The Spring Equinox is the start of a new cycle. In the Northern hemisphere, the equinox occurs when the sun crosses the equator line, heading north in the sky. The days then begin tilting more towards the sun, gifting us warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. The spring equinox is also the time when we can start fresh. With a new cycle comes new beginnings. Thus it is essential to cleanse out the old and welcome in the new. The following yoga sequence for spring equinox encourages you to align with nature as you prepare yourself for the new cycle ahead.
Yoga Sequence for Spring Equinox
Ayurveda tells us that spring is the kapha time of year, and carries the corresponding elements and qualities. Just as you change the types of clothes you wear based on the weather change, you can also change the type of yoga you practice. To combat the heavy, moist, and stable qualities of kapha, this yoga sequence for spring equinox will focus on light movement and invigorating poses to help you cleanse your body for the new season ahead. For more tips during the spring equinox, check out kapha season and tips for balancing kapha.
Try this yoga sequence in the morning between 6a and 10a to best align with nature.
Warm-Up
- Standing mountain pose
- Neck rolls, shoulder rolls, and arm rotations
- Hip circles in both directions
- Knee circles in both directions
Vinyasa 1
- Sun Salutation A x3
- Sun Salutation B x3
Vinyasa 2
- Crescent lunge
- Warrior 2
- Extended side angle
- Reverse Warrior
~ vinyasa + repeat on each side ~
Standing Poses
- Tree pose
- Airplane pose
- Warrior 3
- Standing splits
- Standing forward fold
~ repeat on each side ~
Floor Poses
- Boat pose
- Seated spinal twist
- Reverse table-top
- Easy pose + breath of fire (details below)
Pranayama for Spring Equinox
Kapalabhati pranayama, also known as breath of fire, is a potent breathing exercise to cleanse congestion, stale thoughts, and excess kapha. It is the perfect breathing practice for the spring equinox to clear out the old and make room for the new.
The benefits of kapalbhati or breath of fire pranayama are great during kapha season as it ignites the body and creates heat. Breath of fire pranayama also preserves the beauty and restores youth when practiced regularly with your yoga practice. For more on breathing exercises, discover pranayama benefits and why you should practice everyday.
To practice:
- Sit up tall and lengthen your spine. Create space between your navel and your heart.
- Start with gentle belly breathing. Close your eyes, place your hands on your belly and check in with the nature of your breath.
- Breathe in and out through your nose. Imagine your belly filling up with air like a balloon on the inhale, and softly use your abdominal muscles to push the air out during the exhale.
- Start to shorten your breath. Pumping your navel up and in on each exhale.
- Try to equalize the inhale and exhale in strength and length.
Start with a count of 50, and work your way up from there. Take a full deep, and long breath after each round. Kapalbhati is a mighty breath and may cause a tingling sensation, which is entirely normal. Breath of fire pranayama is a cleansing ritual for your body and mind. The benefits are greatly aided during the kapha season or spring equinox to warm the body and clear out toxins.
To complete your yoga sequence for the spring equinox, practice this 15-minute meditation morning meditation practice to reconnect with your heart.
Stay Balanced
As you continue to work towards cleansing and clearing stagnant energy during the spring equinox, it is essential to stay connected to your heart. Utilize ayurvedic wisdom by taking 1 tsp of chyawanprash before or after your yoga practice to revitalize your soul. The powerful potency of chyawanprash also restores digestive health and improves circulation of the respiratory and circulatory system, which is vital to keep nourished during seasons of transition. For the highest quality, discover PIOR Living Chyawanprash.
Clare Michalik, Ayurvedic Practitioner
