Seasonal Programmes

The Wheel of the Year, rooted in ancient traditions, offers a framework for aligning with the natural rhythms of the earth. 

It divides the year into eight festivals, each reflecting a distinct phase of the earth’s seasonal journey. These are grouped into four solar festivals (aligned with Solstices and Equinoxes) and four cross-quarter festivals (midpoints between the solar events).

By embracing this cyclical approach to life, we can nourish our bodies, minds, and spirits in ways that resonate deeply with the changing seasons. 

We are hugely proud of The Mind Body Gut Training Company's Seasonal Programmes influenced by Traditional Chinese and Indian Medicine.

The focus of our programmes in 2024 was Five Element Theory and Chinese Medicine. 

In 2025 we drew inspiration from Ayurveda.

These programmes are now available prerecorded.

"An introduction into remembering we are human, who moves with the cycles of the earth!

A great reminder of how simply and effectively we can make minor changes to improve our health, impact on the world while supporting local businesses.

The opportunity to read the well laid out e-book ahead of the call allows you to start on your journey and head into the call with knowledge of what is coming and also a really useful “bible” to refer back to.

The questions you have been holding are answered honestly. The approach to the programme, eating and life in general is all about making small sustainable changes. The comfort of using up what you have and adding a couple of extras to the store cupboard and using what's in the garden makes it attainable and suitable in the current economic climate. The relief of not having to go out and replace the contents of the larder and the fridge!

The sessions are tailored to attendees with as much or as little information as you need. No pressure to speak or “team build”. You hold your own space and interactions." 

Kim M

Kapha season typically corresponds with late-Winter and early-Spring.

This period is characterised by qualities that are heavy, cold, moist, and stable, which are also the defining qualities of the Kapha dosha.

Temperatures are generally lower during this period. There may be increased moisture in the environment, often from rain or melting snow. The atmosphere can feel dense and heavy, mirroring the Kapha dosha's qualities.

During Kapha season, the body's Kapha dosha tends to accumulate, which can lead to imbalances if not managed properly. Common symptoms of Kapha imbalance include lethargy, congestion, weight gain, and a feeling of heaviness.

The emotions associated with a Kapha imbalance include attachment, greed, guilt and grief.

Pitta season typically corresponds with late-Spring to early-Autumn.

This period is characterised by qualities that are hot, sharp, intense, and oily, mirroring the nature of the Pitta dosha.

There are high temperatures and increased sunlight during this period. The intensity of the sun's rays and longer daylight hours. Higher humidity levels and increased sweat production.

During Pitta season, the body's Pitta dosha tends to accumulate, which can lead to imbalances if not managed properly. Common symptoms of Pitta imbalance include overheating, irritability, inflammation, digestive issues, and skin problems.

The emotions associated with a Pitta imbalance include anger, frustration, jealously, criticism, irritability, and impatience.

Vata season typically corresponds with Autumn to early-Winter.

This period is characterised by qualities that align with the Vata dosha, such as, cold, dry, light, and erratic.

Temperatures start to drop significantly, especially towards Winter. The air becomes drier, which can affect both the environment and the body. Days become shorter, with less sunlight. Weather patterns can be unpredictable, alternating between cold spells and milder days.

During Vata season, the body's Vata dosha tends to accumulate, which can lead to imbalances if not managed properly. Common symptoms of Vata imbalance during this time include dry skin, joint stiffness, digestive disturbances, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue.

The emotions associated with a Vata imbalance include fear, restlessness, overwhelm, indecisiveness, and lack of focus.

The live online dates for this programme are 18 September, 25 September, and 9 October.

Each programme consists of three booklets, three prerecorded zoom sessions with accompanying slides plus bonus extras and Facebook group.

The three prerecorded zooms cover:

• Kick-off with an introduction to the season in Chinese Medicine. Food planning, shopping list and recommended recipes.
• Somatic session incorporating kinesiology, breathing and / or movement tips.
• Emotional release session based on the emotions associated with the season. Inclusion of flower essences, crystals, and aromatherapy.

Spring is associated with the renewal of life, balance, and the importance of focusing on the liver for detoxification and hormone balance. 

The liver plays a crucial role in processing toxins and maintaining hormone balance. The liver is paired with the gallbladder.

The liver also influences emotions, such as, anger, frustration, and resentment. This is where bilious comes from.

Spring cleaning extends beyond tidying our homes. It involves embracing a diet rich in fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and engaging in activities that promote emotional wellbeing.

Summer in Chinese Medicine is linked to the heart and small intestine, and in other practices the pericardium and triple warmer. The latter two refer to our hormone and endocrine system, this includes the adrenals, which sit at the top of the kidneys. In Chinese Medicine the adrenals are viewed the same as the kidneys due to their location.

The kidneys are usually associated with Winter, a time when we should be conserving and storing energy. Summer however is a great time to incorporate plenty of raw foods and juices to help gently support cleansing the kidneys ready for Winter.

During the warmer months, fresh fruits and vegetables are more abundant, and consuming them in their raw form can provide a range of nutrients and hydration.

The emotions connected to Summer are joy and potentially lack of joy.

Chinese Medicine recognises five seasons, with the addition of late-Summer, associated with the stomach and spleen. Late-Summer transitions to Autumn at the Autumn Equinox.  

The spleen plays a role in the overall balance of the body. Chinese Medicine teaches us to support the spleen for immune function and blood sugar balance during the Autumn months. Warming foods are recommended during the cooler seasons.

In Chinese Medicine Autumn is associated with the lungs and large intestine. Guilt relates to the large intestine, and our lungs are the seat of grief in Chinese Medicine.

The idea of a gentle colon cleanse to release and let go emotionally is part of the philosophy of many Eastern traditions.

In Chinese Medicine Winter is associated with the kidneys and bladder, also fear and anxiety.

We can all relate to festive feelings of lethargy, sluggishness, and bloating. There may be a temptation to eat raw fruits and vegetables, however, they are best to avoid as we are already cold enough during Winter.

Winter is associated with heaviness, coldness, and stagnation, which can cause dampness. We need to maintain our digestive fire in Winter and use warming foods to reduce this excess.

We should also integrate cleansing seasonal foods, fibre, movement, and techniques from different traditions to support.

This seasonal programme is all about subtly including these principles into our everyday life coupled with inspiration from Chinese Medicine food energetics. It aims to banish the Winter blues and support you in sailing through Christmas and the New Year.

*Please note this programme is not recommended for those with kidney disease*