ayurvedic october

 "it is the summer's great last heat,

it is the fall's first chill: they meet"

-sarah morgan bryan piatt

“It is the summer’s great last heat,
It is the fall’s first chill: They meet.”
– Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt - See more at: http://consciouslifenews.com/transitioning-fallvata-season/#sthash.2aLc4EDE.dpuf

“It is the summer’s great last heat,
It is the fall’s first chill: They meet.”
– Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt - See more at: http://consciouslifenews.com/transitioning-fallvata-season/#sthash.2aLc4EDE.dpuf

“It is the summer’s great last heat,
It is the fall’s first chill: They meet.”
– Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt - See more at: http://consciouslifenews.com/transitioning-fallvata-season/#sthash.2aLc4EDE.dpuf

 As we move swiftly from the the sensuality of summer into the Vata qualities of October, I want to point out that the junction between the seasons is a critical time to cleanse and nourish the body.  Those of you who know me well  know that I don't always do so well with transitions... already I am finding dryer eyes this season, my hair feels brittle, the excessive wind that blows through my beautiful house on a hill has begun to unnerve me. I feel drastically overwhelmed. Perhaps some of you are feeling the heightened anxiety or the roughness that can be attributed to the Vata dosha.  Because Vata attributes include cold, light, irregular, dry, and always changing, right now it's really important to make choices that bring warmth, stability, and consistency into your life. To help you through this transition, try out some of these ayurvedic routines I've found and tried below. And remember, enjoy the transition knowing nothing is permanent!

• Give yourself a massage with sesame oil- my favorite fall trick. Sesame oil balances Vata dosha because it is heavier than most oils, and extremely warming.(avoid coconut oil which is cooling)
• Ginger tea
• Favor aromas that are sweet, heavy, and warm, like cloves, basil, cinnamon, sage, and vanilla.
• Favor sweet, heavy fruits such as: bananas, avocados, coconuts, figs, grapefruit, apricots, berries....
• Minimize eating raw vegetables in the Vata season. Cooked vegetables are best, and root veggies are even better.
• Spices to use: cardamom, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, mustard seed, basil, fennel, oregano, thyme
• Go nuts! Walnuts, almonds, flax seed....
• Wear a scarf. Because Vata typically is bothered by cold and wind, dressing warmly and keeping your neck warm (which is especially vulnerable to wind) can be very soothing for your body.
• Endeavor to keep a regular routine with regards to sleeping, eating, working, etc
• Nurture yourself as much as possible!!