Autumn Rituals
Our body has to adapt to the changing seasons. Just like nature, it reacts to seasonal changes. That's why we need to reconnect with nature and understand our body's needs to restore balance.
Autumn is a transitional season between a warm period (summer) and a cold season (winter).
The Energy of Autumn
Autumn is a cool, dry, windy, and changeable season. This season causes an increase in the Vata dosha, which is represented by the Air and Ether elements. It is the energy of movement. In nature, Vata's characteristics are found in the cold, wind, falling leaves...
The Period of Vata Imbalances
Vata is generally the first dosha to become imbalanced in our body and mind. It is the fastest, lightest, and most mobile of the 3 doshas!
Manifestations of a Vata Imbalance
Vata accumulates in...
- the colon in the form of gas (increased air in the digestive system) and constipation,
- the joints, which become painful and creaky
- the body becomes colder (especially in the extremities)
- the mind in the form of agitation, anxiety, instability, insomnia, dispersion, and scattering, potentially leading to fatigue and lack of concentration
- the skin is drier and rougher, and hair tends to fall out
A tailored Ayurvedic routine
For this, nothing beats self-massages adapted to the season! To do this, massage the "Vata zones," i.e., the soles of the feet, the head, or even the legs or ears. The Vata dosha tends to have dry skin, which is why you need to choose the right oil for your skin. For Vata, I recommend an organic, cold-pressed sesame oil, with relaxing and comforting effects.
Relaxing through self-massage brings many benefits to the body: a reconnection to your body, time just for yourself, and improved lymphatic circulation. So? Isn't it magical?
It's no secret, for our skin to be glowing, sleep is important. For Vata dosha, I advise you to go to bed before 10 p.m. because beyond that, we shift into Pitta energy (fire energy). To best prepare for sleep, avoid screens in the evening and prioritize quiet moments, with family. Do a few postures that soothe Vata (especially the tree pose) to better ground and realign yourself. During your sleep, avoid sleeping on your right side as this slows down digestion. If you have trouble falling asleep, prepare a warm plant-based milk with cardamom which will promote calmness.
Autumn's energy is downward-flowing and encourages introspection. This seasonal change is the most delicate of the year, during which immunity decreases by 50%, especially for the Vata dosha. This affects both health and mood. Feeling a slight depression is completely normal this season.
Therefore, avoid cold drinks, as well as tea, which increases Vata and constantly makes the digestive system work. Prioritize hot drinks; this can simply be hot water or hot water infused with spices. For example, the "I live the present moment" ritual infusion!
Spices recommended in autumn: fennel seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, turmeric, licorice, mustard seeds...
