Seasonal Guide: Ayurvedic Tips for Fall
Time to slow down, cool off and unwind!
As we enter the fall season we can begin to cool down from the heat of summer and decompress just as the leaves begin to fall preparing for winter. According to Ayurveda, fall is ruled by the Vata dosha. Representing the qualities of dry, rough, cool and clear. Fall is also governed by the air element, making it a transitional time that can bring erratic energy but also transformational energy that can help us cleanse and release! Below are Ayurvedic tips to help stay balanced and harness the energy of the fall season.
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." - F. Scott Fitzgerald
Tips on How to Ground, Warm and Stabilize
Two guiding principles of Ayurveda are like increases like, and opposites create balance. In fall you want to limit Vata foods/habits and increase Kapha and Pitta characteristics by inviting warmth, calmness and moisture our diet and lifestyle. Here are ways you can practice this:
Establish a Daily Routine:
A great way to help balance and support Vata energy is to establish a daily routine. This can help ground and stabilize your energy and set a sustainable rhythm for productivity and rest. This can look like doing things around the same time everyday (waking up, exercise, eating meals, and going to bed, etc.).
Taking time to journal at the end of your day can also help release any stressors of the day and help the mind relax. Can even challenge yourself by writing down three things you are grateful for!
Self Massage and Steam:
To help calm the nervous system, awaken your tissues and ground your energy you can try self-massage in the morning and night! You can also use a warm oil like sesame to warm the skin and keep moisturized!
In addition, taking warm steam showers or baths is helpful to preserve internal moisture as well.
Mindful Movement:
Vata is aggravated by fast and vigorous activities, so it is helpful to consider slow and gentle forms of exercise in the fall! Walking, hiking, swimming, biking, yoga, tai chi and qi gong are great practices to gently move the body while also staying grounded!
Integrating meditation into your daily routine can also help calm and center the mind. You can set aside 5-10mins in the morning/evening to be still and breathe!
Eat Warm Foods and Liquids:
To help reduce dry Vata tendencies, it is beneficial to eat substantive, oily foods that are served warm! You can favor the sweet, sour, and salty tastes by eating foods like cooked apples with cinnamon, cooked beets and okra, and cooked legumes.
Starting your day with warm lemon water and ginger can also help aid digestion and promote healthy metabolism!
Herbal Immune Support:
Ayurveda offers a number of herbs that can balance Vata and there are a couple that can be beneficial during the autumn season.
Ashwagandha is stabilizing to the mind and nervous system, and can promote sound sleep, strong digestion, proper elimination, and appropriate strength. Herbal Teas. Similarly, herbal teas—especially those made from ginger, licorice, cumin, coriander, and fennel can promote proper digestion and warmth.
Living in sync with nature reminds us that the only thing permanent in change! When we can flow with the changes in the seasons we can harness the new energy and learn to live in balance with the elements therefore finding holistic balance in our minds and bodies as well.
For more information on doshic balancing, see my offerings here or sign up for a free 15 minute call to discuss my offerings and how they could benefit you!
Love & Light,
Justine