Fall Equinox and Ayurveda

I am going to share 3 Tips for navigating the Fall Equinox using Ayurveda. By incorporating these new routines, you can have more balance through seasonal changes. In 2020, September 22 at 6:30 am MST marks the fall equinox thus we do need to pay attention. Though first, a wonderful quote that reflects the sensations of fall:

It is the summer’s great last heat,

It is the fall’s first chill: They meet.

–Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt

The image above is: 𝘌𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘢 (𝘓.) 𝘔𝘰𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘩. The roots and aerial parts are used from the Echinacea plant for botanical medicine. The roots of a 2-3-year-old plant are harvested in the spring or fall and then utilized for tinctures or teas.

Seasonal Change Support

See this article for more an in-depth review of the natural rhythms that occur as the season’s change. Coming into a relationship with these changes is great also to model to children. It is time for letting go that which has blossomed over the summer season and let that the natural cycles of rejuvenation begin. The knowledge contained in Ayurveda is based on the library of observations that have been passed on over thousands of generations through ancient textbooks.

Ayurveda in Fall

Ayurveda has an intricate tie to seasonal changes and the potential to support our bodies through this is important. If you have noted that seasonal change in fall leads to little more anxiety or insomnia this would be quite well explained in Ayurveda. Interestingly seasons can increase changes in doshas as the season may have that quality. Vata has the same qualities as fall, Pitta has the same qualities as summer, Kapha has the same qualities as spring, winter (though in India it is more qualified as the rainy season).

It can be interesting to think about new seasonal guidelines based on an understanding of our body types. As fall starts, thus begins the qualities of mobile, dry, rough, and we may start to embody these elemental qualities. As Vata shares those qualities, it naturally becomes higher (this also true as we age older age + Vata time of life). In individuals with a Vata constitution, Vata will be higher as fall arrives.

Banyan has a great in-depth guide for seasonal changes in fall:

Fall Equinox

Here are some of my favorite personal changes that I make as the new season arrives.

• Tip 1: Favor warm cooked foods. This is time to provide warmth through our meals. For example: oatmeal + stewed apples, robust soups, kitchari (see video below for my intro to this), warming teas (i.e. slow cooker chai recipe)
• Tip 2: Steady routine: Pay attention each day as your schedule emerges. Bring mindful awareness of how you structure your day and create greater inner balance by having a steady routine. Wind down the day in the evening by using blue-light blocking techniques, turmeric milk, and mindfulness meditation/soothing music.
• Tip 3: Expressing emotions can be very important in maintaining balance.

Bonus options to try:

• Self oil massage with Vata oil
• Vata pacifying yoga poses

Kitchari in the Kitchen

You can find a full PDF download of the recipe here: Dr Lad’s Kitchari. Below is an example of how I make kitchari.

We eat kitcharie in our home nearly everyday!

Here is a playlist to enjoy while cooking:

If you have not yet downloaded my guide to 5 delicious plant-based ayurvedic recipes, please jump here to download it.

This document is for educational and informational purposes only. It is solely a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to https://drsirichand.com/disclaimer