Healthiest way to transit from summer to autumn

According to Ayurveda, all the diseases begin at Ritu Sandhi (junctions of seasons). With the weather changes come adjustments that are to be made for the body. It takes the body a moment to understand that everything has changed and it is at this time that we are vulnerable to diseases. Harmonizing our habits with the seasonal transitions can help us enjoy a healthy and contented autumn.

Depending on your Ayurvedic body type (doshas) the changing of the weather to a cooler temperature may or may not be a good thing.

During summer we tend to crave cold foods. But as the temperature around us changes it is important to change our eating habits as well. Cold, raw foods in the fall season build mucus in the system.

Preparing for the seasonal changes from summer to fall can help you avoid diseases like cold, flu and seasonal disorders.

According to Ayurveda Pitta dosha (heat) gets accumulated in the body by the end of Pitta season (summer), which can cause disease in Vata season (autumn) if they aren’t eliminated.

Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle changes to promote a healthy Transition from summer to autumn

Autumn is represented by wind and vata energy and so wanking up before sunrise will help in balancing the body
Do light yoga, stretches and walking and avoid rigorous exercises
Keep a regular daily routine in terms of meals, sleep and exercise at the same time every day
Consider sipping warm or lukewarm water throughout the day to help eases digestion and bowel moments
Eat warm, light and highly nutritious foods as it will help in burning away the toxins rather than accumulate them
Avoid raw salads, Beans in general as they are hard to digest in this season.

Ayurvedic food that promotes autumn health

Ginger – It warms and settles the stomach to ensure ease in digestion and resolves toxicities in the body.
Onions and garlic – they induce sweating and clear any nasal congestions. They also boost the immune system and protect the heart.
Radish – It clears food stagnation and helps in ease breathing
Honey – it nourishes lungs and throat and helps in resolving cough and cold
Cinnamon = It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which disperse cold aches associated with cold

Cold, dry, mobile, subtle, rough, and light are the qualities of Vata dosha. To balance Vata during this transition time it’s important to expose yourself to the opposite qualities such as warm, smooth, slow, moist, and heavy. Balancing the doshas before each new season begins is the key to a better mental, physical and emotional health.