As the air dries and become cooler in the autumn, our system dries as well and we may experience anxiety, insomnia, constipation, dry skin and cracking joints. No matter where you live the coming of autumn brings with it many changes. Some are changes in the weather. Generally it gets cooler, windier, and sometimes more misty and rainy. Other changes are with the family. It is the back to school time when the more leisurely pace of summer vacations are left behind and once again there are tighter time schedules and more to organize. It is a time to regroup, refocus and like nature prepare for the winter. Because of these changes the wind energy or vata doshas naturally increases. This can give us fresh energy and new enthusiasm or it can make us feel more nervous and ungrounded if it is allowed to get out of balance. So how will you fare as autumn comes around?

VATA

This maybe the hardest season for your body and mind. Your naturally drier skin will become even drier especially your fingers, toes and lips. If you don’t slow down you will easily feel unfocused and generally stressed. Keep the wind off your back and out of your ears. Think warm, take time to luxuriate in aroma oil baths and be gentle on yourself. There is often more or do or organize so know your limits and plan accordingly.

PITTA

This is a great time for you if you have a lot of pitta. The heat is off the humidity down. There is freshness in the air and a lot of “do it” energy about. Get out to the country, have fun in nature. Still remember sun screen for your sensitive skin. Take time to relax at home too.

KAPHA

The natural energy of this season, the harvest collecting things in, preparing for winter, ”nesting” appeals to you. Remember to keep active and keep interested or the shorter days and colder damper weather can challenge your spirits.

In Autumn keep warm, calm and nourish yourself. Autumn is a time to help your vata energy particularly to stay in balance

DIET

• Begin to eat more warming food. Try to avoid eating very dry, cold or light foods such as chips, crisp breads, crackers, fizzy soft drinks, ice water or ice cream.
• Avoid eating leftovers or getting so busy you skip meals all together
• Eat more vegetable soups and pasta dishes
• Eat more whole grains especially the lighter ones such as quinoa, millet and amaranth
• Eat more root vegetable such as carrots, beets, sweet potato, onion
• Enjoy the harvest time with fruit pies or cooked fruit
• Add a little light meat to your diet such as chicken, turkey or fish
• Try adding some spices or tasty pickles to your favorite meals
• Try to eat more mineral rich foods such as sesame seeds, tahini, and sea vegetables and milk if it suits you
• If you live in very hot climate you may want to try a sort fast with apple or grape juice to give your liver a gentle cleanse and help the extra heat leave your body

DAILY ROUTINE

• Daily oil massage will revitalize you, your skin and even your mind.
• Rub warm sesame oil all over prior to bathing. This will calm and strengthen your body integrity and get you into your skin.
• Rub oil in your nostrils, your ears, your gums.
• Dryness is weakness. You’re buffing out your immune system.
• Sit in silence-commit to spending 5 minutes in the morning and in the evening to sit in silence. Allow this to be a time of coming home to yourself. Over time you will relish stillness. Enjoy the beautiful smells and colors of the fall

EXERCISE

• Exercise is always important but as autumn is often extra busy don’t let something that is meant to be fun and healthy become an extra stress. Exercise at this season should be gentler calming and relaxing
• Try to move more in your daily life by walking to do errands when ever possible, using a bicycle, parking a few blocks from work and walking in, take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Take up a gentle form of exercise such as yoga or tai chi

SPA TREATMENTS

• Autumn is the perfect time for warm oil treatments. We suggest you try:Full body oil massage, Foot massage with warm oil, Shirodhara, Warm oil scalp treatments