Yoga Asanas To Rejuvenate Kapha Dosha

With freezing winters, the new year has already knocked on our door. 

Winters are the season of Kapha. As per Ayurveda, the latter half of winter and spring are considered the Kapha season. But fear not! Ayurveda has a trick up its sleeve to survive Kapha season. Wondering how? Well, Ayurveda has suggested yoga asana for Kapha season.

 Let's learn more about the Kapha season yoga poses. These poses will be your secret weapon to beat the winter blues and keep your body, mind, and spirit cozy and warm.

What are the weather conditions in the Kapha season?

As we already mentioned, the Kapha season is winter. Its weather qualities are wrapped in a chilly, damp, and heavy package. It's the time when the air feels cool, everything might be a bit wet, and there's a sense of heaviness around. It's like nature is taking a nap, and you might feel a bit slow and lazy, too.

If you're feeling guilty being sluggish and mentally foggy, then remember, it's not you; it's Kapha season. 

Yoga asanas, tailor-made for this season, will perk you up and bring back that warm, sunny feeling even on the coldest days.

Why should you do Kapha-related yoga poses in winter?
Kapha balancing yoga poses during winter is like giving your body and mind a perfect harmony boost. These poses work magic by improving circulation, helping digestion, and providing an overall energy kick. So, when winter knocks, let these yoga moves be your secret weapon for staying balanced and lively!

What time should you engage in this activity?

For the best results, it's better to do Kapha-balancing yoga poses early in the morning, between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Ayurveda swears by this time frame as it syncs with the Kapha vibes. It's like pressing the start button for your metabolism, giving your mind a refreshing boost and setting a positive vibe for the day. But hey, if mornings aren't your thing, don't worry – any time you dedicate to these poses counts. Consistency is the real champ here, ensuring you soak up all the benefits of these revitalizing moves.

Merits of doing Kapha-related Yoga poses

There are the following advantages of these Yoga asanas:

Improved Circulation: Kapha-reducing poses stimulate blood flow, preventing stagnation and promoting warmth throughout the body.

Promote Healthy Digestion: The gentle twists and compressions in these poses aid digestion, helping alleviate sluggishness or heaviness.
Increased Energy Levels: By activating the body through these poses, you shake off boredom and experience increased energy and vitality.
Mental Clarity: Kapha-related yoga poses are known for their ability to clear the mind, fostering mental alertness and focus.

Yoga Poses And Their Advantages

1.Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation):

Surya Namaskar, which is also known as Sun Salutation. It is a sequence of yoga postures performed in a flowing manner, paying homage to the sun, the source of all life. As per Ayurveda, the practice of Surya Namaskar is particularly beneficial during the Kapha season.

How to Perform Surya Namaskar:

Stand at the front of your mat, feet together. Bring your palms together in a prayer position at your chest, and take a moment to center yourself.

 Inhale, lift your arms, arch your back, and gently lean backward.

Exhale, bend forward from the waist, bringing your hands to the floor beside your feet. Keep your spine straight.

Inhale, step your right leg back and lower your knee to the floor. Look upward, opening your chest.

Inhale, bring your left leg back, coming into a plank position. Keep your body in a straight line.

Exhale, lower your knees, chest, and forehead to the floor, keeping your hips lifted.

Inhale and slide forward into a gentle backbend, keeping your elbows slightly bent. Lift your chest and gaze upward.

Exhale, lift your hips, push your chest back, and form an inverted V-shape with your body.

Other Leg: Inhale, step your right foot forward between your hands, and repeat the equestrian pose.

Exhale, bring your left foot forward to meet the right, keeping your legs straight. Relax your head towards the knees.

Inhale, lift your arms and torso, arching your back gently.

Exhale, return to the prayer position, completing one round.

Benefits of Surya Namaskar in Kapha Season

•  Improves blood circulation
• Helps to counteract lethargy.
• Enhances flexibility, addressing the stiffness that can be aggravated by Kapha dominance.
• Helps to uplift the mood.
  

2.Utkatasana (Chair Pose):

Utkatasana, commonly known as Chair Pose. This asana is particularly beneficial during this season to counterbalance the lethargy associated with an excess of Kapha dosha.

How to Perform:

• Begin in Tadasana (Mountain Pose).
• Inhale, raise your arms overhead.
• Then exhale, and bend your knees as if sitting in a chair.
• Engage thighs and hips, keeping the spine lengthened.
• Hold it for 30 seconds to a minute.
• Inhale, straighten the knees and return to Tadasana.
  

Benefits in Kapha Season:

• Helps to promote sluggish digestion.
• Generates heat to counter cold and damp.
• Improves an upright posture.
•  Tones leg muscles for a sense of vitality.
  

3.Trikonasana (Triangle Pose):

Trikonasana, or Triangle Pose, is a foundational yoga pose that helps to harness balance in the kapha season.

How to Perform Trikonasana:

• Start in Tadasana with feet 3-4 feet apart.
• Turn right foot out and left foot slightly in.
• After that, inhale and extend your arms parallel to the ground.
• Then exhale, reach your right hand to the right, sliding it down your leg. Left arm points upward.
• Now, maintain alignment and gaze at the left thumb.
• Hold this position for 30 seconds to a minute.
• Inhale, engage the core and return to the starting position.
• Repeat it on the left side also.

Benefits in Kapha Season:

• Promotes deep breathing for respiratory health.
•  Counters lethargy, promoting stability.
• Stimulates healthy digestion.
• Elongates the spine and opens the chest for better posture.
  

4.Ustrasana (Camel Pose):

Ustrasana, or Camel Pose, is a heart-opening yoga pose that offers many benefits during the Kapha Season.

How to Perform:

• Start kneeling, and keep your toes pointed back.
• Place your hands on hips and elbows together.
• Then inhale, arch back, and lift the chest.
• Try to reach your hands towards your heels, opening the chest.
• Hold this position for 20-30 seconds, and breathe deeply.
• Release this pose by returning your hands to your hips and sitting on heels.
  

Benefits in Kapha Season:

• Stimulates the nervous system for an energy boost.
• Promotes better lung capacity.
• Releases neck and shoulder tension.
• Increases warmth and energy, promoting lightness.
  

5.Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose):

Bhujangasana, or Cobra Pose, is a rejuvenating yoga pose that opens the chest, strengthens the spine, and invigorates the entire body.

How to Perform Bhujangasana: Start lying on your stomach, and extend your legs and palms under your shoulders.

• Then, inhale and lift your chest using your back muscles, keeping your elbows slightly bent.
• Now, gaze forward, engage core muscles, and maintain the pose for 15-30 seconds.
• Now exhale slowly and lower your chest back to the mat.

Benefits in Kapha Season:

• Aids digestion, combating Kapha sluggishness.
• Improves lung capacity, alleviating chest congestion.
• Reduces stress and fatigue, promoting rejuvenation.
• Encourages an upright stance, enhancing posture
  

Conclusion

As the winter winds whisper through, let your yoga practice be the warmth that fills your being. Embrace the tailored Kapha-reducing yoga poses to navigate the season with energy, vitality, and a sense of balance. By including these practices into your daily routine, you'll not only withstand the winter blues, but you'll enjoy the Kapha season to the fullest. 

Start your journey towards rejuvenation today. Stay warm, stay balanced.