Most of us don’t want to face it, but it’s getting colder, we are quickly moving out of Pitta Season and into Vata season. In the Ayurvedic calendar, fall is one of the biggest transition times for our bodies. As our Doshas become aggravated by the external shifts, we become more prone to illness. One reason for this is that we need time for our physiology to catch up with the changes in our external environment, but typically early fall weather consists of variable temperatures which challenges our internal thermostat to keep up. We also see winds (Vata) increase, which in turn increases Vata within. The end result is that both Vata and Pitta have trouble adjusting to these sudden changes and usually will take a few weeks to acclimate to the environment. One of the best things you can do to help mitigate this effect is to eat a simple diet. Try to be as diligent as possible doing your abhyanga (self- oil massage) and spend time out in nature so that your body can have an opportunity to adjust to these seasonal changes.

Vata pacifying is key to maintaining wellness and balance during this time. Some ways to do this:

• Diet – Raw veggies may have worked well during the summer, but cooked veggies will take the forefront now. This could include starting to incorporate more soups into your diet. Soup can be warming, nourishing and easier to digest. Breakfast becomes a very important meal during Fall because of its grounding qualities and adding ghee to any breakfast option brings additional grounding and smoothness.  Raw fruit can also be exchanged for fruits that are cooked and mixed with warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
• Try warming teas instead of cold drinks – Keep your internal system cozy by adding teas made from warming herbs and spices like ginger and cinnamon. Chai, ginger or other spicy teas will all help to improve circulation and digestion so that you stay warm and keep your bowels moving regularly.
• Dinacharya, your daily routine – create or maintain a regular routine. This helps regulate the variability and impulsiveness that the increase in Vata brings. Specifics of your morning routine could include abhyanga with warming sesame oil followed by a shower that focuses on heat and warmth.
• Meditate – To balance all the motion of a busy fall and Vata energies, take time each day to quiet and focus your mind. For at least 10 minutes each day, close your eyes, relax and focus on something specific, like your breath.

For more ideas, a custom transition plan or an initial consultation to find the alignment and balance we all need in our lives, Stephanie is available on Wednesdays and Fridays for appointments.