Every transition comes with a sense of uncertainty and unrest.

The seasonal changes are no different, especially for our body. The external changes bring internal changes which needs adjusting. Our digestion has to switch from processing the food of the summer, with its light salads, ice creams and BBQs, to digesting the one of the autumn with its root vegetables, soups, bakes, a more unctuous, nourishing food.

Ayurveda explains that summer is the time of Pitta dosha (predominance of fire and water element). Throughout that time, the heat of the season accumulates in our body tissues where it stays even when the season turns to autumn.

Autumn arrives with stronger winds and cooler air, increasing the air and space elements which is called Vata dosha. This wind brings change, and the change brings naturally a sense of instability, uncertainty and anxiety.

As mentioned above, when we transition from the summer to the autumn, the heat stays with us. The autumn winds can stoke the fire (just as we blow into the fire to let it burn brighter), we need to be mindful not to increase the heat, as this can leave us with exhaustion and dryness can increase.

How can we support this process?

Slowing down

Autumn is the time to slow down, evenings are getting longer, weather more unsettled.

If you like planning, this is a great time to check-in with your priorities to find out, what is truly important and what can wait.

Slowing down is calming both the increasing Vata and the remaining Pitta dosha.

Cleansing

The autumn doesn’t require a thorough cleanse unlike the spring. It rather needs to be nourishing, hence the kitchadi cleanse is ideal for this time, using simple and fresh produce, which are available in abundance. Fresh seasonal fruits and veg, properly seasoned, will help to cleanse the body in a gentle way and nourish it at the same time, a wonderful preparation for the winter ahead.

Indulging in a nourishing Ayurvedic full body massage is a lovely complement.

Yoga

Yoga postures are an effective and important tool to ground, cleanse and strengthen the natural ability to digest food. A strong digestion = a strong Agni (digestive fire), which keeps AMA, toxins, in bay.

At home you could practise supine twists with deep breathing, these are excellent for relaxation, digestion and releasing tensions in the back.

Simple deep breathing is very helpful.