Spring Rejuvenation Guide

Nourish Your Entire Being Now is a great time to offer your system a little extra support in the way of deeply nutritious rejuvenatives. If you

just completed or intend to complete a cleanse this spring, your body will be craving deep nourishment in the

coming months. If you haven’t done a cleanse, you can still benefit from the Ayurvedic tradition of rejuvenation.

Ayurvedic Rejuvenation

Improves strength, energy and vitality

Bolsters immunity

Promotes courage, confidence, and success

Slows the aging process

Increases longevity

Improves memory

Promotes cellular intelligence

Brings balance, awareness, joy, and clarity into one’s life and relationships

Select your constitution for specific information on rejuvenation for Spring.

Spring Rejuvenation for Vata

Customer Service rep, Jennifer (Vata type), enjoys spending time in the garden.

Rejuvenation: A Constitution Specific Guide for Spring By its very nature, spring is wet, fertile, nutritive, and revitalizing. Everywhere around us, the natural world is re-

emerging to embrace the sense of renewal that the spring season has to offer. Given this context, now is truly a

perfect time of year to invite deep nourishment, love, and abundance into our lives. Ayurvedic rejuvenation is

aimed at doing just that, and the process helps our bodies repair and revitalize on a very deep level – body, mind,

and spirit. As a vata-predominant type, the spring and summer months are a particularly wonderful time for you to

consider a rejuvenation program because the practices involved can help to ground and soothe vata after the more

challenging fall and winter months.

For those of you who recently completed (or intend to complete) a cleanse, rejuvenation is the final component of

the cleanse itself. After working so hard to purify and reset your physiology, you are prepared for deep

nourishment on all levels. And even if you did not do a spring cleanse, rejuvenation alone can strengthen and tone

your physical, mental, and emotional spheres.

What’s An Appropriate Period of Time?

As with many things in Ayurveda, the length of an appropriate rejuvenation program varies from one person to the

next. Rejuvenation therapies are typically implemented for a set period of time – usually at least one month and up

to three months. While this may strike you as a long time, keep in mind that rejuvenation should feel nourishing

and enjoyable to you. And, it can really be as simple as adding one practice or one herb to your daily routine.

If you completed a full seven-day cleanse, your body will benefit from a longer period of rejuvenation (about three

months), starting as soon after you complete your cleanse as possible. If that timeframe feels overwhelming to you,

commit to at least one month of rejuvenation.

If you completed a shorter cleanse, be sure to do at least one month of rejuvenation. Or, if you like, you too can

rejuvenate for up to 3 months.

Even if you did not complete a cleanse at all, vata-types normally benefit from a longer period of rejuvenation –

about three months. However, there may be some instances where this would not be appropriate.

If you have a known kapha imbalance (especially if it is of greater concern than any vata imbalances you may

have), you’ll want to go easy on rejuvenation so as not to further aggravate kapha.

Similarly, if you have a lot of toxicity in your system, which can be identified by a thick coating on the tongue,

you’ll want to keep your rejuvenation routine very simple so that you don’t inadvertently nourish the toxins.

In either case, a simple rejuvenation program (of 1-3 therapies) for about a month is probably sufficient – and it

might be helpful to think about choosing therapies because they are seasonally appropriate and vata-pacifying

rather than focusing on their rejuvenative properties. You could also favor kapha-type rejuvenatives, which are

lighter and less likely to aggravate either of the above conditions.

Pathways Toward Rejuvenation

What follows is a list of many possible rejuvenative therapies. Please don’t feel overwhelmed. The idea is not to

do all of these things, but to pick and choose those recipes and practices that most resonate with you. As you

consider each therapy, remember that your rejuvenation process needs to feel beneficial. It should not add stress to

your life but should instead add a sense of groundedness, contentment, and joy. If several possibilities peak your

interest, consider starting with 1-3 therapies and then gradually expand your repertoire of rejuvenatives only if and

when it feels appropriate.

Dietary Rejuvenatives

At the most fundamental level, a healthy, balanced diet supports deep rejuvenation. All of your tissues, organs, and

systems draw directly from the nourishment contained within the food you eat every day. A diet primarily

composed of freshly cooked, whole foods is quite rejuvenative. On the other hand, processed foods and old, stale

foods have little life force, are difficult to digest, and often contain toxins. As a vata-predominant type in the midst

of kapha season, focus on eating a healthy and balanced kapha-pacifying diet, being careful not to aggravate vata in

the process. Eating cooked foods over raw choices can be very helpful in this respect. You can compliment these

broad strokes with some especially rejuvenative foods:

Almonds, Soaked and Peeled

Soaked almonds are very grounding, nourishing, and energizing. Soaking and peeling them makes them more

digestible and more beneficial to the body. As such, almonds are a highly revered rejuvenative in Ayurveda.

Soaked Cashews Cashews – which are oily, nutritive, and building – can also be used in a rejuvenation program. They actually share

many qualities with soaked almonds, including the fact that soaking them makes them more digestible.

Rejuvenative Almond Milk

This very restorative drink provides another delicious way to ingest soaked and peeled almonds. You can cook

with it or drink it plain. It is especially useful in fall and winter, or after a period of major exertion.

Dr. Lad’s Date & Almond Shake

This shake is a warm, nourishing, and deliciously sweet breakfast or snack. It is very nutritious, grounding, and the

dates, soaked almonds, and milk make it an excellent rejuvenative.

Alakananda Ma’s Non-Dairy Ojas Drink

This restorative almond drink is lighter and more subtle than the date and almond shake and is a nice spring and

summer rejuvenative. Ingredients like soaked almonds, rose petals, ghee, and saffron make it a potent

rejuvenative.

Dream Date Balls

A very good and sumptuous rejuvenative. In ancient India, these would have been considered an aphrodisiac of

sorts. Very yummy.

Saffron Asparagus Kitchari

This light and subtle tridoshic dish is filled with nourishing ingredients that are perfect for spring and summer

periods of rejuvenation. Originally designed to tonify both the female and male reproductive systems, it is

especially useful for promoting fertility, potency and menstrual health.

Urad Dal

This legume soup detoxifies the system and nourishes the muscle, bone, and reproductive fluids while energizing

the whole body.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Rejuvenative Herbs

There are many different types of rejuvenating herbs – each with a distinct purpose. The most widely used

Ayurvedic rejuvenatives work simultaneously on all of the body’s tissues. Below are several herbal rejuvenatives

well suited for your constitution and for the spring and summer seasons. Taking these herbs and formulas with a

catalytic agent such as ghee, honey, or ginger tea helps to deliver the benefits deep into the tissues, increasing the

potency and efficacy of the herbs. Instructions for using each of these specifically as a rejuvenative are provided,

but if you prefer to take your herbs in water or without ghee and honey, they will still be beneficial.

Triphala With Ghee and Honey - Triphala is a tridoshic formula that naturally rejuvenates all of the tissues in the

body (while encouraging the elimination of toxins). It is an especially potent rejuvenative when taken with ghee

and honey – usually first thing in the morning. Mix ½ teaspoon of powdered triphala with ½ teaspoon of ghee and

½ teaspoon of raw honey. Or, if powdered herbs aren’t your thing, take one triphala herbal tablet, followed by a

mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw honey.

Choose One: Healthy Kapha or Healthy Vata Tablets Healthy Kapha Tablets – This warming and astringent formula is designed to restore and maintain balanced

kapha, without aggravating vata or pitta. In particular, Healthy Kapha supports a clear respiratory system, a robust

immune system, and helps support the maintenance of a healthy weight. Healthy Kapha is an excellent formula for

the winter and spring seasons, when the cool, wet weather tends to disturb kapha. If you are doing a longer

rejuvenation program, you might consider switching from Healthy Kapha to Healthy Pitta in the late spring or

summer – whenever the weather heats up enough to make balancing pitta a higher priority. Take 1-2 Healthy

Kapha Tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Healthy Vata Tablets - Even though it is kapha season now, if the fall and winter tend to be your most

challenging seasons or if you struggle with vata imbalances and are less disturbed by kapha imbalances, Healthy

Vata may be more appropriate for you. This rejuvenating blend of herbs is specifically formulated to restore and

maintain balanced vata, without aggravating pitta or kapha. The herbs in this formula promote energy and vitality

while supporting overall health and well-being. Healthy Vata is an excellent formula for replenishing the system,

especially if the fall and winter have taken a toll on vata. Take 1-2 Healthy Vata Tablets, once or twice daily, or as

directed by your health practitioner.

Chyavanprash - Chyavanprash is a delicious nutritive jam. It is an ancient herbal formula containing both ghee

and honey – both of which help to deliver the herbs to the tissues. Chyavanprash can be taken alone, it can be

stirred into milk or water, or it can be spread on toast, bread, or crackers – like any other jam. Taking chyavanprash

in warm milk (or almond milk, if dairy is not appropriate) helps to carry its tonifying and rejuvenating qualities

deep into the tissues. As a rejuvenative, chyavanprash is typically taken in the morning, or sometimes in both the

morning and the evening. Take 1-2 teaspoons once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Ashwagandha -Ashwagandha is a highly esteemed herb aimed at improving strength, energy, and vitality. It

improves one’s ability to handle stress, promotes physical strength, rejuvenates the tissues (especially the muscles,

bones, joints, and the nervous system), and it supports sound sleep at night. A typical rejuvenative dose would be ½

teaspoon powdered ashwagandha in the morning, in ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw honey. Or, if you would

prefer a tablet, take one ashwagandha herbal tablet, followed by a mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw

honey.

Haritaki - Haritaki is one of three ingredients in the famous Ayurvedic formula, triphala, but it is particularly

suited to calm vata. If your primary imbalance relates to vata, you could use haritaki instead of triphala, but in a

similar manner – taking ½ teaspoon of powdered haritaki with ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon honey in the

morning, or taking 1 haritaki herbal tablet followed by a mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon honey.

Vata Digest – This formula is heating, grounding, and oily and is very supportive of proper digestion in vata-

types. Whether you’re in the rejuvenation phase following a cleanse (when your digestive fire requires a little

boost) or you’re simply trying to redirect your body’s tendency toward vata-type digestive issues, this formula is

fabulous. And since proper digestion is a cornerstone of effective rejuvenation, these tablets can truly enhance

your rejuvenation experience. Take 1-2 Vata Digest tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare

practitioner.

Rejuvenating Practices

Not surprisingly, your lifestyle has a profound impact on your body’s ability to repair, regenerate, and revitalize

itself. When we fill our days – particularly our mornings – with calming, nurturing practices that set a tone of

health, relaxation, and self-love, our bodies are much better able to nurture the rejuvenation process.

Simple Lifestyle Adjustments To Support Rejuvenation

Minimize stress

Minimize travel

Maintain positive relationships

Avoid unfamiliar places or situations that might incite anxiety, fear, or loneliness

Wear enough clothes to avoid getting chilled, especially when the weather is cool and breezy

Undertake a period of celibacy to preserve your vital life energy

In addition to any of the above commitments that appeal to you, you can incorporate some more formal practices to

invite rejuvenation on a very deep level.

Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage) – Each morning, before a shower or bath, massage about ¼ cup warm Vata

Massage Oil or Organic Sesame Oil into the skin. This practice calms, lubricates and rejuvenates the tissues – in

particular, the nervous system. For further instructions on this rejuvenating technique, click here.

Oil Your Scalp & Feet Before Sleep – Before bed, apply some warm Vata Massage Oil or Sesame Oil to your

scalp and to the soles of your feet. This practice grounds the energy, soothes the nervous system, reduces stress,

and quiets the mind – all of which support sound sleep. Remember that sleep is one of the body’s most essential

avenues of rejuvenation.

Nasya – Each morning (or at least several times per week) apply 3-5 drops of Nasya Oil into each nostril. This

practice helps to soothe the nasal passages while promoting unobstructed breathing, relieving accumulated stress,

supporting mental clarity and fostering the unfolding of awareness.

Yoga - Vata Pacifying Yoga, which is very gentle, grounding, and nourishing, is the best practice for you this

season, especially if you are undertaking a period of rejuvenation. Restorative postures such as legs up the wall,

and corpse pose are particularly beneficial when it comes to rejuvenation.

Meditation, Pranayama, Quiet Time, and/or Reflective Time – Any quiet, contemplative practice – even if it is

only 5-15 minutes in duration – is incredibly rejuvenative to the mind and physiology. Practicing in the early

morning hours, especially before and around dawn, is powerfully supportive of rejuvenation.

Rejuvenative Products to Consider

Powdered Triphala or Triphala Herbal Tablets

Healthy Kapha or Healthy Vata Tablets

Vata Digest Tablets

Chyavanprash

Powdered Ashwagandha or Ashwagandha Herbal Tablets

Powdered Haritaki or Haritaki Herbal Tablets

Organic Ghee

Vata Massage Oil or Organic Sesame Massage Oil

Nasya Oil

Recipes

Rejuvenative Almond Milk

Dr. Vasant Lad’s Date & Almond Shake

Alakananda Ma’s Non-Dairy Ojas Drink

Dream Date Balls

Saffron Asparagus Kitchari

Urad Dal

References

1. “Chyawanprash.” Wikipedia. Online. Retrieved 24 Apr. 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chyawanprash

2. Lad, Vasant. Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing. The Ayurvedic Press, 2006. 73, 236.

3. Lad, Vasant. Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 3: General Principles of Management and Treatment. The

Ayurvedic Press, 2012. 407-409, 418.

4. Morningstar, Amadea. The Ayurvedic Cookbook. Lotus Press, 1990. 236, 245, 256.

5. Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. Churchill Livingston Elsevier,

2006. 296-297.

Spring Rejuvenation for Pitta

Banyan Ambassador, Maria (Pitta type), welcomes the rejuvenating energy of Spring.

Rejuvenation: A Constitution Specific Guide for Spring By its very nature, spring is wet, fertile, nutritive, and revitalizing. Everywhere around us, the natural world is re-

emerging to embrace the sense of renewal that the spring season has to offer. Given this context, now is truly a

perfect time of year to invite deep nourishment, love, and abundance into our lives. Ayurvedic rejuvenation is

aimed at doing just that, and the process helps our bodies repair and revitalize on a very deep level – body, mind,

and spirit. As a pitta-predominant type, the spring and summer months are a particularly wonderful time for you to

consider a rejuvenation program. It capitalizes on the soothing effect that the winter months can have on pitta and

helps to restore optimal strength to the entire system in preparation for pitta season, which is right around the

corner.

For those of you who recently completed (or intend to complete) a cleanse, rejuvenation is the final component of

the cleanse itself. After working so hard to purify and reset your physiology, you are prepared for deep

nourishment on all levels. And even if you did not do a spring cleanse, rejuvenation alone can strengthen and tone

your physical, mental, and emotional spheres.

What’s An Appropriate Period of Time?

As with many things in Ayurveda, the length of an appropriate rejuvenation program varies from one person to the

next. Rejuvenation therapies are typically implemented for a set period of time – usually at least one month and up

to three months. While this may strike you as a long time, keep in mind that rejuvenation should feel nourishing

and enjoyable to you. And, it can really be as simple as adding one practice or one herb to your daily routine.

If you completed a full seven-day cleanse, your body will benefit from a longer period of rejuvenation (about three

months), starting as soon after you complete your cleanse as possible. If that timeframe feels overwhelming to you,

commit to at least one month of rejuvenation.

If you completed a shorter cleanse, be sure to do at least one month of rejuvenation. Or, if you like, you too can

rejuvenate for up to 3 months.

Even if you did not complete a cleanse at all, pitta-types normally benefit from a longer period of rejuvenation –

about three months. However, there may be some instances where this would not be appropriate.

If you have a known kapha imbalance (especially if it is of greater concern than any pitta imbalances you may

have), you’ll want to go easy on rejuvenation so as not to further aggravate kapha.

Similarly, if you have a lot of toxicity in your system, which can be identified by a thick coating on the tongue,

you’ll want to keep your rejuvenation routine very simple so that you don’t inadvertently nourish the toxins.

In either case, a simple rejuvenation program (of 1-3 therapies) for about a month is probably sufficient – and it

might be helpful to think about choosing therapies because they are seasonally appropriate and vata-pacifying

rather than focusing on their rejuvenative properties. You could also favor kapha-type rejuvenatives, which are

lighter and less likely to aggravate either of the above conditions.

Pathways Toward Rejuvenation

What follows is a list of many possible rejuvenative therapies. Please don’t feel overwhelmed. The idea is not to

do all of these things, but to pick and choose those recipes and practices that most resonate with you. As you

consider each therapy, remember that your rejuvenation process needs to feel beneficial. It should not add stress to

your life but should instead add a sense of vitality, groundedness, contentment, and joy. If several possibilities peak

your interest, consider starting with 1-3 therapies and then gradually expand your repertoire of rejuvenatives only if

and when it feels appropriate.

Dietary Rejuvenatives

At the most fundamental level, a healthy, balanced diet supports deep rejuvenation. All of your tissues, organs, and

systems draw directly from the nourishment contained within the food you eat every day. A diet primarily

composed of freshly cooked, whole foods is quite rejuvenative. On the other hand, processed foods and old, stale

foods have little life-force, are difficult to digest, and often contain toxins. As a pitta-predominant type preparing to

transition from kapha season into pitta season, focus on eating a healthy and balanced kapha-pacifying diet, being

careful not to aggravate pitta in the process. Moderating the amount of heat in your diet can be very helpful in this

respect. You can compliment these broad strokes with some especially rejuvenative foods:

Almonds, Soaked and Peeled

Soaked almonds are very grounding, nourishing, and energizing. Soaking and peeling them makes them more

digestible and more beneficial to the body. As such, almonds are a highly revered rejuvenative in Ayurveda.

Soaked Cashews Cashews – which are oily, nutritive, and building – can also be used in a rejuvenation program. They actually share

many qualities with soaked almonds, including the fact that soaking them makes them more digestible.

Rejuvenative Almond Milk

This very restorative drink provides another delicious way to ingest soaked and peeled almonds. You can cook

with it or drink it plain. It is especially useful in fall and winter, or after a period of major exertion.

Dr. Lad’s Date & Almond Shake

This shake is a warm, nourishing, and deliciously sweet breakfast or snack. It is very nutritious, grounding, and the

dates, soaked almonds, and milk make it an excellent rejuvenative.

Alakananda Ma’s Non-Dairy Ojas Drink

This restorative almond drink is lighter and more subtle than the date and almond shake and is a nice spring and

summer rejuvenative. Ingredients like soaked almonds, rose petals, ghee, and saffron make it a potent

rejuvenative.

Dream Date Balls

A very good and sumptuous rejuvenative. In ancient India, these would have been considered an aphrodisiac of

sorts. Very yummy.

Rice Khir

This delicious rice pudding is especially rejuvenative for pitta, so this might be a good choice if you feel like the

heat got the better of you this past summer.

Saffron Asparagus Kitchari

This light and subtle tridoshic dish is filled with nourishing ingredients that are perfect for spring and summer

periods of rejuvenation. Originally designed to tonify both the female and male reproductive systems, it is

especially useful for promoting fertility, potency and menstrual health.

Urad Dal

This legume soup detoxifies the system and nourishes the muscle, bone, and reproductive fluids while energizing

the whole body.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Rejuvenative Herbs

There are many different types of rejuvenating herbs – each with a distinct purpose. The most widely used

Ayurvedic rejuvenatives work simultaneously on all of the body’s tissues. Below are several herbal rejuvenatives

well suited for your constitution and for the spring and summer seasons. Taking these herbs and formulas with a

catalytic agent such as ghee or honey helps to deliver the benefits deep into the tissues, increasing the potency and

efficacy of the herbs. Instructions for using each of these specifically as a rejuvenative are provided, but if you

prefer to take your herbs in water or without ghee and honey, they will still be beneficial.

Triphala With Ghee and Honey – Triphala is a tridoshic formula that naturally rejuvenates all of the tissues in

the body (while encouraging the elimination of toxins). It is an especially potent rejuvenative when taken with ghee

and honey – usually first thing in the morning. Mix ½ teaspoon of powdered triphala with ½ teaspoon of ghee and

½ teaspoon of raw honey. Or, if powdered herbs aren’t your thing, take one triphala herbal tablet, followed by a

mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw honey.

Choose One: Healthy Kapha or Healthy Pitta Tablets Healthy Kapha Tablets – This warming and astringent formula is designed to restore and maintain balanced

kapha, without aggravating vata or pitta. In particular, Healthy Kapha supports a clear respiratory system, a robust

immune system, and helps support the maintenance of a healthy weight. Healthy Kapha is an excellent formula for

the winter and spring seasons, when the cool, wet weather tends to disturb kapha. If you are doing a longer

rejuvenation program, you might consider switching from Healthy Kapha to Healthy Pitta in the late spring or

summer – whenever the weather heats up enough to make balancing pitta a higher priority. Take 1-2 Healthy

Kapha Tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Healthy Pitta Tablets – Even though it is kapha season now, pitta season is right around the corner. If the heat of

summer tends to disturb your system, or if you struggle with pitta imbalances and are less disturbed

by kapha imbalances, Healthy Pitta may be more appropriate for you. This cooling rejuvenative formula is

designed to restore and maintain balanced pitta, without aggravating vata or kapha. In particular, Healthy Pitta

supports a calm mind, soothes fiery emotions, and promotes a cooler, more balanced temperament. Take 1-

2 Healthy Pitta Tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Chyavanprash – Chyavanprash is a delicious nutritive jam. It is an ancient herbal formula containing both ghee

and honey – both of which help to deliver the herbs to the tissues. Chyavanprash can be taken alone, it can be

stirred into milk or water, or it can be spread on toast, bread, or crackers – like any other jam. Taking chyavanprash

in warm milk (or almond milk, if dairy is not appropriate) helps to carry its tonifying and rejuvenating qualities

deep into the tissues. As a rejuvenative, chyavanprash is typically taken in the morning, or sometimes in both the

morning and the evening. Take 1-2 teaspoons once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha is a highly esteemed herb aimed at improving strength, energy, and vitality. It

improves one’s ability to handle stress, promotes physical strength, rejuvenates the tissues (especially the muscles,

bones, joints, and the nervous system), and it supports sound sleep at night. A typical rejuvenative dose would be ½

teaspoon powdered ashwagandha in the morning, in ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw honey. Or, if you would

prefer a tablet, take one ashwagandha herbal tablet, followed by a mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw

honey.

Amalaki – Amalaki is one of three ingredients in the famous Ayurvedic formula, triphala, but it is particularly

calming to pitta. If your primary imbalance relates to pitta, you could use amalaki in place of triphala, but in a

similar manner. Either take ½ teaspoon of powdered amalaki with ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon honey in the

morning, or take 1 amalaki herbal tablet followed by a mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon honey.

Pitta Digest – This formula is designed to cool and soothe the digestive tract and to promote healthy digestion in

those who tend toward pitta-type digestive issues. And since proper digestion is essential to effective

rejuvenation, these tablets can truly enhance your rejuvenation experience. Take 1-2 Pitta Digest tablets, once or

twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Rejuvenating Practices

Not surprisingly, your lifestyle has a profound impact on your body’s ability to repair, regenerate, and revitalize

itself. When we fill our days – particularly our mornings – with calming, nurturing practices that set a tone of

health, relaxation, and self-love, our bodies are much better able to nurture the rejuvenation process.

Simple Lifestyle Adjustments To Support Rejuvenation

Minimize stress and travel

Maintain positive relationships and reduce any tendency toward judgment and criticism

Relinquish your attachment to perfection.

Let go of any need to control the people or situations around you

Practice forgiveness toward your self and others

Undertake a period of celibacy to preserve your vital life energy

In addition to any of the above commitments that appeal to you, you can incorporate some more formal practices to

invite rejuvenation on a very deep level.

Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage) – Each morning, before a shower or bath, massage about ¼ cup warm Pitta

Massage Oil into the skin. This practice calms, lubricates and rejuvenates the tissues – in particular, the nervous

system. For further instructions on this rejuvenating technique, click here.

Oil the Soles of Your Feet Before Sleep – Before bed, apply some warm Pitta Massage Oil or Organic Sesame

Oil to your scalp and to the soles of your feet. This practice grounds the energy, soothes the nervous system,

reduces stress, and quiets the mind – all of which support sound sleep. Remember that sleep is one of the body’s

most essential avenues of rejuvenation.

Nasya – Each morning (or at least several times per week) apply 3-5 drops of Nasya Oil into each nostril. This

practice helps to soothe the nasal passages while promoting unobstructed breathing, relieving accumulated stress,

supporting mental clarity and fostering the unfolding of awareness.

Yoga – Pitta Pacifying Yoga, which is grounded in relaxed effort, and also appropriately challenging – is the best

practice for you during a period of rejuvenation. Adding restorative postures such as legs up the wall, and corpse

pose are particularly beneficial when it comes to rejuvenation.

Meditation, Pranayama, Quiet Time, and/or Reflective Time – Any quiet, contemplative practice – even if it is

only 5-15 minutes in duration – is incredibly rejuvenative to the mind and physiology. Practicing in the early

morning hours, especially before and around dawn, is powerfully supportive of rejuvenation.

Rejuvenative Products to Consider

Powdered Triphala or Triphala Herbal Tablets

Healthy Kapha Tablets or Healthy Pitta Tablets

Pitta Digest Tablets

Chyavanprash

Powdered Ashwagandha or Ashwagandha Herbal Tablets

Powdered Amalaki or Amalaki Herbal Tablets

Organic Ghee

Pitta Massage Oil and / or Organic Sesame Massage Oil

Nasya Oil

Recipes

Rejuvenative Almond Milk

Dr. Vasant Lad’s Date & Almond Shake

Alakananda Ma’s Non-Dairy Ojas Drink

Dream Date Balls

Rice Khir

Saffron Asparagus Kitchari

Urad Dal

References

1. “Chyawanprash.” Wikipedia. Online. Retrieved 24 Apr. 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chyawanprash

2. Lad, Vasant. Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing. The Ayurvedic Press, 2006. 73, 236.

3. Lad, Vasant. Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 3: General Principles of Management and Treatment. The Ayurvedic

Press, 2012. 407-409, 418.

4. Morningstar, Amadea. The Ayurvedic Cookbook. Lotus Press, 1990. 236, 245, 256.

5. Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. Churchill Livingston Elsevier, 2006.

296-297.

Spring Rejuvenation for Kapha

Customer Service rep, Zimryah (Kapha type), skates her way through Spring.

Rejuvenation: A Constitution Specific Guide for Spring By its very nature, spring is wet, fertile, nutritive, and revitalizing. Everywhere around us, the natural world is re-

emerging to embrace the sense of renewal that the spring season has to offer. Given this context, now is truly a

perfect time of year to invite deep nourishment, love, and abundance into our lives. Ayurvedic rejuvenation is

aimed at doing just that, and the process helps our bodies repair and revitalize on a very deep level – body, mind,

and spirit. As a vata-predominant type, the spring and summer months are a particularly wonderful time for you to

consider a rejuvenation program because the practices involved can help to ground and soothe vata after the more

challenging fall and winter months.

For those of you who recently completed (or intend to complete) a cleanse, rejuvenation is the final component of

the cleanse itself. After working so hard to purify and reset your physiology, you are prepared for deep

nourishment on all levels. And even if you did not do a spring cleanse, rejuvenation alone can strengthen and tone

your physical, mental, and emotional spheres.

What’s An Appropriate Period of Time?

As with many things in Ayurveda, the length of an appropriate rejuvenation program varies from one person to the

next. Rejuvenation therapies are typically implemented for a set period of time – usually at least one month and up

to three months. While this may strike you as a long time, keep in mind that rejuvenation should feel nourishing

and enjoyable to you. And, it can really be as simple as adding one practice or one herb to your daily routine.

If you completed a full seven-day cleanse, your body will benefit from a longer period of rejuvenation (about three

months), starting as soon after you complete your cleanse as possible. If that timeframe feels overwhelming to you,

commit to at least one month of rejuvenation.

If you completed a shorter cleanse, be sure to do at least one month of rejuvenation. Or, if you like, you too can

rejuvenate for up to 3 months.

Even if you did not complete a cleanse at all, vata-types normally benefit from a longer period of rejuvenation –

about three months. However, there may be some instances where this would not be appropriate.

If you have a known kapha imbalance (especially if it is of greater concern than any vata imbalances you may

have), you’ll want to go easy on rejuvenation so as not to further aggravate kapha.

Similarly, if you have a lot of toxicity in your system, which can be identified by a thick coating on the tongue,

you’ll want to keep your rejuvenation routine very simple so that you don’t inadvertently nourish the toxins.

In either case, a simple rejuvenation program (of 1-3 therapies) for about a month is probably sufficient – and it

might be helpful to think about choosing therapies because they are seasonally appropriate and vata-pacifying

rather than focusing on their rejuvenative properties. You could also favor kapha-type rejuvenatives, which are

lighter and less likely to aggravate either of the above conditions.

Pathways Toward Rejuvenation

What follows is a list of many possible rejuvenative therapies. Please don’t feel overwhelmed. The idea is not to

do all of these things, but to pick and choose those recipes and practices that most resonate with you. As you

consider each therapy, remember that your rejuvenation process needs to feel beneficial. It should not add stress to

your life but should instead add a sense of groundedness, contentment, and joy. If several possibilities peak your

interest, consider starting with 1-3 therapies and then gradually expand your repertoire of rejuvenatives only if and

when it feels appropriate.

Dietary Rejuvenatives

At the most fundamental level, a healthy, balanced diet supports deep rejuvenation. All of your tissues, organs, and

systems draw directly from the nourishment contained within the food you eat every day. A diet primarily

composed of freshly cooked, whole foods is quite rejuvenative. On the other hand, processed foods and old, stale

foods have little life force, are difficult to digest, and often contain toxins. As a vata-predominant type in the midst

of kapha season, focus on eating a healthy and balanced kapha-pacifying diet, being careful not to aggravate vata in

the process. Eating cooked foods over raw choices can be very helpful in this respect. You can compliment these

broad strokes with some especially rejuvenative foods:

Almonds, Soaked and Peeled

Soaked almonds are very grounding, nourishing, and energizing. Soaking and peeling them makes them more

digestible and more beneficial to the body. As such, almonds are a highly revered rejuvenative in Ayurveda.

Soaked Cashews Cashews – which are oily, nutritive, and building – can also be used in a rejuvenation program. They actually share

many qualities with soaked almonds, including the fact that soaking them makes them more digestible.

Rejuvenative Almond Milk

This very restorative drink provides another delicious way to ingest soaked and peeled almonds. You can cook

with it or drink it plain. It is especially useful in fall and winter, or after a period of major exertion.

Dr. Lad’s Date & Almond Shake

This shake is a warm, nourishing, and deliciously sweet breakfast or snack. It is very nutritious, grounding, and the

dates, soaked almonds, and milk make it an excellent rejuvenative.

Alakananda Ma’s Non-Dairy Ojas Drink

This restorative almond drink is lighter and more subtle than the date and almond shake and is a nice spring and

summer rejuvenative. Ingredients like soaked almonds, rose petals, ghee, and saffron make it a potent

rejuvenative.

Dream Date Balls

A very good and sumptuous rejuvenative. In ancient India, these would have been considered an aphrodisiac of

sorts. Very yummy.

Saffron Asparagus Kitchari

This light and subtle tridoshic dish is filled with nourishing ingredients that are perfect for spring and summer

periods of rejuvenation. Originally designed to tonify both the female and male reproductive systems, it is

especially useful for promoting fertility, potency and menstrual health.

Urad Dal

This legume soup detoxifies the system and nourishes the muscle, bone, and reproductive fluids while energizing

the whole body.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Rejuvenative Herbs

There are many different types of rejuvenating herbs – each with a distinct purpose. The most widely used

Ayurvedic rejuvenatives work simultaneously on all of the body’s tissues. Below are several herbal rejuvenatives

well suited for your constitution and for the spring and summer seasons. Taking these herbs and formulas with a

catalytic agent such as ghee, honey, or ginger tea helps to deliver the benefits deep into the tissues, increasing the

potency and efficacy of the herbs. Instructions for using each of these specifically as a rejuvenative are provided,

but if you prefer to take your herbs in water or without ghee and honey, they will still be beneficial.

Triphala With Ghee and Honey – Triphala is a tridoshic formula that naturally rejuvenates all of the tissues in

the body (while encouraging the elimination of toxins). It is an especially potent rejuvenative when taken with ghee

and honey – usually first thing in the morning. Mix ½ teaspoon of powdered triphala with ½ teaspoon of ghee and

½ teaspoon of raw honey. Or, if powdered herbs aren’t your thing, take one triphala herbal tablet, followed by a

mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw honey.

Healthy Kapha Tablets –This warming and astringent formula is designed to restore and maintain balanced

kapha, without aggravating vata or pitta. In particular, Healthy Kapha supports a clear respiratory system, a robust

immune system, and helps support the maintenance of a healthy weight. Healthy Kapha is an excellent formula for

the winter and spring seasons, when the cool, wet weather tends to disturb kapha. If you are doing a longer

rejuvenation program, you might consider switching from Healthy Kapha to Healthy Pitta in the late spring or

summer – whenever the weather heats up enough to make balancing pitta a higher priority. Take 1-2 Healthy

Kapha Tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Chyavanprash – Chyavanprash is a delicious nutritive jam. It is an ancient herbal formula containing both ghee

and honey – both of which help to deliver the herbs to the tissues. Chyavanprash can be taken alone, it can be

stirred into milk or water, or it can be spread on toast, bread, or crackers – like any other jam. Taking chyavanprash

in warm milk (or almond milk, if dairy is not appropriate) helps to carry its tonifying and rejuvenating qualities

deep into the tissues. As a rejuvenative, chyavanprash is typically taken in the morning, or sometimes in both the

morning and the evening. Take 1-2 teaspoons once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Ashwagandha – Ashwagandhais a highly esteemed herb aimed at improving strength, energy, and vitality. It

improves one’s ability to handle stress, promotes physical strength, rejuvenates the tissues (especially the muscles,

bones, joints, and the nervous system), and it supports sound sleep at night. A typical rejuvenative dose would be

½ teaspoon powdered ashwagandha in the morning, in ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw honey. Or, if you

would prefer a tablet, take one ashwagandha herbal tablet, followed by a mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½

teaspoon raw honey.

Bibhitaki – Bibhitaki is one of three ingredients in the famous Ayurvedic formula, triphala, but it is particularly

calming to kapha. If your primary imbalance relates to kapha, you could use bibhitaki in place of triphala, but in a

similar manner – taking ½ teaspoon of powdered bibhitaki with ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon honey in the

morning.

Kapha Digest – This formula is designed to kindle a strong digestive fire while burning away fat and natural

toxins. And since proper digestion is essential to effective rejuvenation, these tablets can truly enhance your

rejuvenation experience. This formula simultaneously rejuvenates the lungs and supports clear and healthy

respiratory channels. Take 1-2 tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Rejuvenating Practices

Not surprisingly, your lifestyle has a profound impact on your body’s ability to repair, regenerate, and revitalize

itself. When we fill our days – particularly our mornings – with practices that set a tone of health, and self-love, our

bodies are much better able to nurture the rejuvenation process.

Simple Lifestyle Adjustments To Support Rejuvenation

Minimize stress

Reduce any tendency toward attachment to things or relationships

Avoid melancholic or depressing situations and be careful not to oversleep

Start your day with some stimulating exercise or a vigorous yoga practice

Wear enough clothes to avoid getting chilled, especially when the weather is cool or wet

Cultivate creativity and flexibility in your life

In addition to any of the above commitments that appeal to you, you can incorporate some more formal practices to

invite rejuvenation on a very deep level.

Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage) – Each morning, before a shower or bath, massage about ¼ cup warm Kapha

Massage Oil into the skin. This practice calms, lubricates and rejuvenates the tissues – in particular, the nervous

system. For further instructions on this rejuvenating technique, click here.

Nasya – Each morning (or at least several times per week) apply 3-5 drops of Nasya Oil into each nostril. This

practice helps to soothe the nasal passages while promoting unobstructed breathing, relieving accumulated stress,

supporting mental clarity and fostering the unfolding of awareness.

Yoga – Kapha Pacifying Yoga, which is active and invigorating is the best rejuvenative practice for kapha-types,

especially as you move deeper into the winter and spring. However, incorporating restorative postures such as legs

up the wall and corpse pose with a bolster opening the chest will be equally beneficial this fall and winter.

Meditation, Pranayama, Quiet Time, and/or Reflective Time – Any quiet, contemplative practice – even if it is

only 5-15 minutes in duration – is incredibly rejuvenative to the mind and physiology. Practicing in the early

morning hours, especially before and around dawn, is powerfully supportive of rejuvenation.

Rejuvenative Products to Consider

Powdered Triphala or Triphala Herbal Tablets

Healthy Kapha Tablets

Kapha Digest Tablets

Chyavanprash

Powdered Ashwagandha or Ashwagandha Herbal Tablets

Powdered Bibhitaki

Organic Ghee

Kapha Massage Oil and/or Organic Sesame Oil

Nasya Oil

Recipes

Rejuvenative Almond Milk

Dr. Vasant Lad’s Date & Almond Shake

Alakananda Ma’s Non-Dairy Ojas Drink

Saffron Asparagus Kitchari

Urad Dal

References

1. “Chyawanprash.” Wikipedia. Online. Retrieved 24 Apr. 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chyawanprash

2. Lad, Vasant. Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing. The Ayurvedic Press, 2006. 73, 236.

3. Lad, Vasant. Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 3: General Principles of Management and Treatment. The Ayurvedic

Press, 2012. 407-409, 418.

4. Morningstar, Amadea. The Ayurvedic Cookbook. Lotus Press, 1990. 236, 245, 256.

5. Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. Churchill Livingston Elsevier, 2006.

296-297

Spring Rejuvenation for Vata-Pitta

Customer Service Rep, Shawn (Pitta-Vata), dances in the park to enliven her being.

Rejuvenation: A Constitution Specific Guide for Spring

By its very nature, spring is wet, fertile, nutritive, and revitalizing. Everywhere around us, the natural world is re-

emerging to embrace the sense of renewal that the spring season has to offer. Given this context, now is truly a

perfect time of year to invite deep nourishment, love, and abundance into our lives. Ayurvedic rejuvenation is

aimed at doing just that, and the process helps our bodies repair and revitalize on a very deep level – body, mind,

and spirit. As a vata-pitta or pitta-vata type, the spring and summer months are a particularly wonderful time for

you to consider a rejuvenation program. Having just passed through vata’s most challenging time of year – the fall

and winter – rejuvenation offers a great opportunity to reset vata for optimal health. Rejuvenation also helps to

strengthen the entire body, and with pitta season right around the corner, now is the perfect time for a recharge.

For those of you who recently completed (or intend to complete) a cleanse, rejuvenation is the final component of

the cleanse itself. After working so hard to purify and reset your physiology, you are prepared for deep

nourishment on all levels. And even if you did not do a spring cleanse, rejuvenation alone can strengthen and tone

your physical, mental, and emotional spheres.

What’s An Appropriate Period of Time?

As with many things in Ayurveda, the length of an appropriate rejuvenation program varies from one person to the

next. Rejuvenation therapies are typically implemented for a set period of time – usually at least one month and up

to three months. While this may strike you as a long time, keep in mind that rejuvenation should feel nourishing

and enjoyable to you. And, it can really be as simple as adding one practice or one herb to your daily routine.

If you completed a full seven-day cleanse, your body will benefit from a longer period of rejuvenation (about three

months), starting as soon after you complete your cleanse as possible. If that time frame feels overwhelming to

you, commit to at least one month of rejuvenation.

If you completed a shorter cleanse, be sure to do at least one month of rejuvenation. Or, if you like, you too can

rejuvenate for up to 3 months.

Even if you did not complete a cleanse at all, those with a strong vata component in their constitution normally

benefit from a longer period of rejuvenation – about three months. However, there may be some instances where

this would not be appropriate.

If you have a known kapha imbalance (especially if it is of greater concern than any vata imbalances or pitta

imbalances you may have), you’ll want to go easy on rejuvenation so as not to further aggravate kapha.

Similarly, if you have a lot of toxicity in your system, which can be identified by a thick coating on the tongue,

you’ll want to keep your rejuvenation routine very simple so that you don’t inadvertently nourish the toxins.

In either case, a simple rejuvenation program (of 1-3 therapies) for about a month is probably sufficient – and it

might be helpful to think about choosing therapies because they are seasonally appropriate rather than focusing on

their rejuvenative properties. You could also favor kapha-type rejuvenatives, which are lighter and less likely to

aggravate either of the above conditions.

Pathways Toward Rejuvenation

What follows is a list of many possible rejuvenative therapies. Please don’t feel overwhelmed. The idea is not to

do all of these things, but to pick and choose those recipes and practices that most resonate with you. As you

consider each therapy, remember that your rejuvenation process needs to feel beneficial. It should not add stress to

your life but should instead add a sense of vitality, groundedness, contentment, and joy. If several possibilities peak

your interest, consider starting with 1-3 therapies and then gradually expand your repertoire of rejuvenatives only if

and when it feels appropriate.

Dietary Rejuvenatives

At the most fundamental level, a healthy, balanced diet supports deep rejuvenation. All of your tissues, organs, and

systems draw directly from the nourishment contained within the food you eat every day. A diet primarily

composed of freshly cooked, whole foods is quite rejuvenative. On the other hand, processed foods and old, stale

foods have little life-force, are difficult to digest, and often contain toxins. As a vata-pitta or pitta-vata type

preparing to transition from kapha season into pitta season, focus on eating a healthy and balanced kapha-pacifying

diet, being careful not to aggravate pitta. Moderating the amount of heat in your diet can be very helpful in this

respect. You can compliment these broad strokes with some especially rejuvenative foods:

Almonds, Soaked and Peeled Soaked almonds are very grounding, nourishing, and energizing. Soaking and peeling them makes them more

digestible and more beneficial to the body. As such, almonds are a highly revered rejuvenative in Ayurveda.

Soaked Cashews

Cashews – which are oily, nutritive, and building – can also be used in a rejuvenation program. They actually share

many qualities with soaked almonds, including the fact that soaking them makes them more digestible.

Rejuvenative Almond Milk

This very restorative drink provides another delicious way to ingest soaked and peeled almonds. You can cook

with it or drink it plain. It is especially useful in fall and winter, or after a period of major exertion.

Dr. Lad’s Date & Almond Shake

This shake is a warm, nourishing, and deliciously sweet breakfast or snack. It is very nutritious, grounding, and the

dates, soaked almonds, and milk make it an excellent rejuvenative.

Alakananda Ma’s Non-Dairy Ojas Drink

This restorative almond drink is lighter and more subtle than the date and almond shake and is a nice spring and

summer rejuvenative. Ingredients like soaked almonds, rose petals, ghee, and saffron make it a potent

rejuvenative.

Rice Khir

This delicious rice pudding is especially rejuvenative for pitta, so this might be a good choice if you feel like the

heat got the better of you this past summer.

Dream Date Balls

A very good and sumptuous rejuvenative. In ancient India, these would have been considered an aphrodisiac of

sorts. Very yummy.

Saffron Asparagus Kitchari

This light and subtle tridoshic dish is filled with nourishing ingredients that are perfect for spring and summer

periods of rejuvenation. Originally designed to tonify both the female and male reproductive systems, it is

especially useful for promoting fertility, potency and menstrual health.

Urad Dal

This legume soup detoxifies the system and nourishes the muscle, bone, and reproductive fluids while energizing

the whole body.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Rejuvenative Herbs

There are many different types of rejuvenating herbs – each with a distinct purpose. The most widely used

Ayurvedic rejuvenatives work simultaneously on all of the body’s tissues. Below are several herbal rejuvenatives

well suited for your constitution and for the spring and summer seasons. Taking these herbs and formulas with a

catalytic agent such as ghee, honey, or ginger tea helps to deliver the benefits deep into the tissues, increasing the

potency and efficacy of the herbs. Instructions for using each of these specifically as a rejuvenative are provided,

but if you prefer to take your herbs in water or without ghee and honey, they will still be beneficial.

Triphala With Ghee and Honey – Triphala is a tridoshic formula that naturally rejuvenates all of the tissues in

the body (while encouraging the elimination of toxins). It is an especially potent rejuvenative when taken with ghee

and honey – usually first thing in the morning. Mix ½ teaspoon of powdered triphala with ½ teaspoon of ghee and

½ teaspoon of raw honey. Or, if powdered herbs aren’t your thing, take one triphala herbal tablet, followed by a

mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw honey.

Choose One: Healthy Kapha, Healthy Vata, or Healthy Pitta Tablets

Healthy Kapha Tablets –This warming and astringent formula is designed to restore and maintain balanced

kapha, without aggravating vata or pitta. In particular, Healthy Kapha supports a clear respiratory system, a robust

immune system, and helps support the maintenance of a healthy weight. Healthy Kapha is an excellent formula for

the winter and spring seasons, when the cool, wet weather tends to disturb kapha. If you are doing a longer

rejuvenation program, you might consider switching from Healthy Kapha to Healthy Pitta in the late spring or

summer – whenever the weather heats up enough to make balancing pitta a higher priority. Take 1-2 Healthy

Kapha Tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Healthy Vata Tablets - Even though it is kapha season now, if the fall and winter tend to be your most

challenging seasons or if you struggle with vata imbalances and are less disturbed by kapha imbalances, Healthy

Vata may be more appropriate for you. This rejuvenating blend of herbs is specifically formulated to restore and

maintain balanced vata, without aggravating pitta or kapha. The herbs in this formula promote energy and vitality

while supporting overall health and well-being. Healthy Vata is an excellent formula for replenishing the system,

especially if the fall and winter have taken a toll on vata. Take 1-2 Healthy Vata Tablets, once or twice daily, or as

directed by your health practitioner.

Healthy Pitta Tablets – Similarly, pitta season is right around the corner. If the heat of summer tends to disturb

your system, or if you struggle with pitta imbalances and are less disturbed bykapha imbalances, Healthy Pitta may

be the best choice for you. This cooling rejuvenative formula is designed to restore and maintain balanced pitta,

without aggravating vata or kapha. In particular, Healthy Pitta supports a calm mind, soothes fiery emotions, and

promotes a cooler, more balanced temperament. Take 1-2 Healthy Pitta Tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed

by your health practitioner.

Chyavanprash – Chyavanprash is a delicious nutritive jam. It is an ancient herbal formula containing both ghee

and honey – both of which help to deliver the herbs to the tissues. Chyavanprash can be taken alone, it can be

stirred into milk or water, or it can be spread on toast, bread, or crackers – like any other jam. Taking chyavanprash

in warm milk (or almond milk, if dairy is not appropriate) helps to carry its tonifying and rejuvenating qualities

deep into the tissues. As a rejuvenative, chyavanprash is typically taken in the morning, or sometimes in both the

morning and the evening. Take 1-2 teaspoons once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha is a highly esteemed herb aimed at improving strength, energy, and vitality. It

improves one’s ability to handle stress, promotes physical strength, rejuvenates the tissues (especially the muscles,

bones, joints, and the nervous system), and it supports sound sleep at night. A typical rejuvenative dose would be ½

teaspoon powdered ashwagandha in the morning, in ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw honey. Or, if you would

prefer a tablet, take one ashwagandha herbal tablet, followed by a mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw

honey.

Haritaki - Haritaki is one of three ingredients in the famous Ayurvedic formula, triphala, but it is particularly

suited to calm vata. If your primary imbalance relates to vata, you could use haritaki instead of triphala, but in a

similar manner – taking ½ teaspoon of powdered haritaki with ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon honey in the

morning, or taking 1 haritaki herbal tablet followed by a mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon honey.

Amalaki - Amalaki is another of the three ingredients in the famous Ayurvedic formula, triphala, but it is

particularly calming to pitta. If your primary imbalance relates to pitta, you could use amalaki in place of triphala,

but in a similar manner – taking either ½ teaspoon of powdered amalaki with ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon

honey in the morning, or take 1 amalaki herbal tablet followed by a mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon

honey.

Choose One: Vata Digest or Pitta Digest

Vata Digest – This formula is heating, grounding, and oily. Whether you’re in the rejuvenation phase following a

cleanse (when your digestive fire requires a little boost) or you’re simply trying to redirect your body’s tendency

toward vata-type digestive issues, this formula is fabulous. And since proper digestion is a cornerstone of

effective rejuvenation, these tablets can truly enhance your rejuvenation experience. Take 1-2 Vata Digest tablets,

once or twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Pitta Digest - This formula is designed to cool and soothe the digestive tract and to promote healthy digestion in

those who tend toward pitta-type digestive issues. And since proper digestion is essential to effective rejuvenation,

these tablets can truly enhance your rejuvenation experience. Take 1-2 Pitta Digest tablets, once or twice daily, or

as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Rejuvenating Practices

Not surprisingly, your lifestyle has a profound impact on your body’s ability to repair, regenerate, and revitalize

itself. When we fill our days – particularly our mornings – with calming, nurturing practices that set a tone of

health, relaxation, and self-love, our bodies are much better able to nurture the rejuvenation process.

Simple Lifestyle Adjustments To Support Rejuvenation

Minimize stress

Minimize travel

Maintain positive relationships

Avoid situations that might incite anxiety, fear, anger or criticism

Relinquish your attachment to perfection

Undertake a period of celibacy to preserve your vital life energy

In addition to any of the above commitments that appeal to you, you can incorporate some more formal practices to

invite rejuvenation on a very deep level.

Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage) – Each morning, before a shower or bath, massage about ¼ cup warm Pitta

Massage Oil into the skin. This practice calms, lubricates and rejuvenates the tissues – in particular, the nervous

system. For further instructions on this rejuvenating technique, click here.

Oil the Soles of Your Feet Before Sleep – Before bed, apply some warm Organic Sesame Oil to the soles of your

feet. This practice grounds the energy, soothes the nervous system, reduces stress, and quiets the mind – all of

which support sound sleep. Remember that sleep is one of the body’s most essential avenues of rejuvenation – get

enough of it to soothe pitta without overindulging kapha.

Nasya – Each morning (or at least several times per week) apply 3-5 drops of Nasya Oil into each nostril. This

practice helps to soothe the nasal passages while promoting unobstructed breathing, relieving accumulated stress,

supporting mental clarity and fostering the unfolding of awareness.

Yoga – Kapha Pacifying Yoga, which is active and invigorating is the best rejuvenative practice for kapha-types,

especially as you move deeper into the winter and spring. However, incorporating restorative postures such as legs

up the wall and corpse pose with a bolster opening the chest will be equally beneficial this fall and winter.

Meditation, Pranayama, Quiet Time, and/or Reflective Time – Any quiet, contemplative practice – even if it is

only 5-15 minutes in duration – is incredibly rejuvenative to the mind and physiology. Practicing in the early

morning hours, especially before and around dawn, is powerfully supportive of rejuvenation.

Rejuvenative Products to Consider

Powdered Triphala or Triphala Herbal Tablets

Healthy Kapha, Healty Vata, or Healthy Pitta Tablets

Vata Digest or Pitta Digest Tablets

Chyavanprash

Powdered Ashwagandha or Ashwagandha Herbal Tablets

Powdered Haritaki or Haritaki Herbal Tablets

Powdered Amalaki or Amalaki Herbal Tablets

Organic Ghee

Pitta Massage Oil, and Organic Sesame Oil

Nasya Oil

Recipes

Rejuvenative Almond Milk

Dr. Vasant Lad’s Date & Almond Shake

Alakananda Ma’s Non-Dairy Ojas Drink

Dream Date Balls

Rice Khir

Saffron Asparagus Kitchari

Urad Dal

References

1. “Chyawanprash.” Wikipedia. Online. Retrieved 24 Apr. 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chyawanprash

2. Lad, Vasant. Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing. The Ayurvedic Press, 2006. 73, 236.

3. Lad, Vasant. Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 3: General Principles of Management and Treatment. The Ayurvedic

Press, 2012. 407-409, 418.

4. Morningstar, Amadea. The Ayurvedic Cookbook. Lotus Press, 1990. 236, 245, 256.

5. Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. Churchill Livingston Elsevier, 2006.

296-297.

Spring Rejuvenation for Pitta-Kapha

Customer Service Rep, Elizabeth (Pitta-Kapha), getting ready for a rejuvenating run on her lunch break.

Rejuvenation: A Constitution Specific Guide for Spring By its very nature, spring is wet, fertile, nutritive, and revitalizing. Everywhere around us, the natural world is re-

emerging to embrace the sense of renewal that the spring season has to offer. Given this context, now is truly a

perfect time of year to invite deep nourishment, love, and abundance into our lives. Ayurvedic rejuvenation is

aimed at doing just that, and the process helps our bodies repair and revitalize on a very deep level – body, mind,

and spirit. As a pitta-kapha or kapha-pitta type, the spring and summer months are a particularly wonderful time for

you to consider a rejuvenation program because of the transition from kapha season to pitta season. Rejuvenation

offers a great opportunity to reset kapha – to fully recover from any winter and spring challenges that may have

arisen – and helps to optimize your health moving forward.

For those of you who recently completed (or intend to complete) a cleanse, rejuvenation is the final component of

the cleanse itself. After working so hard to purify and reset your physiology, you are prepared for deep

nourishment on all levels. And even if you did not do a spring cleanse, rejuvenation alone can strengthen and tone

your physical, mental, and emotional spheres.

What’s An Appropriate Period of Time?

As with many things in Ayurveda, the length of an appropriate rejuvenation program varies from one person to the

next. Rejuvenation therapies are typically implemented for a set period of time – usually at least one month and up

to three months. While this may strike you as a long time, keep in mind that rejuvenation should feel nourishing

and enjoyable to you. And, it can really be as simple as adding one practice or one herb to your daily routine.

If you completed a full seven-day cleanse, your body will benefit from a longer period of rejuvenation (about three

months), starting as soon after you complete your cleanse as possible. If that timeframe feels overwhelming to you,

commit to at least one month of rejuvenation.

If you completed a shorter cleanse, be sure to do at least one month of rejuvenation. Or, if you like, you too can

rejuvenate for up to 3 months.

Even if you did not complete a cleanse at all, pitta-kapha-types normally benefit from a longer period of

rejuvenation – about three months. However, there may be some instances where this would not be appropriate.

If you have a known kapha imbalance (especially if it is of greater concern than anypitta imbalances you may

have), you’ll want to go easy on rejuvenation so as not to further aggravate kapha.

Similarly, if you have a lot of toxicity in your system, which can be identified by a thick coating on the tongue,

you’ll want to keep your rejuvenation routine very simple so that you don’t inadvertently nourish the toxins.

In either case, a simple rejuvenation program (of 1-3 therapies) for about a month is probably sufficient – and it

might be helpful to think about choosing therapies because they are seasonally appropriate and kapha-pacifying

rather than focusing on their rejuvenative properties. You could also favor kapha-type rejuvenatives, which are

lighter and less likely to aggravate either of the above conditions.

Pathways Toward Rejuvenation

What follows is a list of many possible rejuvenative therapies. Please don’t feel overwhelmed. The idea is not to

do all of these things, but to pick and choose those recipes and practices that most resonate with you. As you

consider each therapy, remember that your rejuvenation process needs to feel beneficial. It should not add stress to

your life but should instead add a sense of vitality, groundedness, contentment, and joy. If several possibilities peak

your interest, consider starting with 1-3 therapies and then gradually expand your repertoire of rejuvenatives only if

and when it feels appropriate.

Dietary Rejuvenatives

At the most fundamental level, a healthy, balanced diet supports deep rejuvenation. All of your tissues, organs, and

systems draw directly from the nourishment contained within the food you eat every day. A diet primarily

composed of freshly cooked, whole foods is quite rejuvenative. On the other hand, processed foods and old, stale

foods have little life-force, are difficult to digest, and often contain toxins. As a pitta-kapha or kapha-pitta

preparing to transition from kapha season into pitta season, focus on eating a healthy and balanced kapha-pacifying

diet. You can compliment these broad strokes with some especially rejuvenative foods:

Almonds, Soaked and Peeled

Soaked almonds are very grounding, nourishing, and energizing. Soaking and peeling them makes them more

digestible and more beneficial to the body. As such, almonds are a highly revered rejuvenative in Ayurveda.

Soaked Cashews Cashews – which are oily, nutritive, and building – can also be used in a rejuvenation program. They actually share

many qualities with soaked almonds, including the fact that soaking them makes them more digestible.

Dark Grapes, Plums, and Peaches

These fruits are especially rejuvenative for kapha and will be a good addition to your rejuvenation program,

especially if you’re particularly prone to kapha imbalances.

Rejuvenative Almond Milk

This very restorative drink provides another delicious way to ingest soaked and peeled almonds. You can cook

with it or drink it plain. It is especially useful in fall and winter, or after a period of major exertion.

Dr. Lad’s Date & Almond Shake

This shake is a warm, nourishing, and deliciously sweet breakfast or snack. It is very nutritious, grounding, and the

dates, soaked almonds, and milk make it an excellent rejuvenative.

Alakananda Ma’s Non-Dairy Ojas Drink

This restorative almond drink is lighter and more subtle than the date and almond shake and is a nice spring and

summer rejuvenative. Ingredients like soaked almonds, rose petals, ghee, and saffron make it a potent

rejuvenative.

Rice Khir

This delicious rice pudding is especially rejuvenative for pitta, so this might be a good choice if you feel like the

heat got the better of you this past summer.

Saffron Asparagus Kitchari

This light and subtle tridoshic dish is filled with nourishing ingredients that are perfect for spring and summer

periods of rejuvenation. Originally designed to tonify both the female and male reproductive systems, it is

especially useful for promoting fertility, potency and menstrual health.

Urad Dal

This legume soup detoxifies the system and nourishes the muscle, bone, and reproductive fluids while energizing

the whole body.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Rejuvenative Herbs

There are many different types of rejuvenating herbs – each with a distinct purpose. The most widely used

Ayurvedic rejuvenatives work simultaneously on all of the body’s tissues. Below are several herbal rejuvenatives

well suited for your constitution and for the fall and winter seasons. Taking these herbs and formulas with a

catalytic agent such as ghee, honey, or ginger tea helps to deliver the benefits deep into the tissues, increasing the

potency and efficacy of the herbs. Instructions for using each of these specifically as a rejuvenative are provided,

but if you prefer to take your herbs in water or without ghee and honey, they will still be beneficial.

Triphala With Ghee and Honey – Triphala is a tridoshic formula that naturally rejuvenates all of the tissues in

the body (while encouraging the elimination of toxins). It is an especially potent rejuvenative when taken with ghee

and honey – usually first thing in the morning. Mix ½ teaspoon of powdered triphala with ½ teaspoon of ghee and

½ teaspoon of raw honey. Or, if powdered herbs aren’t your thing, take one triphala herbal tablet, followed by a

mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw honey.

Choose One: Healthy Kapha or Healthy Pitta Tablets

Healthy Kapha Tablets –This warming and astringent formula is designed to restore and maintain balanced

kapha, without aggravating vata or pitta. In particular, Healthy Kapha supports a clear respiratory system, a robust

immune system, and helps support the maintenance of a healthy weight. Healthy Kapha is an excellent formula for

the winter and spring seasons, when the cool, wet weather tends to disturb kapha. If you are doing a longer

rejuvenation program, you might consider switching from Healthy Kapha to Healthy Pitta in the late spring or

summer – whenever the weather heats up enough to make balancing pitta a higher priority. Take 1-2 Healthy

Kapha Tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Healthy Pitta Tablets – Even though it is kapha season now, pitta season is right around the corner. If the heat of

summer tends to disturb your system, or if you struggle with pitta imbalances and are less disturbed by kapha

imbalances, Healthy Pitta may be more appropriate for you. This cooling rejuvenative formula is designed to

restore and maintain balanced pitta, without aggravating vata or kapha. In particular, Healthy Pitta supports a calm

mind, soothes fiery emotions, and promotes a cooler, more balanced temperament. Take 1-2 Healthy Pitta Tablets,

once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Chyavanprash – Chyavanprash is a delicious nutritive jam .It is an ancient herbal formula that includes ghee and

honey – both of which help to deliver the herbs to the tissues. Chyavanprash can be taken alone, it can be stirred

into milk or water, or it can be spread on toast, bread, or crackers – like any other jam. Taking chyavanprash in

warm milk (or almond milk, if dairy is not appropriate) helps to carry its tonifying and rejuvenating qualities deep

into the tissues. As a rejuvenative, chyavanprash is typically taken in the morning, or sometimes in both the

morning and the evening. Take 1-2 teaspoons once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha is a highly esteemed herbthat promotes strength, energy, and vitality. It supports

one’s ability to handle stress, bolsters physical strength, rejuvenates the tissues (especially the muscles, bones,

joints, and the nervous system), and it supports sound sleep at night. A typical rejuvenative dose would be ½

teaspoon powdered ashwagandha in the morning, in ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw honey. Or, if you would

prefer a tablet, take one ashwagandha herbal tablet, followed by a mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw

honey.

Bibhitaki – Bibhitaki is one of three ingredients in the famous Ayurvedic formula, triphala, but it is particularly

calming to kapha. If your primary imbalance relates to kapha, you could use bibhitaki in place of triphala, but in a

similar manner – taking ½ teaspoon of powdered bibhitaki with ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon honey in the

morning.

Amalaki - Amalaki is another one of the three ingredients in the famous Ayurvedic formula, triphala, but it is

particularly calming to pitta. If your primary imbalance relates to pitta, you could use amalaki in place of triphala,

but in a similar manner. Either take ½ teaspoon of powdered amalaki with ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon honey

in the morning, or take 1 amalaki herbal tablet followed by a mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon honey.

Choose One: Kapha Digest or Pitta Digest Kapha Digest – This formula is designed to kindle a strong digestive fire while burning away fat and natural

toxins. And since proper digestion is essential to effective rejuvenation, these tablets can truly enhance your

rejuvenation experience. This formula simultaneously rejuvenates the lungs and supports clear and healthy

respiratory channels. Take 1-2 Kapha Digest tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare

practitioner.

Pitta Digest - This formula is designed to cool and soothe the digestive tract and to promote healthy digestion in

those who tend toward pitta-type digestive issues. And since proper digestion is essential to effective rejuvenation,

these tablets can truly enhance your rejuvenation experience. Take 1-2 Pitta Digest tablets, once or twice daily, or

as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Rejuvenating Practices

Not surprisingly, your lifestyle has a profound impact on your body’s ability to repair, regenerate, and revitalize

itself. When we fill our days – particularly our mornings – with calming, nurturing practices that set a tone of

health, relaxation, and self-love, our bodies are much better able to nurture the rejuvenation process.

Simple Lifestyle Adjustments To Support Rejuvenation

Minimize stress

Maintain positive relationships

Avoid melancholic or depressing situations

Be mindful of reducing any tendency toward judgment, criticism, or a need to be in control

Cultivate creativity and flexibility in your life, letting go of your attachment to perfection

Practice forgiveness toward your self and others

Undertake a period of celibacy to preserve your vital life energy

In addition to any of the above commitments that appeal to you, you can incorporate some more formal practices to

invite rejuvenation on a very deep level.

Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage) – Each morning, before a shower or bath, massage about ¼ cup warm Kapha

Massage Oil or Pitta Massage Oil into the skin. This practice calms, lubricates and rejuvenates the tissues – in

particular, the nervous system. For further instructions on this rejuvenating technique, click here.

Oil the Soles of Your Feet Before Sleep – Before bed, apply some warm Kapha Massage Oil, Pitta Massage Oil,

or Organic Sesame Oil to the soles of your feet. This practice grounds the energy, soothes the nervous system,

reduces stress, and quiets the mind – all of which support sound sleep. Remember that sleep is one of the body’s

most essential avenues of rejuvenation – get enough of it to soothe pitta without overindulging kapha.

Nasya – Each morning (or at least several times per week) apply 3-5 drops of Nasya Oil into each nostril. This

practice helps to soothe the nasal passages while promoting unobstructed breathing, relieving accumulated stress,

supporting mental clarity and fostering the unfolding of awareness.

Yoga – Kapha Pacifying Yoga, which is active and invigorating is the best rejuvenative practice for kapha-types,

especially as you move deeper into the winter and spring. However, incorporating restorative postures such as legs

up the wall and corpse pose with a bolster opening the chest will be equally beneficial this fall and winter.

Meditation, Pranayama, Quiet Time, and/or Reflective Time – Any quiet, contemplative practice – even if it is

only 5-15 minutes in duration – is incredibly rejuvenative to the mind and physiology. Practicing in the early

morning hours, especially before and around dawn, is powerfully supportive of rejuvenation.

Rejuvenative Products to Consider

Powdered Triphala or Triphala Herbal Tablets

Healthy Kapha or Healthy Pitta Tablets

Kapha Digest or Pitta Digest Tablets

Chyavanprash

Powdered Ashwagandha or Ashwagandha Herbal Tablets

Powdered Amalaki or Amalaki Herbal Tablets

Powdered Bibhitaki

Organic Ghee

Kapha Massage Oil, Pitta Massage Oil, and Organic Sesame Oil

Nasya Oil

Recipes

Rejuvenative Almond Milk

Dr. Vasant Lad’s Date & Almond Shake

Urad Dal

References

1. “Chyawanprash.” Wikipedia. Online. Retrieved 24 Apr. 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chyawanprash

2. Lad, Vasant. Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing. The Ayurvedic Press, 2006. 73, 236.

3. Lad, Vasant. Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 3: General Principles of Management and Treatment. The Ayurvedic

Press, 2012. 407-409, 418.

4. Morningstar, Amadea. The Ayurvedic Cookbook. Lotus Press, 1990. 236, 245, 256.

5. Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. Churchill Livingston Elsevier, 2006.

296-297.

Spring Rejuvenation for Vata-Kapha

Community Director, Erin (Vata-Kapha), watching the sun set with her buddy, Buddy.

Rejuvenation: A Constitution Specific Guide for Spring By its very nature, spring is wet, fertile, nutritive, and revitalizing. Everywhere around us, the natural world is re-

emerging to embrace the sense of renewal that the spring season has to offer. Given this context, now is truly a

perfect time of year to invite deep nourishment, love, and abundance into our lives. Ayurvedic rejuvenation is

aimed at doing just that, and the process helps our bodies repair and revitalize on a very deep level – body, mind,

and spirit. As a vata-kapha or kapha-vata type, the spring and summer months are a particularly wonderful time for

you to consider a rejuvenation program because it can help to restore and revitalize both of your primary doshas

just as the vata and kapha seasons draw to a close.

For those of you who recently completed (or intend to complete) a cleanse, rejuvenation is the final component of

the cleanse itself. After working so hard to purify and reset your physiology, you are prepared for deep

nourishment on all levels. And even if you did not do a spring cleanse, rejuvenation alone can strengthen and tone

your physical, mental, and emotional spheres.

What’s An Appropriate Period of Time?

As with many things in Ayurveda, the length of an appropriate rejuvenation program varies from one person to the

next. Rejuvenation therapies are typically implemented for as set period of time – usually at least one month and up

to three months. While this may strike you as a long time, keep in mind that rejuvenation should feel nourishing

and enjoyable to you. And, it can really be as simple as adding one practice or one herb to your daily routine.

If you completed a full seven-day cleanse, your body will benefit from a longer period of rejuvenation (about three

months), starting as soon after you complete your cleanse as possible. If that timeframe feels overwhelming to you,

commit to at least one month of rejuvenation.

If you completed a shorter cleanse, be sure to do at least one month of rejuvenation. Or, if you like, you too can

rejuvenate for up to 3 months.

Even if you did not complete a cleanse at all, vata-types normally benefit from a longer period of rejuvenation –

about three months. However, there may be some instances where this would not be appropriate.

If you have a known kapha imbalance (especially if it is of greater concern than any vata imbalances you may

have), you’ll want to go easy on rejuvenation so as not to further aggravate kapha.

Similarly, if you have a lot of toxicity in your system, which can be identified by a thick coating on the tongue,

you’ll want to keep your rejuvenation routine very simple so that you don’t inadvertently nourish the toxins.

In either case, a simple rejuvenation program (of 1-3 therapies) for about a month is probably sufficient – and it

might be helpful to think about choosing therapies because they are seasonally appropriate and vata-pacifying

rather than focusing on their rejuvenative properties. You could also favor kapha-type rejuvenatives, which are

lighter and less likely to aggravate either of the above conditions.

Pathways Toward Rejuvenation

What follows is a list of many possible rejuvenative therapies. Please don’t feel overwhelmed. The idea is not to

do all of these things, but to pick and choose those recipes and practices that most resonate with you. As you

consider each therapy, remember that your rejuvenation process needs to feel beneficial. It should not add stress to

your life but should instead add a sense of vitality, groundedness, contentment, and joy. If several possibilities peak

your interest, consider starting with 1-3 therapies and then gradually expand your repertoire of rejuvenatives only if

and when it feels appropriate.

Dietary Rejuvenatives

At the most fundamental level, a healthy, balanced diet supports deep rejuvenation. All of your tissues, organs, and

systems draw directly from the nourishment contained within the food you eat every day. A diet primarily

composed of freshly cooked, whole foods is quite rejuvenative. On the other hand, processed foods and old, stale

foods have little life-force, are difficult to digest, and often contain toxins. As a vata-kapha or kapha-vata type in

the midst of kapha-season, focus on eating a healthy and balanced kapha-pacifying diet, being careful not to

aggravate vata in the process. Eating cooked foods over raw choices can be very helpful in this respect. You can

compliment these broad strokes with some especially rejuvenative foods:

Almonds, Soaked and Peeled Soaked almonds are very grounding, nourishing, and energizing. Soaking and peeling them makes them more

digestible and more beneficial to the body. As such, almonds are a highly revered rejuvenative in Ayurveda.

Soaked Cashews

Cashews – which are oily, nutritive, and building – can also be used in a rejuvenation program. They actually

share many qualities with soaked almonds, including the fact that soaking them makes them more digestible.

Dark Grapes, Plums, and Peaches These fruits are especially rejuvenative for kapha and will be a good addition to your rejuvenation program,

especially if you’re particularly prone to kapha imbalances.

Rejuvenative Almond Milk

This very restorative drink provides another delicious way to ingest soaked and peeled almonds. You can cook

with it or drink it plain. It is especially useful in fall and winter, or after a period of major exertion.

Dr. Lad’s Date & Almond Shake

This shake is a warm, nourishing, and deliciously sweet breakfast or snack. It is very nutritious, grounding, and the

dates, soaked almonds, and milk make it an excellent rejuvenative.

Alakananda Ma’s Non-Dairy Ojas Drink

This restorative almond drink is lighter and more subtle than the date and almond shake and is a nice spring and

summer rejuvenative. Ingredients like soaked almonds, rose petals, ghee, and saffron make it a potent

rejuvenative.

Dream Date Balls

A very good and sumptuous rejuvenative. In ancient India, these would have been considered an aphrodisiac of

sorts. Very yummy.

Saffron Asparagus Kitchari

This light and subtle tridoshic dish is filled with nourishing ingredients that are perfect for spring and summer

periods of rejuvenation. Originally designed to tonify both the female and male reproductive systems, it is

especially useful for promoting fertility, potency and menstrual health.

Urad Dal

This legume soup detoxifies the system and nourishes the muscle, bone, and reproductive fluids while energizing

the whole body.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Rejuvenative Herbs

There are many different types of rejuvenating herbs – each with a distinct purpose. The most widely used

Ayurvedic rejuvenatives work simultaneously on all of the body’s tissues. Below are several herbal rejuvenatives

well suited for your constitution and for the fall and winter seasons. Taking these herbs and formulas with a

catalytic agent such as ghee, honey, or ginger tea helps to deliver the benefits deep into the tissues, increasing the

potency and efficacy of the herbs. Instructions for using each of these specifically as a rejuvenative are provided,

but if you prefer to take your herbs in water or without ghee and honey, they will still be beneficial.

Triphala With Ghee and Honey – Triphala is a tridoshic formula that naturally rejuvenates all of the tissues in

the body (while encouraging the elimination of toxins). It is an especially potent rejuvenative when taken with ghee

and honey – usually first thing in the morning. Mix ½ teaspoon of powdered triphala with ½ teaspoon of ghee and

½ teaspoon of raw honey. Or, if powdered herbs aren’t your thing, take one triphala herbal tablet, followed by a

mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw honey.

Choose One: Healthy Kapha or Healthy Pitta Tablets

Healthy Kapha Tablets –This warming and astringent formula is designed to restore and maintain balanced

kapha, without aggravating vata or pitta. In particular, Healthy Kapha supports a clear respiratory system, a robust

immune system, and helps support the maintenance of a healthy weight. Healthy Kapha is an excellent formula for

the winter and spring seasons, when the cool, wet weather tends to disturb kapha. If you are doing a longer

rejuvenation program, you might consider switching from Healthy Kapha to Healthy Pitta in the late spring or

summer – whenever the weather heats up enough to make balancing pitta a higher priority. Take 1-2 Healthy

Kapha Tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Healthy Pitta Tablets – Even though it is kapha season now, pitta season is right around the corner. If the heat of

summer tends to disturb your system, or if you struggle with pitta imbalances and are less disturbed by kapha

imbalances, Healthy Pitta may be more appropriate for you. This cooling rejuvenative formula is designed to

restore and maintain balanced pitta, without aggravating vata or kapha. In particular, Healthy Pitta supports a calm

mind, soothes fiery emotions, and promotes a cooler, more balanced temperament. Take 1-2 Healthy Pitta Tablets,

once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Chyavanprash – Chyavanprash is a delicious nutritive jam .It is an ancient herbal formula that includes ghee and

honey – both of which help to deliver the herbs to the tissues. Chyavanprash can be taken alone, it can be stirred

into milk or water, or it can be spread on toast, bread, or crackers – like any other jam. Taking chyavanprash in

warm milk (or almond milk, if dairy is not appropriate) helps to carry its tonifying and rejuvenating qualities deep

into the tissues. As a rejuvenative, chyavanprash is typically taken in the morning, or sometimes in both the

morning and the evening. Take 1-2 teaspoons once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha is a highly esteemed herbthat promotes strength, energy, and vitality. It supports

one’s ability to handle stress, bolsters physical strength, rejuvenates the tissues (especially the muscles, bones,

joints, and the nervous system), and it supports sound sleep at night. A typical rejuvenative dose would be ½

teaspoon powdered ashwagandha in the morning, in ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw honey. Or, if you would

prefer a tablet, take one ashwagandha herbal tablet, followed by a mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw

honey.

Bibhitaki – Bibhitaki is one of three ingredients in the famous Ayurvedic formula, triphala, but it is particularly

calming to kapha. If your primary imbalance relates to kapha, you could use bibhitaki in place of triphala, but in a

similar manner – taking ½ teaspoon of powdered bibhitaki with ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon honey in the

morning.

Amalaki - Amalaki is another one of the three ingredients in the famous Ayurvedic formula, triphala, but it is

particularly calming to pitta. If your primary imbalance relates to pitta, you could use amalaki in place of triphala,

but in a similar manner. Either take ½ teaspoon of powdered amalaki with ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon honey

in the morning, or take 1 amalaki herbal tablet followed by a mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon honey.

Choose One: Kapha Digest or Pitta Digest Kapha Digest – This formula is designed to kindle a strong digestive fire while burning away fat and natural

toxins. And since proper digestion is essential to effective rejuvenation, these tablets can truly enhance your

rejuvenation experience. This formula simultaneously rejuvenates the lungs and supports clear and healthy

respiratory channels. Take 1-2 Kapha Digest tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare

practitioner.

Pitta Digest - This formula is designed to cool and soothe the digestive tract and to promote healthy digestion in

those who tend toward pitta-type digestive issues. And since proper digestion is essential to effective rejuvenation,

these tablets can truly enhance your rejuvenation experience. Take 1-2 Pitta Digest tablets, once or twice daily, or

as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Rejuvenating Practices

Not surprisingly, your lifestyle has a profound impact on your body’s ability to repair, regenerate, and revitalize

itself. When we fill our days – particularly our mornings – with calming, nurturing practices that set a tone of

health, relaxation, and self-love, our bodies are much better able to nurture the rejuvenation process.

Simple Lifestyle Adjustments To Support Rejuvenation

Minimize stress

Maintain positive relationships

Avoid melancholic or depressing situations

Be mindful of reducing any tendency toward judgment, criticism, or a need to be in control

Cultivate creativity and flexibility in your life, letting go of your attachment to perfection

Practice forgiveness toward your self and others

Undertake a period of celibacy to preserve your vital life energy

In addition to any of the above commitments that appeal to you, you can incorporate some more formal practices to

invite rejuvenation on a very deep level.

Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage) – Each morning, before a shower or bath, massage about ¼ cup warm Kapha

Massage Oil or Pitta Massage Oil into the skin. This practice calms, lubricates and rejuvenates the tissues – in

particular, the nervous system. For further instructions on this rejuvenating technique, click here.

Oil the Soles of Your Feet Before Sleep – Before bed, apply some warm Kapha Massage Oil, Pitta Massage Oil,

or Organic Sesame Oil to the soles of your feet. This practice grounds the energy, soothes the nervous system,

reduces stress, and quiets the mind – all of which support sound sleep. Remember that sleep is one of the body’s

most essential avenues of rejuvenation – get enough of it to soothe pitta without overindulging kapha.

Nasya – Each morning (or at least several times per week) apply 3-5 drops of Nasya Oil into each nostril. This

practice helps to soothe the nasal passages while promoting unobstructed breathing, relieving accumulated stress,

supporting mental clarity and fostering the unfolding of awareness.

Yoga – Kapha Pacifying Yoga, which is active and invigorating is the best rejuvenative practice for kapha-types,

especially as you move deeper into the winter and spring. However, incorporating restorative postures such as legs

up the wall and corpse pose with a bolster opening the chest will be equally beneficial this fall and winter.

Meditation, Pranayama, Quiet Time, and/or Reflective Time – Any quiet, contemplative practice – even if it is

only 5-15 minutes in duration – is incredibly rejuvenative to the mind and physiology. Practicing in the early

morning hours, especially before and around dawn, is powerfully supportive of rejuvenation.

Rejuvenative Products to Consider

Powdered Triphala or Triphala Herbal Tablets

Healthy Kapha or Healthy Pitta Tablets

Kapha Digest or Pitta Digest Tablets

Chyavanprash

Powdered Ashwagandha or Ashwagandha Herbal Tablets

Powdered Amalaki or Amalaki Herbal Tablets

Powdered Bibhitaki

Organic Ghee

Kapha Massage Oil, Pitta Massage Oil, and Organic Sesame Oil

Nasya Oil

Recipes

Rejuvenative Almond Milk

Dr. Vasant Lad’s Date & Almond Shake

Urad Dal

References

1. “Chyawanprash.” Wikipedia. Online. Retrieved 24 Apr. 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chyawanprash

2. Lad, Vasant. Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing. The Ayurvedic Press, 2006. 73, 236.

3. Lad, Vasant. Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 3: General Principles of Management and Treatment. The Ayurvedic

Press, 2012. 407-409, 418.

4. Morningstar, Amadea. The Ayurvedic Cookbook. Lotus Press, 1990. 236, 245, 256.

5. Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. Churchill Livingston Elsevier, 2006.

296-297.

Spring Rejuvenation for Vata-Pitta-Kapha

Banyan Ambassador, Nadya (Vata-Pitta-Kapha), takes a gentle jog in nature.

Rejuvenation: A Constitution Specific Guide for Spring By its very nature, spring is wet, fertile, nutritive, and revitalizing. Everywhere around us, the natural world is re-

emerging to embrace the sense of renewal that the spring season has to offer. Given this context, now is truly a

perfect time of year to invite deep nourishment, love, and abundance into our lives. Ayurvedic rejuvenation is

aimed at doing just that, and the process helps our bodies repair and revitalize on a very deep level – body, mind,

and spirit. As a tridoshic type, the spring and summer months are a particularly wonderful time for you to consider

a rejuvenation program because the spring is a transitional season that is deeply aligned with rebirth and

rejuvenation.

For those of you who recently completed (or intend to complete) a cleanse, rejuvenation is the final component of

the cleanse itself. After working so hard to purify and reset your physiology, you are prepared for deep

nourishment on all levels. And even if you did not do a spring cleanse, rejuvenation alone can strengthen and tone

your physical, mental, and emotional spheres.

What’s An Appropriate Period of Time?

As with many things in Ayurveda, the length of an appropriate rejuvenation program varies from one person to the

next. Rejuvenation therapies are typically implemented for a set period of time – usually at least one month and up

to three months. While this may strike you as a long time, keep in mind that rejuvenation should feel nourishing

and enjoyable to you. And, it can really be as simple as adding one practice or one herb to your daily routine.

If you completed a full seven-day cleanse, your body will benefit from a longer period of rejuvenation (about three

months), starting as soon after you complete your cleanse as possible. If that timeframe feels overwhelming to you,

commit to at least one month of rejuvenation.

If you completed a shorter cleanse, be sure to do at least one month of rejuvenation. Or, if you like, you too can

rejuvenate for up to 3 months.

Even if you did not complete a cleanse at all, anyone with a strong vata or pitta component in their constitution

normally benefits from a longer period of rejuvenation – about three months. However, there may be some

instances where this would not be appropriate.

If you have a known kapha imbalance (especially if it is of greater concern than any vata imbalances or pitta

imbalances you may have), you’ll want to go easy on rejuvenation so as not to further aggravate kapha.

Similarly, if you have a lot of toxicity in your system, which can be identified by a thick coating on the tongue,

you’ll want to keep your rejuvenation routine very simple so that you don’t inadvertently nourish the toxins.

In either case, a simple rejuvenation program (of 1-3 therapies) for about a month is probably sufficient – and it

might be helpful to think about choosing therapies because they are seasonally appropriate and kapha-pacifying

rather than focusing on their rejuvenative properties. You could also favor kapha-type rejuvenatives, which are

lighter and less likely to aggravate either of the above conditions.

Pathways Toward Rejuvenation

What follows is a list of many possible rejuvenative therapies. Please don’t feel overwhelmed. The idea is not to

do all of these things, but to pick and choose those recipes and practices that most resonate with you. As you

consider each therapy, remember that your rejuvenation process needs to feel beneficial. It should not add stress to

your life but should instead add a sense of vitality, groundedness, contentment, and joy. If several possibilities peak

your interest, consider starting with 1-3 therapies and then gradually expand your repertoire of rejuvenatives only if

and when it feels appropriate.

Dietary Rejuvenatives

At the most fundamental level, a healthy, balanced diet supports deep rejuvenation. All of your tissues, organs, and

systems draw directly from the nourishment contained within the food you eat every day. A diet primarily

composed of freshly cooked, whole foods is quite rejuvenative. On the other hand, processed foods and old, stale

foods have little life-force, are difficult to digest, and often contain toxins. As a tridoshic type preparing to

transition from kapha season into pitta season, focus on eating a healthy and balanced kapha-pacifying diet, being

careful not to aggravate pitta. Moderating the amount of heat in your diet can be very helpful in this respect. You

can compliment these broad strokes with some especially rejuvenative foods:

Almonds, Soaked and Peeled Soaked almonds are very grounding, nourishing, and energizing. Soaking and peeling them makes them more

digestible and more beneficial to the body. As such, almonds are a highly revered rejuvenative in Ayurveda.

Soaked Cashews

Cashews – which are oily, nutritive, and building – can also be used in a rejuvenation program. They actually

share many qualities with soaked almonds, including the fact that soaking them makes them more digestible.

Rejuvenative Almond Milk

This very restorative drink provides another delicious way to ingest soaked and peeled almonds. You can cook

with it or drink it plain. It is especially useful in fall and winter, or after a period of major exertion.

Dr. Lad’s Date & Almond Shake

This shake is a warm, nourishing, and deliciously sweet breakfast or snack. It is very nutritious, grounding, and the

dates, soaked almonds, and milk make it an excellent rejuvenative.

Alakananda Ma’s Non-Dairy Ojas Drink

This restorative almond drink is lighter and more subtle than the date and almond shake and is a nice spring and

summer rejuvenative. Ingredients like soaked almonds, rose petals, ghee, and saffron make it a potent

rejuvenative.

Dream Date Balls

A very good and sumptuous rejuvenative. In ancient India, these would have been considered an aphrodisiac of

sorts. Very yummy.

Saffron Asparagus Kitchari

This light and subtle tridoshic dish is filled with nourishing ingredients that are perfect for spring and summer

periods of rejuvenation. Originally designed to tonify both the female and male reproductive systems, it is

especially useful for promoting fertility, potency and menstrual health.

Urad Dal

This legume soup detoxifies the system and nourishes the muscle, bone, and reproductive fluids while energizing

the whole body.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Rejuvenative Herbs

There are many different types of rejuvenating herbs – each with a distinct purpose. The most widely used

Ayurvedic rejuvenatives work simultaneously on all of the body’s tissues. Below are several herbal rejuvenatives

well suited for your constitution and for the spring and summer seasons. Taking these herbs and formulas with a

catalytic agent such as ghee, honey, or ginger tea helps to deliver the benefits deep into the tissues, increasing the

potency and efficacy of the herbs. Instructions for using each of these specifically as a rejuvenative are provided,

but if you prefer to take your herbs in water or without ghee and honey, they will still be beneficial.

Triphala With Ghee and Honey - Triphala is a tridoshic formula that naturally rejuvenates all of the tissues in the

body (while encouraging the elimination of toxins). It is an especially potent rejuvenative when taken with ghee

and honey – usually first thing in the morning. Mix ½ teaspoon of powdered triphala with ½ teaspoon of ghee and

½ teaspoon of raw honey. Or, if powdered herbs aren’t your thing, take one triphala herbal tablet, followed by a

mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw honey.

Healthy Kapha Tablets – This warming and astringent formula is designed to restore and maintain balanced

kapha, without aggravating vata or pitta. In particular, Healthy Kapha supports a clear respiratory system, a robust

immune system, and helps support the maintenance of a healthy weight. Healthy Kapha is an excellent formula for

the winter and spring seasons, when the cool, wet weather tends to disturb kapha. If you are doing a longer

rejuvenation program, you might consider switching from Healthy Kapha to Healthy Pitta in the late spring or

summer – whenever the weather heats up enough to make balancing pitta a higher priority. Take 1-2 Healthy

Kapha Tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Chyavanprash - Chyavanprash is a delicious nutritive jam. It is an ancient herbal formula containing both ghee

and honey – both of which help to deliver the herbs to the tissues. Chyavanprash can be taken alone, it can be

stirred into milk or water, or it can be spread on toast, bread, or crackers – like any other jam. Taking chyavanprash

in warm milk (or almond milk, if dairy is not appropriate) helps to carry its tonifying and rejuvenating qualities

deep into the tissues. As a rejuvenative, chyavanprash is typically taken in the morning, or sometimes in both the

morning and the evening. Take 1-2 teaspoons once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Ashwagandha - Ashwagandha is a highly esteemed herb aimed at improving strength, energy, and vitality. It

improves one’s ability to handle stress, promotes physical strength, rejuvenates the tissues (especially the muscles,

bones, joints, and the nervous system), and it supports sound sleep at night. A typical rejuvenative dose would be ½

teaspoon powdered ashwagandha in the morning, in ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw honey. Or, if you would

prefer a tablet, take one ashwagandha herbal tablet, followed by a mixture of ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon raw

honey.

Bibhitaki – Bibhitaki is one of three ingredients in the famous Ayurvedic formula, triphala, but it is particularly

calming to kapha. If your primary imbalance relates to kapha, you could use bibhitaki in place of triphala, but in a

similar manner – taking ½ teaspoon of powdered bibhitaki with ½ teaspoon ghee and ½ teaspoon honey in the

morning.

Kapha Digest – This formula is designed to kindle a strong digestive fire while burning away fat and natural

toxins. It is particularly useful for those who tend toward kapha-type digestive issues. This formula simultaneously

rejuvenates the lungs and supports clear and healthy respiratory channels. Take 1-2 Kapha Digest tablets, once or

twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Rejuvenating Practices

Not surprisingly, your lifestyle has a profound impact on your body’s ability to repair, regenerate, and revitalize

itself. When we fill our days – particularly our mornings – with calming, nurturing practices that set a tone of

health, relaxation, and self-love, our bodies are much better able to nurture the rejuvenation process.

Simple Lifestyle Adjustments To Support Rejuvenation

Minimize stress

Minimize travel

Maintain positive relationships

Avoid unfamiliar places or situations that might incite anxiety, fear, or loneliness

Wear enough clothes to avoid getting chilled, especially when the weather is cool and breezy

Undertake a period of celibacy to preserve your vital life energy

In addition to any of the above commitments that appeal to you, you can incorporate some more formal practices to

invite rejuvenation on a very deep level.

Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage) – Each morning, before a shower or bath, massage about ¼ cup warm Kapha

Massage Oil into the skin. This practice calms, lubricates and rejuvenates the tissues – in particular, the nervous

system. For further instructions on this rejuvenating technique, click here.

Oil Your Scalp & Feet Before Sleep – Before bed, apply some warm Kapha Massage Oil or Sesame Oil to your

scalp and to the soles of your feet. This practice grounds the energy, soothes the nervous system, reduces stress,

and quiets the mind – all of which support sound sleep. Remember that sleep is one of the body’s most essential

avenues of rejuvenation.

Nasya – Each morning (or at least several times per week) apply 3-5 drops of Nasya Oil into each nostril. This

practice helps to soothe the nasal passages while promoting unobstructed breathing, relieving accumulated stress,

supporting mental clarity and fostering the unfolding of awareness.

Yoga - Vata Pacifying Yoga, which is very gentle, grounding, and nourishing, is the best practice for you this

season, especially if you are undertaking a period of rejuvenation. Restorative postures such as legs up the wall,

and corpse pose are particularly beneficial when it comes to rejuvenation.

Meditation, Pranayama, Quiet Time, and/or Reflective Time – Any quiet, contemplative practice – even if it is

only 5-15 minutes in duration – is incredibly rejuvenative to the mind and physiology. Practicing in the early

morning hours, especially before and around dawn, is powerfully supportive of rejuvenation.

Rejuvenative Products to Consider

Powdered Triphala or Triphala Herbal Tablets

Healthy Kapha

Kapha Digest Tablets

Chyavanprash

Powdered Ashwagandha or Ashwagandha Herbal Tablets

Powdered Bibhitaki

Organic Ghee

Vata Massage Oil or Organic Sesame Massage Oil

Nasya Oil

Recipes

Rejuvenative Almond Milk

Dr. Vasant Lad’s Date & Almond Shake

Alakananda Ma’s Non-Dairy Ojas Drink

Dream Date Balls

Saffron Asparagus Kitchari

Urad Dal

References

1. “Chyawanprash.” Wikipedia. Online. Retrieved 24 Apr. 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chyawanprash

2. Lad, Vasant. Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing. The Ayurvedic Press, 2006. 73, 236.

3. Lad, Vasant. Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 3: General Principles of Management and Treatment. The

Ayurvedic Press, 2012. 407-409, 418.

4. Morningstar, Amadea. The Ayurvedic Cookbook. Lotus Press, 1990. 236, 245, 256.

5. Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. Churchill Livingston Elsevier,

2006. 296-297.