Adapting to Vata Season (autumn/fall) with Ayurveda

The Devon and Cornwall countryside is spectacular. Get fully balanced by counteracting the cool, airy season of Autumn.

During Vata season (mid-October to mid-February) there is more wind and temperatures drop, therefore it’s essential to focus on nourishing foods that balance and calm the air and space elements. 

Incorporate warm and cooked foods: all food should be freshly cooked, whole foods that are soft or mushy in texture, rich in protein and fat, and seasoned with a variety of spices. Serve warm or hot. A great food to choose could be kitchari. See my recipe for details.

Emphasize sweet, sour, and salty tastes: Vata is balanced by these tastes, so incorporate foods with these flavor profiles into your diet. See the tastes post for details.

Check out a full list of Vata pacifying foods here. https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/pages/ayurvedic-vata-pacifying-foods

Include digestive tonics: Triphala is an excellent digestive tonic to balance the Vata digestive system. Some people take this whatever the season, something that I do, as I am predominantly Vata prakriti.

Daily routine is vital at this time of year, to counteract the unpredictable and variable nature of Vata.

Prioritize warmth and comfort: Keep your environment warm and cozy, and prioritize self-care activities like meditation, yoga, or reading.

Avoid excessive dryness and cold: Minimize exposure to dry air, cold temperatures, and windy conditions, which can exacerbate Vata imbalances. This is important if suffering with Vata conditions like dry skin or stools.

Personally I feel that a daily massage with the correctly blended oil is a wonderful antidote for Vata season. We make bespoke oils according to your unique makeup.

Get enough rest: Vata season is a time for introspection and rejuvenation, so prioritize getting adequate sleep and taking breaks throughout the day.

By incorporating these dietary and lifestyle adjustments, you can effectively balance your Vata dosha during the Vata season and maintain overall well-being.

Practice yoga during the early morning hours (before sunrise) or late afternoon/early evening, when Vata is naturally more prominent.

Slow yin, slow Hatha, calming pranayamas are great, focus on controlled movements and deep, slow breathing in Asana practice to calm the nervous system. Build in 10-15 minutes or more of meditation to get balanced before the winds of Vata have a chance to unsettle you.

You can get a specific diet and daily routine from us. Just get in touch for an online consultation or face to face appointment at our clinic in Plymouth.