Newsletter Signup »
HERBSTALK
  • Home
  • Mission + Values
  • Event Info
  • About
  • Press
    • Kind Words
  • Blog
  • Community Partners
  • Contact

Autumn Ayurveda Guide: How to Transition to Vata Season

9/26/2019

 
Picture
By: Marissa Ranahan


Fall is a time for immense transition. This is evident in our bodies and surrounding environment. The earth begins to turn brown, trees shed their summer leaves, and the air transitions from heavy to crisp. And for most, autumn leaves us feeling empty, vulnerable, and raw. However, it also cultivates feelings of new energy and possibilities ahead.

Autumn welcomes us with its dominant prana energy. Our outer air becomes dry, cooling, and subtle – all traits that are shared with the Vata Dosha. This is why, out of all the seasons, autumn is categorized as predominently vata.

Given vata season is almost here, Autumn is perfect for settling into a new routine. Follow the guide below to explore how you can slowly start embracing vata season:


Embrace Seasonal Routines:

The cornerstone of health in Ayurveda begins with a seasonal routine. It’s important to align your lifestyle choices with what’s optimal for the current season. By doing this, you’ll prevent seasonally-induced Dosha imbalances.

Begin by observing your climate and its seasonal fluctuations. In most parts of North America, this is a heavy vata season. Luckily, our culture has allowed us to adapt to these changes. It’s common to see Americans go from eating lighter summer meals – such as soups, salads, and greens – to making heartier breads with warm, nourishing vegetable stews. These heavier foods work well by naturally counteracting Autumn’s dry nature. By making seasonal lifestyle changes, you can remain connected to both yourself and the environment.   


Autumn and Vata Season:

To balance vata’s dryness, it’s best to fill your autumn with nourishment, loving relationships, and an attainable daily routine. Fortunately, this becomes easier to maintain as the season goes on.

Create an Ideal Morning Routine:

One of the best ways to establish alignment is through a morning routine. This starts by creating a rhythm during your day (going to bed at the same time, eating meals at the same time, etc.). By practicing this, you’ll give your body an automatic sense of structure.

Another way to healthfully start the day involves waking up early. The morning is an ideal time for contemplative practices and enjoying life’s stillness. During these hours, it’s best to gently reflect on the upcoming day. Afterward, you can ground yourself with an oil massage. For vata, organic sesame oil is recommended.

To further your wellness, consider incorporating 10 minutes of light yoga or meditation into your day. Since vata thrives in gentle movements, simple yoga poses are recommended while tuning into the breath. If you enjoy the smell of essential oils during meditation, put a few drops of orange or geranium oil in a diffuser for added relaxation.

Remember: When ending the day, try to go to sleep before (or around) 10 pm to ensure adequate rest and recovery.

Exercise During Vata Season:

For vata, it’s best to incorporate gentle movement into your exercise routine. Vata is easily aggravated by vigorous movement, so slower activities are best for daily practices. Some of the best exercises for vata include yoga, walking, hiking, and tai chi. All of these activities avoid putting unneeded stress on the body.

While exercising, it’s best to avoid using your full athletic compacity. Instead, put 50% of your effort into your activity and breathe through the moments. After you’re done, remember to make rest a priority so your body can properly recover. ​

Herbal Support for Vata Season:

One of the best herbs to take during vata season is Chyavanprash. This herb helps with boosting immunity during the transition from summer to fall. Ideally, it’s best to take this herb at the start of your day. Ashwagandha is another wonderful herb that helps with anxiety and nervousness while promoting optimal digestion and elimination. If taking supplements are difficult for you, Ashwagandha can also be taken in liquid form. Additionally, others might gravitate towards Triphala if they’re looking for a gentle herb to aid in just digestive support.

Herbal teas are also perfect for cultivating warmth in the Autumn weather. More specifically, those made from licorice root, ginger, and fennel promote easy digestion within the body. These teas can be ingested throughout the day as needed.

Autumn Diet for Vata:

Your diet is critical for soothing vata energy during autumn. Preferably, eating nourishing foods that have a high fat and protein content – along with warming spices – will help keep you grounded. Try to eat soft foods and top them with ghee or olive oil. For breakfast, it’s best to cook your grains with cinnamon and warm milk (either dairy or non-dairy is fine). Lunch and dinner should include soup with spices and steamed vegetables. If you’re not following a strict vegetarian diet, fall is the best time to consume meat and eggs.

Most importantly, it’s wise to avoid cold, raw foods this season. Make sure to cook your vegetables to kickstart and help your digestion. Try to avoid white potatoes, broccoli, leafy greens and cabbage during the autumn months. However, if you enjoy these foods, consume them in moderation and cook them in organic ghee. ​

Picture
Here are some ideal foods for vata season:

Fruits: Apples, Bananas, Figs, Grapes, Mangoes, Oranges, Tangerines, Prunes, and Raisins

Vegetables: Beets, Carrots, Garlic, Onions, Pumpkin, Squash, and Sweet Potato

Animal Products: Beef, Buffalo, Chicken, Crab, Eggs, Fish, Lobster, Oyster, and Turkey

Dairy: Butter, Cheese, Cream, Kefir, Warm Milk, Sour Cream, and Yogurt

Spices: Allspice, Basil, Bay Leaf, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Dill, Garlic, Ginger, Nutmeg, Oregano, Paprika, Parsley, Rosemary, Saffron, and Turmeric

Oils: Almond Oil, Ghee, Olive Oil, Peanut Oil, Saffron Oil, and Sesame Oil

Closing Thoughts on Vata Season:

While routines can vary from person to person, aligning yourself with the rhythm of the seasons is key for staying grounded. This fall, try incorporating a vata balancing routine into your day. Even a few small changes can readily improve your overall health and wellness. And remember, don’t be afraid to embrace the earthly gifts autumn brings for you! ​

Picture
Marissa has been drawn to the world of aromatics and plants since she was a child. Known for her empathetic nature, she was determined to create a life centered around healing others. Certified in aromatherapy, Reiki, and meditation, she actively changes lives using these healing practices. Additionally, she is a holistic life coach, and works towards helping others heal while simultaneously getting in touch with their spiritual side. She hopes to become more educated in the field of herbalism in the future. As Herbstalk's Market Manager & Community Engagement Assistant, Marissa draws upon years of experience to oversee vendor relations, event management, and social media outreach. 

    Archives

    October 2021
    July 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    January 2013

    Categories

    All
    Angelica
    Anxiety
    Aromatherapy
    Artichoke
    Autumn
    Ayni Institute
    Ayurveda
    Bath Salts
    Becoming An Herbalist
    Beltane
    Bitters
    Black Cohosh
    Blue Vervain
    Botanical Crafts
    Botanical Dyeing
    Cacao
    Calendula
    Cancer
    Canine Nutrition
    Cannabis
    Chaga
    Chamomile
    Chickweed
    Chinese Medicine
    Cleavers
    Climate Change
    Community
    Connection
    Cultivating
    Curandismo
    Dandelion
    Deserts
    Digestion
    Doshas
    Earth Healing
    Ecological Herbalism
    Eco-printing
    Educational Gardens
    Elder
    Eleuthero
    Elixirs
    Energetics
    Essential Oils
    Ethnobotany
    Events
    Evergreens
    Fall
    Farming
    Flax
    Flower Essences
    Folk Traditions
    Food Plants
    Free Clinics
    Fungi
    Gardening
    General
    Gentian
    Ghost Pipe
    Gifts
    Goldenrod
    Groundwork Somerville
    Growing Herbs
    Guide To Herbstalk
    Hawthorn
    Healer's Path
    Herbal Education
    Herbal Energetics
    Herbalism
    Herbal Marketplace
    Herbal Oils
    Herbal Salves
    Herbs For Pets
    Herbs Of The Enneagram
    Hibiscus
    History Of Herbstalk
    Holidays
    Holy Basil
    Honey
    Imbolc
    Immunity
    Interviews
    Lammas
    Liver
    Living With An Herbalist
    Local Classes
    Local Plants
    Lyme
    Marshmallow
    Meadowsweet
    Medicinal Mushrooms
    Medicinal Uses
    Meet The Herbalist
    Meet The Herb Farm
    Menstruation
    Milky Oats
    Mimosa
    Mint
    Motherwort
    Mugwort
    Mullein
    Mutual Aid
    Natural Dyeing
    Nettles
    New England
    Nourishing Herbs
    Oat
    Passionflower
    Permaculture
    Phytochemistry
    Pink Lady Slipper
    Plant ID
    Plant-of-the-year
    Plant Profile
    Podcast
    Poisonous Plants
    Psychological First Aid
    Queen Anne's Lace
    Recipes
    Reciprocity
    Reishi
    Rhodiola
    Rose
    Rosemary
    Russian Herbalism
    Samhain
    Schisandra
    Seasonal Cycles
    Seasons
    Seeds
    Shen Tonics
    Skullcap
    Snow
    Social Justice
    Spring
    St. John's Wort
    Summer
    Survival Herbs
    Tea Blends
    Tincturing
    Tonics
    Traditional Chinese Medicine
    Trauma
    Travel
    Tree Medicine
    Tulsi
    Urban Gardening
    Urtication
    Vata
    Vervain
    Violet
    Water Hemlock
    Wheel Of The Year
    Wildcrafting
    Wild Edibles
    Winter
    Wintergreen
    Yarrow
    Yule

    RSS Feed

Copyright © Herbstalk 2021