We're in the middle of autumn. So today we have an autumn guide with five rituals for the colder season that will help you find balance.
The days are getting shorter, the air is fresher, and the plants are covered in dew in the morning. According to Ayurveda, this is the time when the Vata dosha is dominant in nature. Vata dosha also intensifies in our bodies, as we are part of nature and the external can influence our internal. Seasonal transitions and the colder months in general can quickly trigger a certain imbalance in the body. This leads to an increase in colds, flu-like infections, fatigue, or a feeling of inner restlessness.
There are many practices that you can incorporate into your routines this time of year to support your body during the transition to colder days.
5 nourishing rituals for autumn:
1. Use warming spices
According to Ayurveda, every food has different properties. For example, there are foods that have a warming or cooling effect. This also applies to spices. Warming spices include cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, pepper, and chili. These spices stimulate the circulation and provide warmth to the body. One way to incorporate these warming spices into your daily routine is to drink a cup of ginger tea or add things like cinnamon and nutmeg to your porridge.
2. What can you let go of?
Just as nature releases its leaves and fruits in autumn, we can also ask ourselves if there is something in our lives we want to let go of. This might be clearing out clothes or a drawer, certain thoughts that no longer serve us, or ingrained habits that aren't good for us. It can also be helpful to smoke out the apartment or house to cleanse energies and welcome new things.
3. Integrate seasonal foods
According to Ayurveda, we should pay particular attention to incorporating more seasonal foods and cooked dishes. Cold smoothies, iced coffee, and fresh watermelon are perfect in the summer months. But in the fall, it's important to say goodbye to colder foods and instead enjoy more warm drinks and cooked meals. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), these warmer foods support the spleen and prevent "dampness" in your body. According to Ayurveda, this supports the agni (digestive fire). Pumpkin, potatoes, parsnips, beets, apples, and pears are in season now. They all have thermally warming properties, which is why they're the perfect foods for us now in the fall.
4. More rest & relaxation
The shorter and darker days are nature's way of telling us that we should take more time for rest and relaxation. Sometimes it's enough to go to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual, incorporate a small evening and morning routine, or even take time on the weekend to read or go for a walk in nature.
5. Strengthen your immune system
In autumn and winter, we spend more time indoors. This also makes it easier for viruses and bacteria to spread, which can lead to an increase in colds. Spending some time outdoors every day, including plenty of vegetables and fruit in your diet, and using antibacterial herbs and spices such as ginger, garlic, turmeric, sage, chamomile, and thyme can strengthen your immune system and protect you from pathogens.
You can also find ginger and turmeric in our organic herbal complex "Debloat." It contains herbs that reduce Vata and support a good gut feeling.
