Autumn Health

As autumn slowly approaches, it’s natural that with the change of season, we also feel a change in our mental health. The kids are back at school, the nights are drawing in and the cooler, sometimes, erratic climate can all affect our health, particularly our stress levels. However, it’s not all doom and gloom! We can easily manage our health through this transitional time by following some simple lifestyle recommendations and taking some effective natural treatments to help relieve any stress or anxiety.

Autumn is a time when the Air element (vayu) is predominant; there is more lightness, dryness and coolness. There is also the tendency for ‘the winds of change’ to blow ever more erratically. These qualities in nature have a tendency to aggravate vata which is the dosha primarily associated with the nervous system. Vata also regulates the levels of moisture in the body, how relaxed we feel and how well we digest food. Autumn is naturally a time of balancing vata and reducing any symptoms of wind, dryness and erratic behaviour.

Autumn routine
It is important to say that the suggestions below are for seasonal balance and that you must always pay attention to any personal needs above and beyond this. If you have a vata constitution, ignore them at your peril!

Massage yourself with warm sesame oil. This can offset the seasonal tendency to dryness, joint cracking, and stiff muscle pain. Wash off in a warm shower. Place a drop of oil in your nostrils and ears to offset the damaging effect of the elements.

Apply grounding scents such as essential oil on the eyebrow centre and throat.

Try a whole body massage using Relax vata oil perfect for relieving tension, dry skin and balancing vata.

Your autumnal diet should consist of warm foods that are sweet, mildly spicy, sour and salty as these are all flavours that increase moisture and encourage feeling nourished and grounded

Start the day with a small bowl of porridge of oats, rice or quinoa that can be flavoured with maple syrup and cinnamon.

Take a teaspoon of organic Chywanaprash in the morning to keep your energy and immunity intact at this time of change. Chywanaprash is a great remedy for reducing vata and maintaining your inner strength.

Ashwagandha is the most nourishing herb for supporting vata imbalances.

Avoid too much raw salad, cold drinks, ice, beans, fermented foods and yeast in autumn as they cause gas and may destabilise your digestion.

At the end of your busy day make yourself a delicious cup of milk simmered with a pinch of nutmeg and cardamom and settle in for a blissful night's sleep.