Autumn is a season of change. The days grow shorter, the temperatures drop, and nature prepares for rest.
Vata, the dosha that possesses the characteristics of air and ether, can become dominant at this time of year. This causes dryness, coldness, a restless mind, and reduced immunity.
By following the right Ayurvedic routine, you can prepare your body and mind to face autumn and its challenges. Below are some lifestyle guidelines that will help you stay as balanced as possible:
- Be aware of your movement. Emphasize calming and grounding exercises. Yoga (restorative/yin/hatha), nature walks, and breathing exercises with an emphasis on stability can all contribute to this awareness.
- (Self)massage. A daily self-massage with warming oils like sesame or almond oil is a great way to nourish your skin and ground your body. It reduces stress and calms the nervous system. Massage the oil in thoroughly so it can be absorbed by the skin. Only then should you shower. Alternatively, you can also pamper yourself with an Ayurvedic treatment! At our institute, we offer a wide range of Ayurvedic massages with herbal oils that vata will calm down immediately.
- Go for warm, nourishing food. This is warm, nourishing, and grounding food. Start your day with a glass of boiled water with a slice of lemon and ginger; it helps detoxify and improves bowel movements. Cooked meals like soups, stews, and dishes with ghee or olive oil are also great. Choose seasonal vegetables like pumpkin, carrots, or sweet potato, or lentils. Warming spices include cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, and ginger. They're also perfect for optimally supporting your digestion.
- Keep to fixed times for sleep and meals. Try to go to bed around the same time as much as possible (around 10 p.m. is recommended) and stick to fixed mealtimes (don't eat after 7 p.m.). This creates peace and regularity, essential in a season of change.
- Mild detox. Detoxify and reset your body. This doesn't have to be a strict cleanse: you can choose easily digestible meals (e.g., kitchari, the traditional cleansing meal of rice and mung beans), drink warm water regularly, and limit caffeine and sugar.
- Natural herbs and supplements. Nowadays, many herbs are widely available online as nutritional supplements. Always handle Ayurvedic herbs with caution; traditionally, they were only provided by doctors and practitioners knowledgeable in dravyaguna (herbal medicine). For sound advice, always consult a professional specializing in Ayurvedic herbs.
