with M.A SunYoga and Better Life Therapy
In traditional Indian Ayurveda medicine, sister science of yoga, it is recognised that seasonal changes affect our bodies and our minds, weakening our immune system and making us more vulnerable. This is especially true in autumn: VATA season.
Vata is one of three primary energies called doshas present through everything in nature and in every individual. Vata represents the wind and movement: cold, dry, irregular and moving.
In autumn, an excess of Vata can often occur generating dry skin, painful joints, lower back pain and blocked nose but also anxiety and irritability. We become ungrounded, overwhelmed and out of balance. It is therefore important to get a sense of balance in our everyday activities by avoiding rushed movements, cold, dryness and hardness and favouring the opposites: stability, rest, heat, oils and softness.
Slowing down and good yoga practice
- Yoga Warrior poses are excellent, concentrating on our strength and stability.
- Forward bends help us internally focus and are relaxing.
- In Down dog poses, looking down will help us stay in the present moment.
- If practising Ashtanga yoga, it is advisable to take the practice in a gentler pace in the autumn season.
- Balance with Vrksasana (Tree pose), learn to be and enjoy the present moment.
- Backbends to help with our lungs capacity is also excellent in the autumn season.
Pranayama
- Nadi Shodhana or Anuloma Viloma: Alternate nostril breathing will soothe our mind and balance both hemispheres of our brain.
- 4 to 5 minutes a day is enough to make a huge difference.
Abhyanga or hot oil massages
- Sesame or coconut oils are perfect to nurture ourselves against skin dryness, are nourishing and moisturizing and will soothe our nervous system, reducing our level of stress and anxiety.
- Warm and spicy meals stimulate digestion and warm the body.
- When it is getting cooler outside favour sweeter delicacies like root vegetables, lentils, sweet potatoes… enjoy them in soup or mash.
- Fats help fight the autumn dryness. Try using ghee in cooking, a clarified butter that can be heated to a fairly high temperature and appreciated in Ayurveda cooking.
- Privilege seasonal fruits like apples, pears and plums; cook them with a bit of cinnamon to make them more digest. Enjoy some dates if you need to snack.
- Ginger tea with honey warms the body as well as tea with warm milk and a bit of cardamom.
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