Transitioning from Summer to Fall
~ Optimally, Organically, Naturally ~
Using the wisdom of Ayurvedic Medicine
In our modern day culture and in Western or "conventional" medicine few - if any - health recommendations change as the seasons change.
In the more ancient wisdom of Eastern medicines - organic medicines which have stood the test of time; - however, how we live and approach our days as the seasons change is integral.
In Ayurvedic Medicine, changing and adapting daily routines and lifestyle choices as the seasons change is a primary piece of facilitating and maintaining ideal health and vitality. In Ayurvedic theory each season is associated with an element (“Vata” = air/space. “Pitta” = Fire. And “Kapha” = Water/Earth).
The Fall season is the time of year where we shift from a predominantly Pitta (fire energy) season to a predominantly Vata (air/space/wind energy) season.
Each human has an elemental constitution unique to themselves. How we typically feel this time of the year will most likely be influenced by our natural energetic makeup and our state of balance or imbalance.
For some the transition is unwelcome as the cooler temperatures increase discomfort, stress, restriction, pain, worry, and anxiety. These people may be dreaming of fleeing somewhere warm for the winter, even before the official fall equinox arrives. If this is you, you will most likely benefit from Ayurvedic practices to balance and avoid excessive Vata.
For others, those with more natural heat coursing in their energy systems, cooler temps help them to feel like they can finally live again! These individuals whose innate energy is more predominantly Pitta (fire). Yet maybe even Pitta individuals don't feel well this time of year (we all know what happens when we add wind to an already roaring fire!). Perhaps this shows up as coming down with an illness, lingering headaches, digestive distress or joint pain.
For many of us, the effects of our air being full of smoke or recovery from illness like Covid is causing breathing challenges, lung issues and allergies. Or, reaching for "a cold one" (soda or alcohol) to beat the heat has increased inflammation and liver congestion leading us to feel sluggish and achy.
In any case, whether you are dreading or welcoming the seasonal change, Ayurveda has natural approaches to work with the energies of the body to help you feel your best, most healthy self.
Here are a few of our favorite pro-tips!
Enjoy foods that are energetically Vata balancing!
Warm, moist, soft foods
Drink tea throughout the day (CCF Tea is especially medicinal! Click for more info)
Fruits: apples (especially cooked), citrus, avocado, dates, figs
Vegetables: Beets, carrots, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes
Dairy is helpful this time of year if you tolerate it: grass fed, ghee, yogurt
Protein is also helpful to increase in the Fall: mung beans, miso, dal, kidney beans, chicken, turkey, eggs, beef, buffalo, venison
Warming spices (plant medicines!): cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, garlic, basil, cardamom, clove, dill
Notice/minimize foods that are Vata aggravating:
Drying drinks like alcohol or caffeinated beverages
Drying foods like chips and crackers
Cooling foods like raw, frozen, chilled foods
Encourage these activities:
Daily routine: establish and practice routine waking/sleeping, task & eating times
Hold moisture in with self oil massage (sesame oil is great!), steam, humidifiers, or soaking feet in hot/warm water.
Greet the day with warm/hot lemon & fresh ginger water
Surround yourself with warm, earthy autumn colors: decorations, clothing, walks in nature
Prioritize time for stillness: meditation or prayer, tea, breathing. Aim for 15 minutes a day.
Exercise at a pace that feels sustainable - moderate intensity - with grace and strength
Notice/minimize these activities that are Vata aggravating:
Late night activity
Excessive work, exercise, stressing, or sex
Irregular schedule
Restricted/insufficient sleep & rest
Get a boost with an Ayurvedic Consultation or Bodywork session!
Ayurvedic consultation or seasonal follow up visit: Determine what recommendations will hold the most power for you throughout the season. Your clinician will help you determine your specific constitution and any imbalances. Based on this they will prescribe specific lifestyle changes, herbal medicines, and bodywork sessions.
Abhyanga Massage: Nourish your body inside and out with with this specialized heavenly Ayurvedic massage. One hour using warm medicated oils to ease you into calm and initiate healing in body and soul!
Shirodhara Treatment: Fall is the ideal time to add on a Shirodara treatment - A soothing stream of warm oil constantly applied to your third eye for approx 25 mins. We will start you out with a relaxing foot and scalp massage and cocoon you in warm and comfort!
Schedule:
New Clients: Call or email us: Info@IamVitam.com. 208-830-1668
Existing clients: click here to schedule
Meet your practitioner: Desiree Moores
Desiree is the only Ayurvedic practitioner in Idaho who is credentialed any the National Ayurvedic Medical Association
She is also an Occupational Therapist, Massage Therapist, Advanced Craniosacral Therapist, Yoga Instructor and practitioner of Reiki. She is true artist of Organic Integrative Medicines!
Carpe Vitam!!
(seize the life!)
Written by Desiree Moores & Dr. Kathleen Berg
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