🍁Ayurveda recommendations for autumn🍁
As the vibrant colours of summer transition into the golden hues of autumn, it’s time to tune in to the next season. Ayurveda recommends aligning our lifestyle with the changing seasons as the best way to preserve good health. As autumn approaches, it’s important to make small adjustments to our daily routines and dietary choices.
As the hours of sunlight reduce, the weather turns colder and humidity increases. This comes with an increase in Vata (air) related energies and a slight increase in Kapha (water) energies with the arrival of rain, and later snow if we are lucky. #winteriscoming 🙂
In Ayurveda, each season is associated with specific qualities and doshas (mind-body constitutions). Autumn, with its cooler temperatures, wind and drier air is governed by Vata dosha. If we consider the Ayurvedic principle that opposites balance, Vata season will be less aggravating if you fill it with warmth, oil massages, deep nourishment, loving relationships, and a sense of stability, routine, and staying grounded. To achieve this we either need to pacify Vata (air) energies or focus on increasing Pitta (fire) energies.
To best support our health during this season, Ayurveda suggests a few simple yet effective lifestyle adjustments:
Adjust the balance of flavours in your meals according to the changing season: pungent tastes will increase fire energy (Pitta), while sour and salty flavours will increase fire energy (Pitta) AND water energy (Kapha). Reducing sweet, astringent and bitter flavours will help counterbalance the increase of Vata energy around us.
Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy warm and grounding foods. Shift your diet to cooked grains like rice and oatmeal, grounding veges such as pumpkins and cabbages, root vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots, and hearty soups and stews. Incorporate warming spices like ginger, asafoetida, cinnamon, and nutmeg into your recipes to stoke your digestive fire and keep Vata in check. These nourishing foods help counteract the dryness and coldness of the season.
While staying hydrated is important year-round, it’s especially vital in the dry autumn weather. Warm herbal teas or hot water with lemon infused with spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom can work wonders for your digestion and overall well-being. These spices also help balance the Vata dosha, providing a comforting and aromatic addition to your diet. Avoid excessive consumption of cold beverages. Try our Masala Chai tea recipe!
Incorporate Ayurvedic herbs and a variety of spices into your daily routine to boost your immune system and utilise the power of natural antibiotics antiviral herbal remedies. Ashwagandha, Tulsi (holy basil), and Turmeric are known for their immune-supporting properties and can support your overall well-being during the autumn season.
As the weather becomes colder and drier, nourish your skin and calm your nervous system with regular oil massages. Ayurvedic oils like sesame or almond, when gently massaged onto the body, help reduce dryness, improve circulation, and promote a sense of relaxation and well-being. Consider making this a part of your weekly routine.
Maintain a consistent exercise routine to keep your body warm and your energy balanced. Consider gentle yoga or leisurely walks in nature surrounded by the mesmerising changing colors of autumn. These activities not only provide physical benefits but also help you stay mentally grounded.
As the days grow shorter, follow the natural rhythm of the season by going to bed a bit earlier and waking up with the rising sun. A consistent sleep routine helps you feel more rested and rejuvenated, which is especially important during autumn’s transitions. Establish a bedtime routine that includes calming activities like reading, gentle stretching, or meditation to ensure a deep and restful slumber.
Dressing warmly is essential to prevent excess Vata aggravation. Layer your clothing and wear scarves and hats to keep your body cozy and protect it from the chilly autumn winds. Spend time in the great outdoors during this season. The crisp air and the vibrant foliage can be both invigorating and calming. Make an effort to soak up natural sunlight during the day to elevate your mood and maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
Ayurveda recommendations for autumn revolve around adapting to the changing qualities of the season. By nurturing your body and mind with warm, nourishing foods, self-care practices, and mindfulness, you can harmonize with nature’s transition and enjoy the beauty and balance that autumn brings.
Remember that Ayurveda is a highly personalized system of traditional medicine, and the recommendations may vary based on your unique constitution and current imbalances. Consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner can provide you with tailored guidance to optimize your health during this beautiful season of change.
🍁 Find balance and vitality with the wisdom of Ayurveda in the embrace of autumn’s colourful tapestry 🍁
Sources: Dr.Frawley Ayurvedic healing
