The autumn season brings us shorter days and changeable weather. The qualities that prevail in the autumn days: lightness, dryness, coldness, variability – all these are the qualities of Vata dosha, which prevails at this time of the year. Under the influence of increased ether and air, characteristic of Vata, a person can feel lightness, carelessness, creativity, or, in contrast, instability, absent-mindedness and a “flying state”. The ethereal nature of Vata creates a sense of space in which we can feel free or lost. The air component of Vata can inspire productivity or cause anxiety. Ayurveda adheres to the law “Like Attracts Like”. If the dominant dosha in a person is Vata, or if he is constantly under its influence, then such a person is prone to the negative factors of an excess of Vata during the autumn period.
When the environment changes during the Vata season, our “inner environment” experiences similar changes. The qualities of Vata are also found in the disorders that we feel in our body these days. By observing the processes taking place in Mother Nature, we better understand what is happening with our body, mind and spirit. Applying the Ayurvedic principle that opposition creates balance, we have the opportunity to maintain the balance of Vata dosha with a lifestyle and diet that promotes grounding, warming up, moisturizing. Ayurveda attributes simple and regular procedures that have a positive effect on Vata dosha.
- Stick to a regular daily routine that includes self-care, eating and sleeping, and rest.
- Perform a daily self-massage with oil (preferably sesame), and then take a warm shower or bath.
- Eat in a calm, relaxed environment. Eat predominantly seasonal foods: warm, nutritious, oily, sweet and soft: baked root vegetables, baked fruits, sweet grains, spicy soups. During this period, emphasis should be placed on boiled food rather than raw. Preferred tastes are sweet, sour and salty.
- Include healthy fats like sesame oil, ghee in your diet.
- Drink plenty of warm drinks throughout the day: decaffeinated herbal teas, tea with lemon and ginger. To ignite the digestive fire and nourish the body with moisture, drink water in the morning, infused overnight in a copper glass.
- Use warming and grounding herbs and spices: cardamom, basil, rosemary, nutmeg, vanilla, and ginger.
- Wear warm and soft clothes, desirable colors: red, orange, yellow. Protect your ears, head and neck from the cold.
- Spend time in nature. Dress for the weather!
- Enjoy moderate physical activity at a leisurely pace.
- Practice yoga, pranayama recommended by Nadi Sodhana and Ujjayi.
- Strive for peace and quiet whenever possible.