Ayurveda is the “sister” science to yoga and the science of life. Simply put, it’s all about living in tune with our unique selves and the environment around us. We each have a unique constitution, known as a Dosha, or a combination of. The Doshas are made up of elements. The seasons too have a Dosha and we are now moving from “Pitta” season, which is characterised by heat, to “Vata” which is cooler and windier, especially in Ireland!
For those of us who love Summer, it can be hard to say goodbye. But living seasonally can keep us healthier and happier. We need to surrender and embrace the changes. Here is how…
Clear out your home
A good deep clean and clear out of the home can welcome in a new season but also be very cathartic too. Decide what needs to be repaired, recycled, passed on or kept at the start of each season. We do this same inner work when we journal, set intentions and release what no longer serves. This is the practical application of that. Then when the space is refreshed and the hard work done comes the fun part. If you like to make small changes to home decor with the seasons, now is the time to take out the more autumnal colours, add some throws and get creative with lighting. Scent wise - for my living areas I will burn amber, coffee, chai, and pumpkin scented candles from September to November moving to warmer cashmere, pines and orange as we move toward the end of the year.
For my yoga studio, my incense choices for class will move away from lavender and rose and towards oud and frankincense. It’s a subtle change in the atmosphere of a space that aligns the energy to the season.
Delay hibernation
Don’t hibernate just yet, get any outstanding summer bucket list events or trips in now before the weather gets too cold or if the venue is seasonal, they might close their doors October to April. Then make a plan for Autumn activities. Whether it’s botanical gardens, forest trails or visiting a warm salt cave for halo-therapy, make a list and get things in the diary to look forward to. If you enjoy sea swimming but do not enjoy the Irish Sea in autumn and winter; indoor aqua aerobics and lane swimming will bridge the gap to Spring and keep up the swimming skills. Beach Vinyasa Yoga makes way for cosier practices like Yin Yoga and sound baths.
Change your self-care routine
Self-care comes into its own in the colder months, I’m thinking long baths and early nights with a good book. With Ayurveda this is the perfect time for self-massage, known as Abhyanga. Yes, it should be done year-long but particularly in Autumn, as it balances Vata and is relaxing.
A sesame or sesame-based oil is perfect. If you are Vata dosha or have a Vata imbalance, in Vata season it’s particularly important to address it, try adding lymphatic drainage massage to your spa visits.
Restorative yoga is so perfect for now. I teach it all year round but I double my restorative offerings as we get deeper towards Winter as it’s so nourishing and cocooning.
Eat local and seasonal food
A big part of Ayurveda is eating locally and seasonally. If you buy the same fruits and vegetables 52 weeks of the year, then they are being imported. Why buy strawberries from so many air miles away when blackberries and apples are in season? Where I live, they are in abundance and I find foraging them a mindful practice that I enjoy. With regard to vegetables think root - sweet potatoes, beets, butternut squash, and pumpkins of course. Add warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, clove, nutmeg, and cardamom.
Mind your mood
Finally, be mindful of your mental health as the days get shorter and darker as we edge towards the Autumn Equinox and later, the Winter Solstice. October is Mental Health Awareness Month so you will see this all over social media. If you are prone to seasonal depression, a SAD lamp could be a great investment. Try to get outside while the sun is at its highest, especially if it’s dark when you are going to and from work. Statistically we are probably all deficient in Vitamin D so a supplement, preferably one that also incorporates vitamin K for absorption is idea. For mood, look into Ashwagandha or Brahmi, both Ayurvedic supplements.
If you’d like more support with Ayurveda or finding out your Dosha, simply get in touch with me on Instagram or email hello@vitera.ie to book a consultation.
