The body and mind in April is still used to the cool of winter days, especially here in Canada. :-) So, as we begin to acclimatize to more sun, meaning brighter, longer and warmer days, we may notice some changes in our body and minds.

This time of transitioning from Winter to Spring may cause increases in: congestion, puffiness, hand or leg swelling, and rosy cheeks, as the increased heat moves more blood and water through our limbs and bodies. With this increase of fluidity, we may even experience a decrease in patience and quicker reactions vs. responses as we are quite naturally realizing we are coming to a time of year that is easier to move in.

To help support these changes a little ‘house cleaning’ if you will, can invite in supportive circulation, purification of the lungs and liver to release winter accumulation of toxins within the body, relive allergen symptoms and ease water retention all with the inclusion of a few simple ingredients and techniques.

Early rising is ideal to make the most of the daylight combined with a quick rinse of the nose using a neti pot and some belly & diaphragm focused breathing to relieve and reduce any spring allergy symptoms. Bhastrika or Kapalabhati are two great breathing techniques and you can learn more about Bhastrika in this newletter or in our practices this month.

Enjoying a warm cup of lemon water or dandelion tea reduces any overnight swelling and acts as a gentle diuretic, setting up our circulation to recieve the extra warmth of the day without being over stimulated. If you enjoy morning ritual this is a perfect time to trade in massaging with heavy lotions or oils to Skin Brushing for a reduction of any excess puffiness.

When it comes to nourishing our appetite Spring is a great time to release heavier, fatty, sweet or overly hardy foods for light, fresh, cleansing nutrients. Great foods to explore include: dandelion, arugula, asparagus, spring greens, beet greens, endive, radishes and kohlrabi to name a few. Sour foods can also support cleansing and can be enjoyed through lemon, grapefruit or beets. Mint, rosemary, basil, cinnamon, cayenne, ginger and black pepper can all be used for varying reasons to reduce any remaing sluggish feelings from winter. Either by supporting circulation or by calling excess water towards the skins exterior (sweating), which is actually very healthy this time of year. Cool and crisp beans, raw veggies, pomegranates and even barley or buckwheat can all be great additions to salads/bowls for lunch time or dinner meals.

Remember we all have a different and unique makeup and within that these recommendations are for exploring what amounts and combinations are right for you and not meant to be hard and fast rules.

The most important part is to have fun and feel liberated by new seasonal choices that we might just have forgotten about as we got into the swing of winter. For any additional support you may need, feel free to book a private 1:1 with Ronna for any personalized attention you may want to understand your needs, create routines for positive change or new reach goals you are setting.

Private 1:1 bookings here