Transitioning into Autumn with Ayurveda

The transition into Autumn can be tricky but thankfully Ayurveda gives us some wisdom to help us do just that. Around the Autumn Equinox we are moving between seasons.  It is at these transitions when we may experience a flare up of any health challenges or maybe catch a cold or virus. 

Ayurveda teaches us that at any transition or junction there is a weakness and any imbalances may be felt more prominently.  The same is also true of the move into Spring but it is not just related to the seasons.  A transition can also mean Puberty or Menopause or at dawn/dusk or at any time when we are going through a major change.  That is why it is particularly important to look after our health during these times.

The Autumn season is predominantly associated with the Vata dosha but also at the end of Summer there may be an accumulation of heat that has built up causing Pitta aggravation. So our focus tends to be on reducing excess heat that may have built up as well as making sure that our Vata stays in balance. This is particularly true if you have a dominance of either or both of these doshas in your constitution.

We can do this by eating cooling and slightly astringent foods that help to reduce any excess heat.

Foods to favour are:

Courgettes

Fennel

Coriander seed and leaf

Pomegranates

Apples

Coconut and Coconut water

Grapes

Squashes

Teas made from Camomile, Lavender and Rose

Relaxing activities such as Yoga or being in nature in the cool breeze can also be beneficial and calming for any irritability.

If you do have access to an Indian supermarket then Daikon radish and Lauki squash are very good at removing excess heat in the body too.

As we move further into Autumn then Vata can become more aggravated by colder, windy weather. To help keep Vata in balance focus more on warming and grounding foods such as soups, stews with root vegetables. Naturally sweet foods such as Medjool dates, sweet potatoes or lightly spiced food using cinnamon, cardamon and black pepper.

Foods to favour to balance Vata are:

Root vegetables such as Sweet potato, Beetroot and Carrots

Medjool Dates

Cooked apples

Figs

Ghee or butter

Spices

Tahini or Sesame oil

Chai tea

Eating regular meals, going to bed by 10pm and avoiding too much social media or mental stimulation will also be beneficial too. As will wrapping up warm and wearing a hat in cold windy weather will also help to protect Vata in the head and ears.

If you are looking for more specific advice to help with any health challenges then why not invest in having an Ayurvedic Consultation for yourself? More information can be found here.