Think Fall and the first thing that comes to your mind is the change and transition in the weather.
In Ayurveda, the qualities of the Autumn season can be decoded in the language of energetics as the Vata season which possesses similar traits as that of dryness, roughness, cold and windy environment. Also, Fall is the time of transition from hot to cold season and the spells of dryness and windy air begin to show-up in nature. Trees and plants begin to dry out, as the earth begins to get brown with the greens in nature diminishing.
Does this tell us anything about our own selves? We are the microcosm of the macrocosm and all that is going on in nature is replicating itself within our own selves. Body feels drier, skin feels rough, mind may feel ungrounded and spacey as your orientation slowly begins to shift from cold foods to hot foods and beverages. The shifts in nature lead to imbalances in the body and mind that make us feel drier and spacey during this seasonal transition. Adjusting diet and lifestyle is important for inner balance during this time.
Yoga and Ayurveda Autumnal practices support that inner balance that we need for a healthy body and sound mind, especially during this transition phase. Adopting grounding Yoga practices, balancing foods and slowing down lifestyle during this time can go a long way in supporting a healthy transition from autumn to winter.
Balancing Yoga and Ayurveda Guidelines for Fall Season:
• Bring Rhythm & Flow to Your Day: Vata tendencies are higher in Nature during fall and such tendencies may show up in our mental patterns too in the form of spacey, anxious, overwhelmed and ungrounded feelings. Having a daily routine avoids that spaciness to set in.
• Reset Digestion: Fall season is the transition time between summer and winter, as you move from eating light and airy foods toward denser and heavy foods according to changing energies. The digestion must be prepared for processing these heavier and dense foods. The best way to strengthen the digestive power includes eating less and not consuming raw, dry foods to give the digestion the required break it needs before the onset of winter, including churana blends like trikatu powder and ginger. These fuel the agni, the heat of the digestive system.
• Perform a Detox: If you experience a slowdown during the Fall season, it’s the burden of summer toxins you are carrying within you that slow you down. Perform a gentle cleanse consisting of soups, stews, and khichidi to rest the system for the upcoming season.
• Include Grounding Foods in Diet: In Vata season the dire need of the body is deep nourishment. Include more substantial, oily and nourishing foods in your diet this time of the year. Consume warm foods with warming and stimulating spices to stay moisturized within. Stay away from dry, dehydrating, raw foods that can set in Vata tendencies. Go high on foods like pumpkins, ghee, fats, oatmeal, steamed vegetables, hearty grains, soups, and stews.
• Adopt Grounding Yoga Practices: Yoga this time of the year must be about grounding practices to establish a connection with Mother Earth. Thus, practices that bring about strength, stability, and stillness within you neutralize the Vata tendencies.
The following Yogic practices help you ground during the fall season:
1. Sun Salutations: To counteract the autumn chill, keep the body warm, and increase blood circulation.
2. Twists: Stimulate the abdominal organs. Practice Revolved Triangle Pose.
3. Side Stretches: To improve digestion and elimination and create space in the body. Practice wide-legged forward bends and their twisting variations.
4. Back bends: To regain spinal flexibility and support smooth nervous system activities. Practice bow pose.
5. Strengthening and Stabilizing Postures: To support a sense of strength and stability. Practice any of the variations of Trikonasana.
6. Relaxation: Savasana practice to settle down the Vata movement.
7. Adopt Nourishing Lifestyle Practices: Adopt Ayurveda practices to keep nasal cavity clear. Practice Jal Neti and Nasya practices for well-lubricated nose. Practice Abhyanga with sesame oil or herbal oil to ground yourself and relieve the feelings of anxiety.
8. Stay Grounded & Focused: Staying focused is the best way to deal with the imbalanced Vata energy that leads to many distractions that cause anxiety and mood swings. Bring focus to your daily life and grounding with nourishing foods, root vegetables, warm massaging oils, and yogic as well as meditation practices.
Balancing Yoga and Ayurveda Guidelines for Fall Season:
• Bring Rhythm and Flow to Your Day
• Reset Digestion
• Perform a Detox
• Include Grounding Foods in Diet
• Adopt Grounding Yoga Practices
• Adopt Nourishing Lifestyle Practices
• Stay Grounded and Focused