By Monica Yearwood
As a lifestyle practice and a medical system, ayurveda emphasizes rhythm. Our body’s rhythm can be observed through the heartbeat and respiration, while nature’s rhythm can be detected through the seasons and planetary cycles. Ayurveda teaches that our inner rhythm is profoundly influenced by nature’s rhythms. Since disease comes from living out of alignment with these rhythms, we can enhance our health by living in synchronicity with them.
To align ourselves with nature, ayurveda emphasizes seasonal practices called ritucharya. Each season has rising qualities that can be augmented through our behavior to prevent imbalance. For example, during the fall season, dryness and mobility are reduced by adding more oils in the diet and stillness in our yoga practice.
Fall is a time for building the immune system for the winter months ahead. It is also one of the most important times of year to get adequate rest and to meditate regularly. Other ritucharya practices for fall include:
Favor a cooked foods diet
During fall, most of us crave warm, cooked foods. Ayurveda teaches that this is a healthy desire that should be rewarded. Soups, stews, curries, steamed veggies and grains are nourishing and easy to digest. A heavier, wetter and denser diet helps to reduce the qualities (light, dry, mobility) of the fall season.
Oil the body daily
The fall season can be drying. Dryness can prompt mucus production. Excess mucus can breed bacteria and trap viruses that lead to illness. By oiling regularly, you protect your body and stave off cold and flu. Use a traditional ayurvedic oil called a thailam in place of lotion and apply to your limbs and lower abdomen after a shower. If you are unable to obtain a thailam you can safely use untoasted sesame oil at this time of year. Place a few drops in each ear and nostril.
Build the immune system
Immune system builders include healthy fats and carbohydrates that come from seasonal fruits (especially citrus fruits), vegetables (root vegetables, in particular), legumes, nuts and ghee (clarified butter). Sweet herbs, such as shatavari and ashwagandha, strengthen the body and immunity.
Shatavari and ashwagandha are gaining popularity in the United States. Both can be purchased in capsule form from many supplement stores and organic grocers. I recommend a consultation with an ayurvedic practitioner to help you determine the dosage and form (capsule, powder, tea, etc.) that is best for you.
Ayurvedic treatments such as abhyanga (oil massage), shirodhara (medicinal oil poured over the hairline) and swedana (herbal steam) also balance the nervous system, especially during the fall.
Monica Yearwood is an ayurvedic practitioner and founder of Hamsa Ayurveda & Yoga in Chicago.
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