According to the ancient system of Ayurveda, seasons reflect predominant doshas. There are three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Doshas are comprised of the five elements – ether, air, water, fire, and earth. Vata consists of ether and air. Pitta consists of water and fire. Kapha consists of water and earth. Vata is associate with movement, a reflection of the ether and air. Pitta with intensity, a reflection of the fire element. Kapha consists of stability because of the earth element.
These doshas are seen throughout everything in the created world. These doshas are present in human beings and in nature. The seasons are also associated with doshas. Fall is Vata season. Summer is Pit ta season. Winter and Spring are Kapha seasons. Vata is aggravated whenever the seasons change because Vata is the principle of movement and the changing of seasons reflects this movement. Since Fall is a Vata season, the sensation of movement or the sensation of lack of being grounded is most evident at this time. This can create a sense of loneliness and a general sense of feeling out of sorts.
If you find that this happens to you during the change in seasons, here are some quick Ayurvedic tips to help you regain your balance:
1. Warm sesame oil massage
The tradition of Ayurveda teaches that warm sesame oil can help to balance Vata. Give yourself a gentle massage with warm sesame oil before your shower. This helps to calm the movement and bring a sense of calmness and stability.
2. Cooked, warm, moist foods
Fall is the perfect time to eat less raw food and more warm, cooked, well-spiced foods. Traditional fall fare, such as sweet potatoes are a wonderful balancing food.
3. Relaxation
Relaxation is incredibly healing and balancing for Vata. Take a walk outside, get a massage, treat yourself to a hot bath, curl up with a good book – whatever helps you relax and rejuvenate.
4. Friends and family
Whenever you are feeling isolated or unstable, it is the perfect opportunity to connect with friends and loved ones and rejuvenate yourself with the warmth of loving relationships.
As always, please post any questions or comments, as I love to hear your opinion and thoughts!
Sarah Maria is the author of Love Your Body, Love Your Life. The book outlines her 5-step process for helping you feel great in and about your body and yourself. Click here to purchase your copy and begin to love your body today. To learn more about Sarah Maria and her work, you can visit her website at www.sarahmaria.com and www.breakfreebeauty.com.
Flickr Image courtesy of Hsuyo
Thank you. I found this so helpful. I have been particularly aware of a sort of uncomfortable transition into the Fall season this year. The Ayurvedic tips for balance you listed articulate some of the wants my body and soul have been requesting, but were getting pushed aside by louder day to day requests of the outside world. Now I make the connection and recognize their importance. I also feel reminded of the importance of listening to and taking care of my body and soul!