How to Stay Balanced During Vata Season (Fall) | Ayurveda in Fishers, IN

Seasonal Shifts: Understanding Fall Through an Ayurvedic Lens

As we enter into the (slowly) cooling weather of fall, we begin to have different elements affecting us mentally and physically. Summer brings warmth and light and a natural slow nature as we relish in the longer days, the heat and moisture in the air and the slow down of expectations. Fall begins to usher in the expectation of the busy harvest, school beginning and gearing up for the end of the year and the cold weather moving in. As things cool we have more energy. The heat of the sun can make productivity harder especially during the warmest parts of the day. During the fall and early winter we have less daylight, but our energy improves as we have a better balance between hot and cold. The movement of the wind coming in encourages more movement in our minds and bodies as we do our final preparations before the heaviness of winter.

How Fall Affects Each Dosha

Pitta: Cooling Down the Fire For those that struggle with the heat (Pitta), fall is a breath of fresh air releasing the built up of heat from the system. It can initially increase our digestion and appetite, as our bodies digestive fire is less labored by the heat of the outside world and as our bodies prepare for less abundance in the environment as winter nears.

Vata: Managing Restlessness and Cold For those that are colder natured (Vata) we feel our energy rise, but we feel the heat begin to seep out of our bones and notice that we need to turn on the heat sooner than some and begin carrying a jacket with us to make sure we always have protection from the cooling temps and the wind. Our minds may become more aggravated and anxious and we may become restless with the increased energy.

Kapha: Embracing Movement and Motivation For those that are less bothered by the changing temperature (Kapha) we tend to feel at ease with more energy and motivation than usual as we need the movement of the wind and the cooling temps to feel more engaged and energized. This helps to balance out the stable slow earthy nature of Kapha.

Why Vata Season Requires Extra Grounding

Vata season is for cooling down Pitta (fire), stimulating Kapha (earth) while it tends to aggrevate Vata (Cold, airy) nature as the properties of Vata energy and the vata season of fall are very similar. In Ayurveda we use the concept of like attracts like and opposites balance. Therefore, our digestion will increase some, our motivation will increase, but we must be careful that we do not become too ungrounded by the cool air and increased movement that comes with the fall season. We work to increase the grounding nature of food and lifestyle to manage the many shifts that are happening this time of year.

1. Grounding Practices for Fall:

In Ayurveda, we will always look at things from an individual perspective therefore our fall shifts must also tend to the different needs of different physiologies. It is easy for fall to overstimulate especially those that are movers and doers. For all doshas, it is important to have grounding practices to aid in the seasonal transition.

Diaphragmatic Breathing for Nervous System Support

This is where a daily diaphragmatic breathing practice can be very useful. When we organize our nervous systems, we our able to better harness and utilize the energy we create. We also improve digestion and metabolism by stimulating the Vagal nerve and actvitating the parasympathetic nervous system.

Grounding Yoga Poses to Start Your Day

Seated pose, savasana, tree pose, and mountain pose can be excellent additions to a short morning routine to start the day more balanced. These are especially useful for Vata and Pitta Types.

Mindful Walking for Mental Clarity

We can walk to stimulate exercise and increase heart rate and we can also allow our physical movement to be mindful and meditative making it exercise for the body while also nourishing our nervous system and mind. Take a walk outside after lunch enjoying the weather change, no music or podcasts, just the sounds of nature and allow your mind to focus on what you experience through your senses.

2. Self-Care Practices: Abhyanga and a Balanced Routine

Abhyanga: Nourishing Self-Massage

Fall is an excellent time to begin the nourishing practice of Self-massage (Abhayanga). This practice provides moisture to the skin, tissues and organs, but also nourishes the need for gentle touch and care. For those that struggle with cold, using a warming oil like pure sesame oil is ideal, for those that generally have more oily skin or need more heat because you have more of a Kaphic and earthy nature, mustard or sesame oil provide more stimulating heat. If you struggle with heat then coconut oil is your best choice. View Ayurvedic Self-Massage Guide

Creating a Balanced Daily Routine

Balancing your routine with active and passive periods during the day, eating meals at regular time with lunch being your largest meal and regulating your sleep wake schedule will provide the mind and body with the stability it needs to make a smooth transition into the winter months. The 15 days before and after a solstice for changing seasons is when Ayurveda says we are the most susceptible for getting ill. We are the most vulnerable during seasonal changes as the energies in the body are shifting in response to the changing environmental energy of nature. Our body is feeling less stable and therefore providing a stable reliable routine aids in providing that need for groundedness.

3. Nourishing Fall Foods for All Doshas

Nourishing and grounding seasonal foods

Sticking to the foods that are locally in season where you live is the best way to nourish yourself naturally. Nature is very intelligent in what it provides for us during certain times of the year. Cruciferous and leafy greens, root vegetables like carrots and beets and all kinds of squashes become the bountiful options in most places in the fall. Apples become staples in the Midwest. Spices like Cumin, Ginger, Garlic, Black pepper, Oregano and other warming spices help to infuse digestive and enhanced properties into the food we eat. Each dosha will have different needs, however there are ways to make many foods for balancing any dosha by changing how you prepare it or what ingredients you pair it with.

Delicious Ayurvedic Baked Apple Recipe

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees

2. Choose a sweeter apple like Fuji or honey crisp, (if watching blood sugar choose a green apple for more astringent taste and less sugar)

3. Slice apple into halves or quarters or slices – (slices will cook faster)

4. Choose an oven safe dish with a lid

5. Add just enough water to the bottom of the dish to lightly cover

6. Mix in the below ingredients that fit your nature

   • Vata – add 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1⁄4 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp ghee, and a pinch of salt

   • Pitta - add 1⁄4 tsp of cardamom and 1⁄2 tsp ghee

   • Kapha – add 1⁄4 tsp of each cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg

7. Cook covered for about 20 minutes until apple is soft. Salt to taste and eat as a nourishing breakfast or snack.

   
   

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