Ayurveda and Autumn

24 Apr Ayurveda and Autumn

The Energy of Autumn

-by Supriya Ruparelia

To understand Ayurveda’s perspective on how to stay healthy in colder months you need to take a step back and understand that Ayurveda recognises the concept that we are all energy and the energy of the seasons affects our body. 

Energy is a fundamental concept in Ayurveda and is known as “prana” or life force. Prana is believed to be present in all living things and is responsible for sustaining the body and mind.

The Western scientific perspective on energy also confirms that we can view ourselves and the world around us as a complex interplay of energy and matter. Interplay being the key word here. The energy and environment around us affect us deeply. 

Autumn is a season of transition, where the warm and vibrant energy of summer begins to give way to the cool and dry energy of winter. According to Ayurveda, autumn is associated with an increase in Vata dosha, which can lead to imbalances in the body and mind. 

Vata dosha is composed of the elements of air and space, which are naturally present during the autumn season. As a result, Vata dosha tends to increase during this time, which can lead to symptoms such as dry skin, constipation, anxiety, insomnia, and congestion. Ayurveda is about tapping into the energetics happening in your body, the energy of the food you are consuming, and the energy of the environment around you to stay healthy. 

Ayurveda says that as our environment gets cooler, we need to balance our bodies with the opposite quality of what we find in our environment. If you listen to your instincts and gut, you’ll find that your body inherently craves this balancing. What do you feel like eating when it gets cold? Most people will say warming foods and all of a sudden, your meals are filled with soups, dhals, stews, broths, roasts, and curries. 

I have listed some tools below that aim to restore harmony to the body, mind, and spirit and bring you back into balance with your environment. They are by no means prescriptive. Remember to listen to your body and adjust your lifestyle and routine accordingly.

1. To balance the dry and cool qualities of autumn: it is important to incorporate warm and nourishing foods into your diet. Cooked grains, root vegetables, soups, stews, and warming spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom are ideal for this season. Avoid cold, raw, and light foods as they can aggravate Vata.
2. Stay hydrated: Although the weather is cooler, it is still important to stay hydrated during autumn. Drink warm water, herbal teas, and soups throughout the day to prevent dehydration and dryness.
3. Practice Abhyanga: Abhyanga, or self-massage with warm oil, is a great way to nourish and moisturize the skin during autumn. Use warm sesame or almond oil and massage your entire body before taking a warm shower.
4. Follow a regular routine: To prevent Vata imbalances such as anxiety and insomnia, it is important to follow a regular routine and stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. 
5. Practice grounding exercises: As the weather gets cooler and drier, it is important to stay grounded and centered. Practice grounding exercises such as yoga, walking in nature, and meditation to maintain a sense of stability and balance.
6. Protect your immune system: As the temperature drops, it is important to protect your immune system. Incorporate immune-boosting foods such as ginger, garlic, and turmeric into your diet 

Spiced porridge

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp ginger powder
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
• 1 tbsp honey
• Chopped nuts and dried fruits for topping

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
2. Add oats and reduce heat to low.
3. Add cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg powder and stir well.
4. Cook until the oats are tender and the mixture thickens.
5. Add milk and stir well.
6. Serve hot and drizzle with honey and top with chopped nuts and dried fruits.

Vegetable rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, cauliflower, and spinach)
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger or garlic
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for 20 minutes.
2. Heat ghee in a saucepan, add cumin seeds, and mustard seeds.
3. Add ginger/garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and stir for 2 minutes.
5. Add turmeric powder and salt to taste.
6. Drain the rice and add it to the pan. Stir for a minute.
7. Add 2 cups of water and stir well.
8. Close the lid and cook on medium heat 10mins
9. Reduce the heat and cook for another 10 minutes.
10. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee.

If you’re interested in Ayurveda and would like to know more, I’m offering all Monty readers a free 20-minute consultation to answer any questions about your (or others) health concerns and how an Ayurvedic lifestyle can benefit you.