Welcoming Autumn

As I am enjoying the sunshine this early September it is difficult to believe it is autumn.

In autumn the element of air is increased. Ayurveda and yoga recognise five different elements: Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. It is believed that we and all around us are made of a unique combination of these elements. In a person the elements combine with each other and manifest as the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Our constitution is a unique combination of the doshas. If the doshas get out of balance we experience ill health in mind, body or emotions.
Autumn is generally described as being windy, cool, with a feeling of dryness and it is time of change. The change from summer turning into winter. These qualities symbolise the element of Air. When there is an increase of Air in our surroundings it will increase the same qualities in our body and mind. In ayurveda this relates to an aggravated Vata dosha.
During this time of seasonal change we will try to balance and reduce anything that may aggravate Vata dosha and the Air element in our body.

• Enjoy warm food with sweet, a little spicy, sour and salty tastes. And avoid cold raw salads. Skip the frappucinos and enjoy a mug of spicy warm chai. Porridge is great as breakfast and have a look at Rachel’s blog for the great pumpkin recipes, create your own stews and soups.

• My favorite is a nice massage with warm oils. Sesame oil is slightly warming in nature and reduces Vata. So give yourself a massage with a heated sesame oil (coldpressed and organic). If not the whole body then just your feet and any painful joints. This also alleviates the dry skin which can increase during autumn and winter.

• Your favorite yoga asana, pose, is a relaxing and grounding pose such as forward bends, squats or balancing poses like tree pose. All calming down an aggravated Vata dosha and Air element.

In ayurveda we aim to keep our doshas in equilibrium by adjusting our diet and nutrition, lifestyle including yoga and breathing exercises, herbal remedies or body treatments to suit our doshic balance. So listen to the surrounding and to your body. Both will give you a very good indication of what you need right now!

 

 

 

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