Fall Ayurveda Tips

Look outside your window and you’ll see the seasons in transition. The days are becoming shorter each day, and warm summer air is being replaced with cool, dry winter air. All of these changes can take a toll on your body. 

Here are a few tips rooted in Ayurveda (yoga’s sister science) that can help your body adjust to the changing seasons without missing a beat. 

But first, what is Ayurveda, exactly?

Ayurveda is a healthy lifestyle science that some people in India have used for thousands of years. Ayurveda emphasizes good health, prevention and treatment of illness through lifestyle practices (like yoga, meditation, massage and a good diet) and the use of herbal remedies.

According to Ayurveda, the five elements of nature (space, air, fire, water and earth) combine in the body as three components (aka “doshas”). The three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These doshas relate closely to the basic elements of nature and to specific functions of the body. A balance of these doshas is thought to be required for optimal health. Take a dosha quiz to determine which dosha is dominant for you!

Fall is Vata Season!

Fall is the time of year when humidity becomes low, the wind blows and temperatures drop. All of these things combine to elevate Vata, which can result in feelings of anxiousness, the inability to find comfort in the things that ground us and dryness in the skin, eyes and nose. Here are a few things that you can do to bring Vata back into balance.

• Adjust your diet. Warm foods and drinks will help bring Vata into balance, so try to emphasize eating cooked foods over raw foods. Focus on eating fresh vegetables that are in season. 

• Move. Vata is calmed when you create heat in the body, so focus on postures that help you create that internal heat. Fluid movements help to create this heat - a C1 or C2 is perfect this time of the year! 

• Breathe! Your ujjayi breath is an amazing tool in your arsenal that you can use to help you create inner heat. Take periodic breaks throughout the day to activate your ujjayi breath, clear your mind and ground yourself.