autumn is a gentle reminder that change can be beautiful, even when it means letting go

 🍁 fall is vata dosha season 🍁

vata season corresponds to autumn, when the air is rough, dry, mobile, and cool.  these are vata qualities and can aggravate vata dosha.  an ayurvedic axiom is like increases like. this increase may lead to imbalances in the body and mind.

vata imbalances present themselves physically as: dry skin, constipation, bloating, gas, insomnia, feeling cold, aches and pains, cracking joins, weight loss, and fatigue.

emotionally/mentally as: anxiety, worry, fear, racing thoughts, difficulty focusing, spaciness, and feeling ungrounded.

instead, the opposite approach will help reduce heat. eating cooling foods (such as fruits, basmati rice, summer vegetables, and salads), along with hydrating drinks throughout the day, will decrease the heat in the body.

here are tips for managing vata season:

think warmth:  favor warm cooked foods and beverages.  soups, stews, root vegetables and warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. avoid raw foods and minimize raw vegetables and salads; their cold quality only increases the cold quality of vata.

warm baths or showers and cozy socks or clothes. warm oil massage (abhyanga) with sesame or almond oil is not only incredibly grounding for your nervous system but also nourishing for your skin.

grounding (daily) habits: aim for a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends, aiming for 6-8 hours of sleep. mindful practices such as yoga, meditation, relaxation, and breath exercises, as well as spending time in nature.  limit caffeine and alcohol as they stimulate the nervous system and aggravates vata. 

prioritize your selfcare: put activities that bring you joy and relaxation on the top of your list.

and yes, join the fall rejuvenation with me...just saying. 😉

light your lamp & you light the world

-june