Autumn days when the grass is jewelled ...
/We are saying goodbye Pitta season and hello Vata season.
We are transitioning from summer to autumn, and as we do this short ‘in between’ period is known as ‘rtu sandhi’ in Ayurveda. Our bodies respond to the atmospheric changes just as the rest of nature does and like our mind and body the seasons are influenced by the doshas.
We are shifting from the hot and sharp qualities of the pitta dosha over summer where our organs are ‘hot’ and tissues and channels are dilated to the cooler, lighter and drier qualities of vata on the autumn in the northern hemisphere. It is the vata season, the season when space and air are in their ‘element’! As our body channels begin to constrict and slow down in this transition period, any excess heat in the body that has accumulated over the summer can get trapped in our physiology leading to increased pitta dosha imbalances and symptoms. As long as the hot weather prevails we are still in pitta dominance in early autumn and as we get into the late autumn we are in the thick of vata season.
This is a time when we are physically vulnerable as well as mentally and emotionally. Immunity is compromised as the environment gives limited support in processing of metabolic toxins. It’s a time we need to assist the body to adjust and so it’s a perfect time for cleansing the accumulation of excess pitta as well as boost our immunity against bacteria, allergens and viruses.
As we move into the heavier vata period, we need to ensure that the natural vata in the atmosphere doesn’t imbalance the vata within us especially if we have a vata dominant constitution. One of the driving principles of Ayurveda is that like increases like and opposites bring balance. So having diet and lifestyle habits similar to the qualities of vata will spiral vata out of balance and lead imbalances and vata related health issues.
When vata gets out of balance we may see manifestations of dry skin, constipation, anxiety, racing thoughts or feeling ‘spacey’, insomnia, lack of focus and concentration, erratic energy levels and hunger patterns, hypertension, arthritis and more. For example during this period if we eat cold and dry foods, raw salads and smoothies, expose ourselves to the vata atmosphere without any hats and gloves, we are set to imbalance our body with too much cold, light and dry qualities.
Keeping vata in balance over the autumn doesn’t have to be rocket science a the day to day level. Our intuition will naturally lead us to a diet and habits that truly serve us. The question is are we listening to the wisdom of our body? Vata thrives on routine and regularity so always remember this! We want to focus on building strength and body mass in preparation for winter especially as our bodies become cold, constricted and often a little sore.
Here’s some quick tips to stay balanced over the autumn this year
Start your day with a cup of hot lemon water to get invigorated for the day
Eat foods that are mildly pitta-pacifying (during the transition phase) and predominantly vata-pacifying. This means fresh, well cooked, grounding, warming, soft, unctuous foods. Foods with a sweet taste as well as sour and salty. Appetite will naturally start to increase.
Opt for foods such as soups and stews, wheat, tapioca, oatmeal, lentils, quinoa, fish, kitchari, carrots, root vegetables, cooked apples, avocado, asparagus, courgettes, almond milk, whole, raw (soaked) nuts and nut butters, high quality natural oils
Eat easy to digest animal proteins if this is a part of your diet (broths, soups etc.)
Increase the intake of spices and herbal teas (turmeric, tulsi, ginger, cinnamon, camomile, fennel etc.)
Avoid vata-aggravating foods that are dry and gassy such as crackers, brassica vegetables, millet, dried fruits, beans, popcorn
Take Ayurvedic enema treatments
Indulge in oil-based massage, steam baths and hot tubs
Increase exercise over these months to a moderate level at a slow and gentle pace (preferably between 6am-10pm)
As the nights get darker earlier – indulge in quality sleep to restore and rejuvenate the body. Aim to sleep by 10p.m.
Take nasal errhines to lubricate nasal passages
Take chyawanprash to prepare for winter immunity. Ashwagandha, guduchi and triphala can be very useful
Get as much sun exposure and fresh air, even it its cold outside. Just put on the right clothing!
Spend time in meditation to calm and still the overactive ‘monkey mind’
It’s a perfect time to get in touch with your Ayurvedic Practitioner for a personalised cleanse and immune boost plan in preparation for the autumn.
Get in touch with your registered practitioner for help during the transition phase especially if you are keen to do a seasonal cleanse: https://apa.uk.com