Flow Into Fall
It's Fall! And here in Colorado, that means cooler temps, shorter days, changing leaves, and a very strong desire to make soup :) It's my favorite season, and after 15+ years in the Bay Area, I am so very happy to be in a part of the world that experiences Fall.
As much as I love autumn, it's also a season of transition that I know can leave me feeling unstable if I don't consciously bring in some simple practices that help build stability as the world around transitions toward winter.
In Ayurveda, we call this time Vata season, which is a time of the year where air and ether are on the rise, bringing with them cold, mobile, light, dry, and rough qualities. Now, if you're not familiar with Ayurveda, this might seem esoteric, but think about how the natural world experiences Fall. The heat of summer gives way to cold, windy, often dry conditions, all of which we see in the air, plants, and trees around us.
Remember, we are a part of the natural world and these qualities often manifest in our own bodies and even minds (in the holistic approach of Ayurveda, you really can't affect one without affecting the other).
Some of the most common ailments that come with the transition to Fall are dry skin, cracking joints, stiffness, digestive distress (constipation or gas), anxiety, sadness, nervousness, and restlessness. And so we respond by bringing in moisture, warmth, groundedness, and softness.
Here are 5 simple ways you can do this and support yourself this Fall:
Eat cooked, warm, spiced foods. It’s time to do away with salads, smoothies, and other raw foods (again, more cold and dry qualities which we don’t need) and start warming from the inside with soups, stews, kitchari. Use warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, black pepper, turmeric, and fennel. Try spiced oatmeal with cooked apples for breakfast. Sip warm herbal teas or warm lemon water throughout the day (say goodbye to sparkling water for water).
Warm oil massage (Abhyanga). This one is an absolute must in the fall. I used to have chronically dry and itchy skin in colder weather before I started this practice but now my skin feels healthy and happy all year. Abhyanga is a warm oil self-massage that stimulates lymphatic flow, moisturizes and warms the body, and will leave you feeling so soft and grounded.
How to do Abhyanga: Warm a small amount of oil (up to a 1/4 cup) either in your hands or in a pot of water on the stove. Start from your extremities and move towards your heart, massaging the oil into your skin and tissues as you go. Long, gentle strokes along muscles, circular motion across joints. You can sit for a few minutes to let your skin soak in all the oil before getting dressed. If you are worried about being oily, start with a small amount and see how it goes. I think you’ll actually find that your skin will love it!
Choosing an oil: There are a lot of options, but below is a link* to a good general massage oil and one of the ones I keep in my rotation. You can always send me a message if you want a recommendation for your specific skin type.
Yoga or movement practices that focus on grounding and stabilizing. It’s time to lower the intensity of workouts while still building some warmth. Favor strength-based practices over HIIT. Incorporate a few gentle and grounding yoga practices each week (like the one linked below; or join my Patreon community to get access to many more).
Pranayama and Meditation. Bring in some breath and meditation practices that focus on creating stability and letting go. Just as the natural world sheds its leaves, this is the season for us to shed what no longer serves us. A sweet Restorative practice (like the one linked below), or an Apana (energy of letting go) meditation. See if you can add these into your week as a little mid-day break or post-work reset.
Do a little less. As the intensity of summer wanes, you might find yourself wanting to do a little less these days, to stay in, cuddle up on the couch, and rest. That’s your body’s intuition and it’s a really wonderful thing to honor. It doesn’t mean that you need to go into full hibernation mode (movement and exercise are good for our immunity), but see if you can decrease your intensity by ~10% or more. Spend an extra night in and practice a little self-care, take a warm bath, enjoy one of the practices linked below. Make a cup of tea and read a book under the blankets. Just do a little less.
Remember, Ayurveda is not a regimen. It’s about making choices that support and nourish you now- this day, this season, this time of life. It’s a gift you give to yourself- your own time and attention.
If you want a little extra support this season, you can always contact me to schedule a free consultation to discuss how Ayurveda can support your health and well-being.
***This is an affiliate link. I only share products that I, myself, have used and companies that I know and trust.
