by Jessica Gebel…
Here’s a few tips from the Nimble Fitness crew to help you swing through the spring season. Stay healthy and remember, your immune system is your best pharmacy!
1) Up your Bitter Greens
It’s that season where a lot of us get super-congested. Sinus infections are on the rise, along with allergies, sneezing, sinus pressure headaches, etc. In Ayurvedic terms, we are moving into a season that is dominated by Kapha energy, where water and earth elements are on the rise, causing these issues in our body to increase as well. So load up on your bitter, astringent, pungent greens! Greens like arugula, kale, mustard greens, collard greens, dandelion, and broccoli rabe are all alkaline foods that maintain and support the liver and the gallbladder, while helping to reduce inflammation. At the same time, you should consider lowering your intake on meats, heavy foods, and especially dairy products. Spring really IS about starting fresh and cleansing the system!
2) Try Amla Powder or Gooseberry
When the seasons change, the temperatures tend to fluctuate between hot and cold. This can weaken our digestive fire (Agni) and thus weaken our immune system as well. Consider taking some Amla (aka Gooseberry) for the spring season. Amla is a potent nourishing herb with overall rejuvenating properties. It is packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants. Amla is great for the metabolism, tones the digestive system, and rejuvenates the skin and hair, making it healthier.
3) Lymphatic System Draining
The lymphatic system’s main job is to cleanse toxins and protect the body from threats to the immune system. As I’ve mentioned, Spring is the season where Kapha (water and earth) tends to be dominant, so it’s important to take a little extra care of our lovely lymphatic system, especially if you are a person who tends to have a predominance of Kapha (earthy, sluggish) energy. It doesn’t take much to drain this system but doing this regularly you will see a huge difference. Here are some ways to drain the lymphatic system…
- Dry brushing: Sounds crazy? Simply use a dry brush with course bristles, gently brushing your skin towards the heart. This not only helps stimulate the lymphatic system, but stimulates the sweat glands and increases circulation.
- Legs up the wall: Amazing for lymphatic drainage (as well as a gentle prep for yoga inversion poses like downward dog, handstand, headstand, shoulder stand) and totally relaxing as well!
