Guest astrologer and wellness alchemist, Stephanie Gailing, MS, shares her wisdom for staying healthy during every solar season!
During this monthlong cycle of Aries season, your life may feel more playful and free. Using the following self-care strategies, you can fine-tune your wellbeing, foster vitality and reduce stress!
In wellness astrology, aspects of your anatomy and physiology align with the zodiac signs. Aries associates with the head, face, brain, and the muscular and circulatory systems.
Aries rules the head and its symbol, the Ram, is known to be headstrong and use its horns to butt up against others. Pay attention to your head from March 20 to April 20—and take extra care to avoid allowing stress to settle there. Be sure to drink enough water! Dehydration is the leading cause of headaches. Make time to relax with a guided meditation.
Don’t skip the stretch before and after workouts! Increase magnesium-rich foods, such as green vegetables, seeds and fish, especially if you get sore or cramped after exercising. If your goal is to build muscle, eating protein-rich food within 30 minutes of your workout is believed to be beneficial. Soothe any sprains or strains with homeopathic arnica (in cream or sublingual form).
During “go-go-go” Aries season, it’s easy to rush into your morning and skip breakfast. But the first meal of the day gets your engines revved, giving you physical and mental energy. If your time is limited, try a small meal, like a hard-boiled egg, yogurt and fruit, or muesli mixed with raisins and nuts. You might even prepare something in advance, like overnight oats, so breakfast is waiting for you when you wake up. Say “yes” to proteins but “no” to carbs—your blood sugar will give you a steady burn instead of a spike-and-crash.
During fiery Aries season, you may crave hot and spicy flavors. But easy does it! According to Ayurvedic traditions, too much heat can cause irritability, rashes and other challenges. The key is moderation. Try balancing hot foods with “cool” choices like basmati rice, sweet fruits, sprouts and watery vegetables such as lettuce and cucumbers.
Associated with Mars, the planetary ruler of Aries, garlic is a good choice to incorporate into your diet during Aries season. Much like the zodiac’s Ram, garlic is a “warrior,” with a proven ability to fight bacteria and viruses. Its sulfur-containing phytonutrients can battle inflammation and oxidative stress. Research shows garlic can improve the metabolism of iron (a Mars-ruled compound). Pro tip: Let garlic sit for 5-10 minutes after chopping it. This allows for the allicin to be released, one of garlic’s best health-supporting compounds.
Sprouts contain concentrated amounts of nutrients, and nothing says “fresh” like a handful added to a dish. In addition to the ubiquitous alfalfa variety, look for sunflower, broccoli, radish and mung bean sprouts. While microgreens have dotted the plates of inventive chefs dishes for years, they are now more widely grown and found in grocery stores. Popular ones include arugula, kale, broccoli and mustard greens.
Self-Care Tips for Aries Season Wellness
Impatiens can help relieve impatience, one of the signature traps of Aries season. Consider it an elixir if you find your fuse running short or if you’re feeling restless. It contains a more yin-like rhythm that can sync us to the natural cycles of life, helping us to go with the flow instead of racing against the clock.
Since Aries season can draw out our independent streaks, try Tiger Lily if you’re having trouble shifting from a go-it-alone groove into a more collaborative approach.
Shirodhara is a luxuriously relaxing and therapeutic Ayurvedic healing modality that focuses on the head. Slow-flowing warmed oil cascades onto your forehead and streams onto your scalp and neck, followed by an invigorating massage of those areas. The treatment is said to foster mental clarity by synchronizing the brain’s alpha waves while also alleviating headaches, sinusitis and allergies. If no spa in your area offers this treatment, try DIY: Place an oil-soaked cloth over your forehead, lie down and rest for 15 minutes. You can find oils that work well no matter what your Ayurvedic constitution (called a dosha). Or, consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner to find out your dosha and oil recommendations.
Craniosacral therapy is another treatment that focuses on the head. This very gentle form of bodywork is good for reducing headaches and mental stress, and relieving neck and back pain. In a session, the practitioner cradles and rocks your head (and may also touch your lower back) while lightly adjusting the bones to inspire the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. This technique is practiced by osteopaths, chiropractors, physical and massage therapists.
Too restless to stay on your mat during Aries season? Try a walking meditation instead. Choose a quiet path, then take a stroll, focusing your attention on your breath or silently repeating a mantra as you go.
How about channeling the heat of Aries season into a fiery craft? Try glassblowing, metalworking or blacksmithing, which may be offered at local art schools and community colleges. This could be the perfect way to unwind, while also stimulating the creative impulses that the zodiac’s first sign evokes.
Disclaimer: This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health condition or disease and is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician or healthcare provider.
Photo Credit: Stocksy
Stephanie Gailing is an astrologer and wellness consultant with more than 25 years of experience. Her unique approach weaves together astrological insights, lifestyle strategies, and dreamwork, providing clients with stellar life guidance. The co-host of the So Divine! podcast and the resident astrologer at the Healers online platform, Stephanie is the author of Planetary Apothecary and the forthcoming The Complete Book of Dreams. Based in Seattle, she also frequently travels to New York’s City, and works with clients all over the world.
Photo Credit: Stocksy
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