A Seasonal Regimen - how to welcome Fall and stay healthy
Ayurveda - ancient wisdom for modern wellness
Namaste!
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. I am truly honored that you choose to spend a few moments with my words, especially when there is so much out there vying for your attention. Your support means the world to me!
I am so happy to live in a place where we get to experience all four seasons. Whether those seasons show up on time… well, that’s a different story. Take September, for instance: one day, you need a light jacket, and the next, that same jacket feels like a bad fashion choice. And then, as I sit here today, it’s one of those cool-ish days—jacket not necessary, but a scarf? Maybe. I think you know what I’m talking about. I once had a job that took me away from home for four days. I left when it was a heavy jacket kind of day, and by day two, that same jacket felt like I’d packed for the wrong season entirely. Ah, the joys of transitional weather!
But here's the catch—these season switch-ups aren’t just messing with our wardrobes. Our immune systems feel the brunt of this unpredictability, too, thanks to the constant flux of temperatures, wind, and the sun’s strength. So, let’s talk about how we can keep ourselves in balance while Mother Nature plays dress-up.
Ayurveda places a lot of importance on seasonal changes because, let’s face it, these transitions can really throw our bodies for a loop. Each season comes with its own set of qualities—some that keep us balanced and others that can push us off-kilter. As we head into fall, the cooler, windier days signal the rise of Vata dosha, which is all about dryness, lightness, and movement. Think of Vata like that one friend who’s always on the go, bouncing from one thing to another. It’s great for creativity and energy, but when it gets too much, it can leave you feeling scattered, dry-skinned, and just a bit “all over the place.”
Ayurveda teaches us to be mindful during these seasonal shifts because our bodies need help adjusting to the changing environment.
I would like to introduce the concept of Ritucharya.
What is Ritucharya?
Ritucharya, derived from the Sanskrit words "Ritu" (season) and "Charya" (routine), translates to “seasonal regimen.” It’s an ancient concept that encourages us to live in harmony with the natural rhythms of the seasons. The idea is simple: as nature changes, so should we. This means adapting our diet, lifestyle, and daily routines to align with the qualities of each season.
By aligning to the seasons, we’re basically giving our bodies a heads-up that, hey, things are about to get a little breezy and cool, so let’s be prepared.
Here are some tips for transitioning into fall, along with the reasons why these changes can help keep us be balanced and healthy during the season.
1. Vata on the Rise: All that cold, dry air can aggravate Vata in our bodies, leading to things like dry skin, digestive woes, and restless sleep. It’s like your system is suddenly hit by an unexpected chill, and it needs some TLC to stay balanced.
2. Digestive Fire Needs a Boost: As temperatures drop, our digestive fire (Agni) can weaken. You might notice your digestion slowing down, and that’s your cue to switch to warm, easy-to-digest foods that keep Agni burning bright.
TIP: Minimize or eliminate raw vegetables and big salads. Begin to favor vegetables that are sightly cooked - steamed, baked, or sautéed.
3. Immunity Gets a Workout: With the change in weather, our immune systems are in a bit of a vulnerable spot, still reeling from the summer heat and now facing the crisp, dry fall. This is the time to double down on immune-boosting practices to keep the sniffles at bay.
TIP: Replace heavily iced water with room temperature water. Favor sipping spiced teas through the day. Dry ginger, turmeric and cinnamon are spices that are helpful with building immunity as well as working on a sluggish digestive system.
4. The Mind Follows the Wind: Vata governs the nervous system, so as the wind picks up outside, our minds can feel a little blown around too. Anxiety, stress, and sleep issues often pop up in fall, which makes grounding and calming routines super important.
TIP: If you don’t have a meditation practice yet, consider starting one. Meditation doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming—just carving out 5-10 minutes a day to focus on your mind can make a big difference. It can take many forms: deep breathing, guided meditations, prayer, a mindful walk in nature—whatever helps you connect inward. There’s no one-size-fits-all, so feel free to experiment until you find what resonates with you. Your mind will thank you!
5. Time to Ground and Nourish: Just like nature starts slowing down, so should we. Fall is the season to turn inward, eat hearty meals, stay warm, and keep a consistent routine that soothes Vata’s restless energy.
TIP: Learn to say No. No is a full sentence. Consider filling your calendar with social engagements that give you joy.
Ayurveda’s message for fall is clear: embrace the change, but do it with intention. As the season cools, your body craves warmth, nourishment, and grounding. By adjusting your habits to align with nature, you can maintain balance and resilience, no matter how unpredictable the weather becomes.
If the terms - vata, pitta and kapha are new to you - you can read this previous post