In Āyurveda, the transition between seasons is considered a very important time. Classical texts describe a two-week period when the weather shifts back and forth between the qualities of the outgoing season and the incoming one. This is the ideal window to begin phasing out routines from the previous season and gradually adopting practices suited to the next.
Life does not change overnight, and neither should our routines. Gentle shifts are easier to adopt and give the body time to adjust, while sudden or drastic changes can themselves trigger imbalance.
Many people wonder how to recognize when a new season has arrived, especially when the weather feels inconsistent—one day hot, the next cold. With one or two years of observation, it becomes easier to recognize this transitional phase. You may even notice that your cravings naturally guide you toward new routines. For example, fruit salad may lose its appeal on a cold, blustery morning, while warm oatmeal becomes more comforting. These subtle shifts signal it is time to restock your pantry and adjust your daily habits.
Physical signs also provide valuable clues. Dry skin or scalp, cold hands and feet, loss of appetite, a heavy stomach, or oily skin and hair are all reminders of how the body mirrors external changes in temperature and moisture. Observing these signs helps you identify whether your system is becoming dry, moist, overheated, or congested.
- Spring is the time to release the heavy, moist, dense, and slow qualities that accumulate during winter. The longer and colder your winter, the more important spring cleansing becomes.
- Autumn is the time to shed the hot, sharp, and penetrating qualities that build during summer. For those with hot constitutions, this is especially important.
Spring Cleanse (Kapha Management)
A spring cleanse may include:
- Increased exercise, especially outdoors
- Inducing sweat through workouts or a dry sauna
- Neti and Nasya to clear the nasal passages
- Dry brushing to stimulate circulation
- Triphala tea in the evening or saltwater gargling
Autumn Cleanse (Pitta Management)
An autumn cleanse may include:
- More rest and relaxation, with less vigorous activity
- Cooling foods served warm, prepared with plenty of ghee
- Neti and Nasya, if needed
- Sesame oil massage and/or coconut oil massage for the head
- Herbal waters to cool and hydrate
Seasonal transitions are a powerful time to reset and realign. If you would like guidance in making these changes supportive for your unique needs, I invite you to connect with me for a Yoga Therapy session.
