The transition from Summer, a time heat, light and sharpness (pitta) into Autumn means we are entering the vata season.  Fall is a time of transition evident everywhere around you. Many trees and shrubs are quietly changing from vibrant summer displays to a beautiful myriad of golds, reds and browns in readiness for winter.  The heat of summer is now beginning to have that hint of autumn crispness. Not forgetting the wind which slowly gathers strength, harkening that winter is close by.  Generally, a vata pacifying regime should be adopted, particularly by those with a vata dosha.

If you haven’t incorporated Dinacharya into your daily routine, this is an excellent time to start and will boost your health and wellbeing throughout the year.  In his book ‘The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies’, Vasant Lad makes a few suggestions for pacifying vata:

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• Take a nice warm shower, leaving a little of the oil on your skin; taking a few minutes before your morning shower to massage your body with warm sesame oil.  Sesame is warming and heavy and will help to balance vata.

• good colours for the fall include red, yellow and orange;

• dress warmly indoors and out. On a windy, gusty day, cover your ears and head;

• alternative nostril breathing is good after your yoga practice.

 

For breakfast, oatmeal, cream of rice.  Lunch and supper may be tortillas, chapatis, basmati rice, mung dal kitchari, and steamed vegetables are all good fall foods to balance vata. 
 

Yoga postures and sequences for Autumn include the Lotus pose, Forward Bend, Backward Bend, Vajrasana, Spinal Twist, Camel, Cobra, Cow and Cat. 
 

Lots of lovely, warming suggestions to support a vata pacifying lifestyle during the Autumn months.