dr.nishi Autumn Season Regimen
Autumn, according to Ayurvedic seasonal cycles, is Vata season, the time of year when the energy principles of Air and Space are at their peak. Keeping warm in the face of wind and cold is critical for abundant health during the autumn months.
Purification of the body is an old Indian technique that is especially beneficial during the changing of seasons. Ritucharya is a seasonal practice that adapts one’s diet and lifestyle to the season. This enables us to maintain hormonal balance, avoid unneeded weight gain, and preserve good health. The changing of the seasons is an excellent opportunity to detoxify the body and improve its efficiency.
Fasting to Balance Your Dosha
- If you are Vata dosha, you can either do a brief fruit or juice fast (using orange juice, mango juice, grape juice, or ginger tea) or a longer Khichdi diet (recipe below).
- If you are Pitta dosha, consider a brief fruit or juice fast (apple or pomegranate juice) or a longer Khichdi diet.
- If you are Kapha dosha, attempt a short liquid fast consisting of hot water, lemon, and honey, or a juice fast consisting of apple or cranberry juice, or a longer Khichdi diet.
Seasonal Advice
A ritucharya cleanse is just choosing to be conscious of nature’s rhythms and eating foods that promote the transition from fall to winter. Here are some straightforward suggestions to assist you with this transition:
- Try to wake up with the sun and the birds, in Brahma muhurat (4-6 am).
- Scrape the tongue each morning with a copper or steel tongue scraper to eliminate poisons that have accumulated.
- By meditating and praying, you can take advantage of the solitude and peace of the early morning hours.
- Utilize essential oils of vetiver and citrus.
- On an empty stomach, drink warm water (with or without lime, lemon, and ginger) first thing in the morning.
- Yoga and meditation are beneficial. Try the cobra pose and sun salutation for balance in the digestive system.
- Increase your intake of semi-solid foods and gradually increase your intake of heavy, creamy, and earthy solid foods.
- At least once a week, have Khichdi (recipe below) for dinner.
- Utilize steam baths and humidifiers to maintain an adequate internal moisture level.
- Dress in autumnal hues such as reds, oranges, and yellows and layer up to be warm throughout the day.
- When you’re outside, minimise your exposure by covering your head and ears with a scarf or hat to protect them from the wind and cold.
- Retire to bed by 10 p.m.
Ayurveda teaches us that in order to maintain optimal health, we must adhere to daily and seasonal rituals. As the season change, so must our food habits, lifestyle, and level of physical activity.
