Seasonal Care
Grounding is a vital part of autumn and early winter.
Vata season is characterized by cold, windy weather. When Vata is more prominent in Nature we tend to accumulate more Vata in our physiology, so physically you may begin to feel the cold more, and feel more sensitive to everything. If Vata dosha becomes aggravated you may start feeling stressed or fatigued, experiencing some constipation, dry skin, and lack of sleep. To offset this internal cold and dry restlessness, make sure to establish a steady routine to your days, staying calm, warm and nourished.
Lifestyle
ItÕs important during this season in particular to maintain a routine. Begin by going to bed at the same time every night (preferably around 10pm) and waking at the same hour every morning and regulate your mealtimes.
Food
Warm, moist and heavy foods will soothe Vata. Prepare fresh and hot stews, soups and vegetables and add a bit of ghee with heating spices like cinnamon or ginger. Have oatmeal and stewed fruit in the morning; particularly stewed fruits such as figs, prunes, apricots or raisins. Sip warm ginger tea throughout the day to keep you warm and hydrated. Before bed, have a cup of warm milk (can be rice milk or almond milk) with a pinch of ginger and some honey.
Asana practices
Connect with your body and calm your energy with light yoga and stretching.
During this time of year begin to become aware of apana, or downward-moving energy in the body to cultivate a sense of being grounded. Vata dosha resides in the hips, pelvis and colon so focus on standing poses and hip opening, to ground the nervous system via the legs, creating both warmth and fluidity.
Massage
Incorporate a sesame oil massage in the morning or give yourself or a loved one a foot massage.
Basic Foot Massage
Apply a neutral oil such as almond or sesame oil to your feet. Begin by lightly massaging the entire foot and then focus on the following areas to access reflex points: The heels and behind the ankle bones correspond to the pelvic region The arch of the foot for the digestive region The upper arch on the right foot relates to the liver and on the left foot the stomach The ball of the foot for lungs, heart and chest The toes correspond to the head, sinuses, brain and the center of the big toe pad relates to the pituitary gland
ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years as healing aids in daily life. Used aromatically, applied topically, or taken internally, essential oils can calm, energize, balance, purify, and rejuvenate the mind and body. For more essential oils or a specific recommendation for your constitution please contact the studio.
Ginger: supports the digestive system, ginger is commonly used to soothe, comfort, and balance digestive discomfort.
Lavender: Diffuse cooling aroma oils
such as lavender to keep your environment balanced. Sleep with your
windows open if you can.
Vetiver: Vetiver has a heavy, earthy fragrance similar to patchouli with a touch of lemon. Vetiver oil is psychologically grounding, calming, and stabilizing.
Incorporating these activities into a daily routine will further reinforce a sense of calm and personal nurturing that will soothe all doshas.
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