We all have periods of feeling slow, sluggish and lethargic. Some days it feels hard to get out of bed and get motivated, our energy levels take a slump and we find it hard to feel positive. According to Ayurveda, these feelings are governed by the Kapha dosha and the elements of Earth and Water in our bodies.
Ayurveda says our bodies are made up of the five elements or building blocks of life; Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. All these elements are at play in our bodies in different amounts at different times. They are broken down further into something called the doshas.
- The Vata dosha contains the Air and Ether
- Pitta dosha is Fire and Water
- Kapha Dosha in Earth and Water
According to Ayurveda, the Kapha dosha has qualities that are heavy, slow and cold. In order to alleviate these qualities you need to do something to shake things up a bit, get out of your comfort zone, add a bit of fire and zest and put a spring back into your step.
Stimulate digestion
Digestion is key in Ayurveda. If you are feeling sluggish, start the day with a few slices of root ginger steeped in a cup of hot water. This will help to get things moving and warm up the system. You can also try a classic Ayurvedic remedy of ginger, lime and salt to further enhance digestive fire power. Take a thin slice of root ginger, squeeze over some lime juice and top with a pinch of salt. Chew and swallow this before your meals if you know your digestion needs a bit of help waking up.
Energise the body and mind
Start the day with Ayurvedic Garshana or dry body brushing. With a body brush or exfoliating mitt, use light upward strokes, beginning at the ankles and work up the legs. Then brush upwards along the arms from the wrist to the top of the arm ( always working towards the heart). Light brushes in a clockwise motion over the abdomen will help sluggish digestion. Taking a few minutes in the morning to perform Garshana will stimulate the lymphatic system to drain any toxins that might be weighing you down and help you feel more awake and energised. Follow with a shower using the Energise and Uplift Good to Go bath and shower oil and finish with the Time to Spring Body Sorbet, both of which contain adaptogenic ginseng known in traditional medicine to give the mind and body a boost, alongside zesty lemongrass to awaken the senses.
Mix it up!
When you're having those Kapha feels of heaviness and generally feeling a bit ‘stuck’ it's time to throw caution to the wind and shake up your routine a little bit. Too much Kapha will keep us stuck in a rut. Kapha is a holding energy - making us hold onto our emotions or hoard belongings.
Have a clear out: Channel your inner Marie Kondo and clear out any clothes or belongings that no longer spark joy for you. Wear bright colours of yellow and orange to boost that inner positivity and bring sunshine to your day. Spritz yourself and your space with Positive Change Face and Space mist. Eat foods that are light, fresh and in season. Ditch the lunchtime sandwich and opt for some roasted veggies mixed into quinoa, with a squeeze of fresh lime, mint and pomegranate seeds scattered over the top. Plan a day out and visit somewhere new, take a class in something you’ve never done before, put on your favourite music and dance like no one’s watching. Anything that takes you out of your comfort zone for a few hours might feel scary at first but you will emerge feeling rejuvenated and uplifted by the experience and that heavy Kapha energy will have shifted into feeling lighter and brighter.