Ayurvedic Guidelines for Fall: Pacifying Vata as the Weather Turns

In summer time one should enjoy forests, gardens, flowers, and cool water. During the night one should sleep on the open airy roof of the house, which is cooled by the rays of the moon. —Charaka Samhita GUIDELINES FOR FALL Autumn is dry, light, cold, windy, rough, and empty (trees drop their leaves). All these qualities provoke vata dosha.

So naturally the guidelines for autumn revolve around pacifying vata. • If you can, wake up early, around 5 ., when the air is calm and the birds are not yet A.M out of bed. There is an extraordinary silence and peace at this time of day. • Good yoga asanas for the autumn season include the Lotus pose, Forward Bend, Backward Bend, Vajrasana (Sitting on the Heels), Spinal Twist, Camel, Cobra, Cow, and Cat.

Shoulder Stand and Headstand are all right in moderation. Also do the Sun Salutation a minimum of twelve cycles. As a maximum, you can do as many Sun Salutations as your age, but you have to build up to this through regular daily practice. Finish your yoga session with savasana, the relaxation pose.

• Gentle Alternate Nostril pranayama is good following yoga postures. Then meditate for at least ten to fifteen minutes. • Every morning before your bath or shower, rub 6 to 9 ounces of warm sesame oil all over your body, from head to toe. Sesame oil is warming and heavy and will help to balance vata.

Then take a nice warm shower. Leave a little of the oil on your skin. • Good fall colors for pacifying vata are red, yellow, and orange. White is also helpful.