We have it in our own hands.

25,000 consultations worldwide, over 1,000 doctors taught, more than 500 seminars, workshops and conferences – such experience is unparalleled: Vaidya Palakurthi Manohar, Ayurvedic expert.

All of nature pulsates in the rhythm of the seasons, in the alternation of day and night, of creation and decay. From March to June, the structure-giving principle of Kapha energy is at work: all around us, things sprout and grow. In the "Charaka Samhita," the classical Ayurvedic textbook, the influence of nature in spring is described as follows: "In spring, the Kapha accumulated in the body during winter is liquefied by the warmth of the sun."

But how does an excess of Kapha actually occur, and what does it mean?

Vaidya Manohar: "Spring is dominated by Kapha. Why by Kapha? The Ayurvedic season 'Sishir,' late winter, is just ending. The cold weather of the late winter weeks affects the metabolism. Digestion becomes stronger, and most people eat more during this time – often hearty and sweet foods. This means that by the beginning of spring, a lot of internal Kapha has accumulated in the physiology. When the days then become brighter and warmer, the sun's rays 'melt' the Kapha in the body, and it becomes more noticeable. Now, any excess takes its toll. This is why a variety of complaints can arise depending on the type. It is the time of allergies and colds, of coughs, mucus, digestive and other Kapha disorders. So-called spring fatigue is just one consequence of this. If we do not counteract the Kapha symptoms, if they disturb our sleep, then fatigue comes to the surface. Spring fatigue is therefore not a spring symptom, but an after-effect of unheeded Kapha disorders and our behavior in winter."

Resetting the internal clock.

How can an individual recognize an excess of Kapha, and what helpful tips does Ayurveda have now for every type?

Vaidya Manohar: "Vata and Pitta types who manage to follow a good daily routine in winter will not necessarily suffer from Kapha accumulation in spring. But people with a dominant Kapha constitution may have Kapha problems in spring even if they follow a good winter daily routine." That's why I particularly recommend paying attention to three things: daily routine, Ayurvedic diet, and helpful Ayurvedic herbal mixtures.

Vaidya's tips for daily routine

• "Definitely try to get up before six o'clock. Those who 'sleep into' the Kapha time between six and ten o'clock will feel sluggish, heavy, and dull. The nose can be blocked, and symptoms of fatigue even intensify. Go to bed by ten o'clock at the latest."
• "Enjoy the main meal of the day at lunchtime and ideally eat a nice soup in the early evening. This will not burden your organism, and you will sleep much better."
• "Move! This is particularly important in spring. Yoga is excellent for Vata-dominated types. Pitta types can exercise moderately. As a Kapha type, you are welcome to exert yourself. It will do you good."

Vaidya's tips for nutrition

• "If you want to reduce the Kapha accumulated in winter, respect your Dosha type – because not the same advice applies to everyone."
• "For Vata or Pitta types, a slight soothing of the Kapha Dosha is sufficient. You don't have to give up anything that otherwise does you good. Season your food with a little Kapha Churna, but don't overdo it. Especially people with a strong Pitta component would further increase their Pitta Dosha if they season too strongly now."
• "Are you a Kapha type? Then you can season generously and spicy now. This stimulates digestion. Your diet should include plenty of fresh green and fiber-rich vegetables with some chapatti. Sugar snap peas, broccoli, cauliflower and other cabbage varieties, green leafy vegetables such as spinach and chard, arugula or endive are also particularly suitable. Supplement this with small quantities of selected grains (e.g. in a ratio of 1:4), such as barley, quinoa, millet, rye or amaranth. The pungent, bitter and astringent tastes effectively balance Kapha."
• "Many people now crave fresh salads or raw food. This is fine for Pitta types with very strong digestive fire. But even then, I only recommend small amounts with a dressing that should contain lemon juice and a little black pepper. All dishes are much easier to digest when steamed or gently braised, and that is particularly important now."
• "One more thing I would like to note about spices: If you tend to have Pitta skin problems such as irritated, sensitive and reddened skin, it is better to avoid strongly Kapha-reducing spices such as ginger, black pepper, asafoetida, garlic, turmeric and cumin."
• "When the Kapha Dosha is elevated, you particularly benefit from ginger, turmeric, and tulsi."
• "When it's damp, cold, and uncomfortable outside, I like to recommend the following mixture: Brew a large pot of 'Gentle Breath' tea and add three (up to six) teaspoons of Prana syrup. Drunk throughout the day, the preparation provides a feeling of lightness and freshness."
• "Add a few drops of Ayurvedic mint and herbal oil to boiling water. This allows the vapors to unfold very well."
• "Always have 'Fresh Breath Lozenges' with you. They are particularly pleasant when your throat feels a little scratchy."