Signs of change begin to appear everywhere.
Sleeping, stoic trees that stood silent through the long winter have started to awaken, their fresh green stems hinting at the life stirring within. For those of us in the mountains, the earth itself begins to feel softer under our feet as the frost that held the ground so tightly slowly loosens its grip, and tiny green shoots prepare to push through what was once frozen, hardened soil. Birdsongs grow louder and sweeter in the mornings, the sun’s warmth feels gentler and more generous with each passing day and the air is noticeably warmer. 😊
Welcome to spring!
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As we witness the natural world around us move through this remarkable transition from the stillness of winter towards the vitality of spring brimming with promising life, there is another realm that is experiencing similar changes as our natural environment - our own bodies!
In the Tibetan medical tradition of Sowa Rigpa, health is understood in a holistic way, deeply connected to and influenced by nature and its seasonal rhythms.
The human body is seen as a microcosm of the natural world - moving with it, rather than existing separately from it.
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This is why, our bodies and minds are continually influenced by environmental and seasonal changes. Each season, and the transition between them, brings shifts not only in the natural environment around us but also within our physical bodies and mental states. Accordingly, the cycles of the seasons directly affect the body’s internal energies and functioning. By understanding these natural rhythms and adapting our habits, diet and lifestyle to them, we can maintain a healthy balance within the body.
Next time you feel a little off during a particular season, know that it’s not just you romanticising the season, but it is actually affecting you!
In my previous blog (which I hope you had the chance to read 😊), I shared a brief introduction to Sowa Rigpa and spoke a little about its relevance and importance in today’s world, among other things. Through a series of blogs, I hope to explore different aspects of Sowa Rigpa and share some of its insights and wisdom in a simple and accessible way, that maybe helpful in making your life healthier and more fulfilling.
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In this particular piece, I want to write about the relationship between seasons and our health and how much seasons affect us as per Sowa Rigpa, focusing specifically on spring, as we find ourselves right in the midst of this beautiful seasonal transition.
At the heart of Sowa Rigpa, lies the understanding that the human body is governed by three fundamental energies or humours, known as nyepas, these are Loong (wind), Tripa (fire/bile), and Beken (phlegm/earth) (I shall leave the explanation of these for another blog 😊). These three humours regulate both the physical and mental functions of the body, and good health is achieved when they exist in a state of balance.
This balance, however, is not static. Its equilibrium is constantly influenced by many internal and external factors, and one of the most important among them is… you guessed it right –“ changing of the seasons”.
Each of these energies is closely affected by the external environment and the seasonal cycles of nature.
As the seasons shift, these humours or nyepas, respond differently and go through cycles of “accumulation”, “manifestation” and “pacification”. When the seasons shift, these energies may aggravate within the body or deplete, which, if ignored, can lead to imbalance when we do not adjust our diet and lifestyle accordingly.
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For this reason, Sowa Rigpa places great importance on living in harmony with seasonal rhythms. By understanding how these energies change with the seasons, we can support the body more gently as it transitions from one season to the next. According to Sowa Rigpa, becoming aware of these seasonal shifts allow us to gently support the body through appropriate adjustments in diet, daily habits, and herbal support. By doing so, we can help the body move smoothly from the stillness of winter into the renewed vitality of spring.
As we are at the end of winter and transitioning into spring, with spring equinox just around the corner, this is perhaps the perfect time for me to share this piece of information with you and a an even better time for you to perhaps slow down and pay attention to your bodies.
Winter months often leave us craving warmth and comfort. During this time, we tend to consume heavier, richer foods and spend more time cocooned indoors. Physical activity naturally decreases as the cold encourages us to slow down, conserve energy, and seek rest. Throughout the winter, our bodies store warmth and nourishment as a way of protecting itself from harsh climate.
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These seasonal habits, combined with the cold and damp qualities of winter, can lead to an internal accumulation of heaviness and stagnation within the body. The cold also causes the body’s channels to constrict and slows metabolic activity. From the perspective of Sowa Rigpa, this is a natural and necessary process that helps sustain and protect us through the colder months.
However, the consistent consumption of heavy and rich foods, combined with reduced movement and the cold environment, can gradually lead to the accumulation of the humour, or nyepa, known as Beken. Beken is one of the three fundamental energetic principles described in Sowa Rigpa, alongside Loong (wind) and Tripa (bile or fire), which together govern the body’s physiological and mental functions. While in early winter, our digestive fire is strong and we tolerate heavier foods, around late winter, Beken begins to accumulate in the body.
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Beken is considered a cold energy and is often translated as phlegm. It represents the principle of stability, structure, nourishment, and cohesion within both the body and the mind. Closely associated with the earth and water elements, Beken carries qualities such as heaviness, coolness, smoothness, and moisture. These qualities make it the grounding and nourishing force within us, providing the body with physical substance, strength, and endurance.
In its balanced state, Beken plays a vital and beneficial role. It supports immunity, lubricates the joints, stabilises the mind, and gives the body resilience and steadiness. However, when its qualities accumulate excessively, balance begins to shift. During the late winter months, the combined effects of cold weather, rich foods, and reduced activity can cause Beken to build up within the body. This accumulation manifests as heaviness, sluggishness, and moisture, quietly storing itself beneath the surface.
Now, as we start transitioning towards spring and warmth slowly returns to the environment, this accumulated Beken begins to loosen and mobilise within the body, much like melting snow releasing water into the soil. It is during this time that the body begins to awaken what has been stored through the winter, sometimes giving rise to feelings of congestion, lethargy, or dullness. This is the the accumulated Beken, now manifesting.
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During this transition, many people may experience feelings of sluggishness, congestion, lack of energy and dullness.
Wholesome wellbeing would ideally mean to avoid this kind of seasonal shock to the body. In Sowa Rigpa, it is recommended to begin adjusting our diet, lifestyle, and daily practices about fifteen days before and after the transition between seasons. This period is when the body is most sensitive to environmental changes, making this the perfect time to gently support ourselves through the shift.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to support the body through this seasonal transition. By gently pacifying the accumulated heaviness through appropriate diet, lifestyle habits, sleep patterns, and daily practices, sometimes including mild cleansing, the body can gradually return to a state of balance and reduce the likelihood of seasonal imbalances.
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During this time, it is helpful to favour warm, light foods prepared with digestive spices such as cardamom and cinnamon. Light soups or stews can help stimulate digestion while reducing excess phlegm. Engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding oversleeping, and limiting daytime naps can also help prevent sluggishness. In addition, the use of warming oils for massage can stimulate circulation and support the body in moving out of the heaviness of winter.
Of course, balancing ourselves with the rhythms of the seasons can feel challenging in today’s modern world. Many of us no longer live in environments where we fully experience the natural transitions of nature or even seasons per se. Climate-controlled homes and workplaces, artificial lighting, and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change often distance us from the subtle cues of the natural world. As a result, many of us have gradually lost touch with the rhythms that once guided daily life.
Yet the intention is not to achieve a perfect return to nature, but simply to move a little closer to it. Even small gestures can help restore this connection: growing a plant, sitting quietly in meditation, spending time among trees, or simply paying attention to the natural elements you encounter throughout your day.
Tibetan medicine gently reminds us to reconnect with the earth, to observe the seasons, and to bring our habits into greater harmony with nature’s cycles. By aligning our diet, behaviour, rest, and inner practices with the changing seasons, we can strengthen our resilience, reduce stress, and cultivate a deeper awareness of our body’s signals.
Seasonal awareness in Sowa Rigpa is therefore more than a practical approach to health. It is also a way of nurturing balance within ourselves.
. Re-sharing this painting titled "Cause & Effect 2009" by Tshering Sherpa.