Seasonal Guide

Ayurveda for Fall

Enjoy our indepth guide to the seasonal changes, recommended routines and self-care practices for fall. 

Why a Seasonal Routine?

Ayurvedic wisdom considers the seasonal routine an important cornerstone of health. 

The forces of nature affect us. Just like the day-night cycle (circadian rhythm) has an impact on our physiology, the changes in season impact us as well. The qualities (gunas) which are the most fundamental way of understanding this impact change throughout the day, night, month, and year… 

Depending on the geographical location, the seasons bring different qualities. In temperate areas like most of the United States, the fall season is considered a Vata Season — the sharp intense heat of the summer shift as a crisp, dry coolness bring the season of Fall. 

The transition between two seasons (typically the final 15 days of one season and the first 15 days of the next) is a time to adjust diet, lifestyle and also clothes and attitudes from the old season to enter afresh into the next. 

 

Here are some guidelines for creating a balanced state in the fall.

 

  • Drink warming herbal teas, such as ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom tea.
  • Go to bed early and get up early. 10pm to 6am is the ideal sleep hours. 
  • Do regular yoga, meditation and pranayama.
  • Keep warm & stay out of strong winds.
  • Do daily oil massage with sesame oil or our Abhyanga oil.
  • Do daily nasya (nasal oil application) with our Nasya Oil.
  • If possible, do a weekly oil enema to remove accumulated vata dosha.

Consider a seasonal home cleanse to help the body relase the accumulated toxins and imbalances from the summer season and reset for the fall. 

Ayurveda recommends cleansing during the spring or fall season.

More About The Home Cleanse

Vata Pacifying Strategies For Fall

The motto to balance Vata is REGULARIZE. This means, a routine for your daily activities. As Vata is erratic, irregular, variable, if your lifestyle and routine are the same way, you will aggravate that restless and moving energy of Vata. 

 

Autumn is dry, windy and cold which causes dry skin, cracking joints and stiffness in the neck and back. 

Things to avoid in the Fall Season

  • Avoid food that increases Vata. These are food that are dry, light, cool — like dry chips, pop corn, light salads, and cold items like ice-cream or dairy.
  • Avoid skipping meals or fasting.
  • Avoid grazing or excessively snacking between meals.
  • Avoid cold or iced drinks.
  • Avoid late nights.
  • Avoid exposure to cold drafts and wind.
  • Avoid excessive sexual activity.
Order Now