced, it provides strength, patience, and compassion. But when excessive, it can lead to inertia, attachment, and congestion—like a river that has stopped flowing.
What is Kapha, and Why Does It Make Me Feel Like a Human Sloth?
Kapha is one of the three doshas (biological energies) in Ayurveda, made up of earth and water elements. It governs structure, stability, and nourishment. At its best, it gives us strong immunity, glowing skin, and the ability to Netflix and actually chill. But when it builds up excessively—like it tends to in this season—it can leave us feeling:
-
Heavy, bloated, or sluggish
-
Stuck in our emotions, overly attached, or resistant to change
-
Sleepy, unmotivated, or just… meh
-
Prone to sinus congestion, allergies, or that constant ‘I think I’m getting sick’ feeling
- Physical symptoms like a thick white coating on the tongue or slow, sticky, sluggish bowel movements
From a Western perspective, these symptoms overlap with things like seasonal affective disorder (SAD), histamine intolerance, and sluggish lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system—our body’s natural detox system—relies on movement to function properly, so when we’re feeling stagnant, it’s literally struggling to do its job. (And no, an extra coffee won’t fix it—although we’ll get to that in a sec.)
How to Balance Kapha and Feel Like Yourself Again:
The antidote to Kapha’s heaviness? Lightness, warmth, and movement. Let’s get into the practical ways you can shake off winter sluggishness and step into spring feeling clear, energised, and vibrant.
1. Wake Up Before Kapha Time (Unless completely depleted or ill)
Mornings can feel extra rough in Kapha season, and staying in bed too long just makes it worse. Ayurveda recommends waking up before Kapha time kicks in (6-10 a.m.) to align with the lighter, fresher energy of Vata. If you can, aim to be up by 7 a.m.—even if it means bribing yourself with coffee (which, surprisingly, Ayurveda doesn’t hate if you tolerate it well).
2. Move Your Body—Even If You Really Don’t Want To
Kapha thrives on routine, but it also resists change, which means you might have to push yourself a little here. The best types of movement right now are heat-building, energising, and even a little fun:
-
Dancing around your kitchen (yes, this counts)
-
Power yoga or dynamic vinyasa
-
Running, cycling, or brisk walking
-
Rebounding on a trampoline (trust me, it’s weirdly effective)
Even if you don’t feel like moving, move anyway. Just like lighting a fire takes effort at first but burns easily once it’s going, your energy will pick up the more consistently you move.
3. Spice Up Your Life (Literally)
Kapha is cold, damp, and heavy—so we balance it with warm, pungent, and stimulating foods. Now’s the time to embrace:
-
Warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne
-
CCF tea (coriander, cumin, fennel) to boost digestion (recipe here)
-
Light, dry foods like barley, buckwheat, and leafy greens
-
Broths and well-spiced soups instead of heavy, creamy dishes
If you’re a dairy lover, keep it light and spiced—think golden milk with turmeric and cinnamon instead of cold yoghurt or cheese.
Some helpful recipes and resources for this:
4. Clear Out Stagnation (Yes, Even That Drawer of ‘Just in Case’ Items)
Kapha doesn’t just accumulate in our bodies—it builds up in our homes, too. If you’ve been hoarding things you swear you’ll use ‘one day’ but haven’t touched in months, now is the time to declutter. A good spring clean can be surprisingly therapeutic, helping you shake off mental and emotional stagnation, too.
5. Get Outside (Yes, Even If It’s Muddy and Bleak)
Kapha energy is deeply connected to the earth, which is why it can feel so grounding—but also so stuck. The best way to balance it? Literally connect with the elements. Get fresh air, move your body, and soak up as much natural light as possible—even if it’s cloudy. Your mood (and your lymphatic system) will thank you.
More tips here
6. Support Your Sinuses (Hayfever can F*** off)
Kapha governs mucus and fluid retention, which is why allergies, congestion, and sinus issues often flare up this time of year. Try:
-
Brahmari Pranayama (bee breath) to clear the head
-
A neti pot with saline water to flush out mucus (just make sure to use boiled and cooled water!)
-
Ginger, tulsi, or Cinnamon tea to support your respiratory system – more
The Beauty of Kapha Season
While excess Kapha can make us feel slow and heavy, it also offers something really special—nourishment. This is the season of replenishment, of deep rest before the intensity of summer. The key is to honour that slowness without getting stuck in it.
So as you move through this season, ask yourself:
Where can I invite in more warmth, movement, and lightness?
How can I work with the season instead of against it?
Because small shifts? They make a world of difference. And before you know it, you’ll feel that slow, beautiful transformation—just like the first signs of spring emerging from the mud. 🌿✨
Want More Personalised Ayurvedic Support?
If you’re curious about Ayurveda and want to understand how your unique constitution (dosha) plays into all of this, I (Savannah Jayne) offer 1:1 Ayurvedic coaching to help you feel your best—without overwhelm, confusion, or unrealistic lifestyle changes. Whether you’re dealing with sluggish digestion, hormonal imbalances, or just want to feel more you, I can help.
Curious? Let’s chat. Contact us Here
