Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, the practice of hatha yoga and the ancient teachings of Ayurveda can help you better navigate the changes of the seasons. A transitional period between summer and winter, autumn is marked by transformation and the slowing down of nature. We will give you 3 tips inspired by yoga and Ayurveda to align yourself with nature and the elements in autumn.
According to traditional medicine, autumn is the season when the elements Air and Ether prevail. It is important to pay special attention to the organs related to these elements, namely: the lungs, the large intestine, and the ENT system. It is also in the region of the lungs that the thymus is located, an essential organ of our immune system.
Indian traditional medicine or Ayurveda indicates that this season is dominated by the Vata dosha. This is a term that can be translated as the element Air or the energy of Wind.
Like an autumn leaf swirling in the wind, Vata energy is cold, dry, rough, light, changeable, and mobile. One may then experience difficulties in settling down and concentrating, alternating between hyperactivity and exhaustion, and, more generally, a fragility both physical and emotional.
According to Ayurveda, an excess of Vata promotes:
• nervousness, anxiety, and stress.
• sleep problems.
• dry skin.
• digestive issues and constipation.
If you recognize some of these seasonal symptoms in yourself, you need to calm your Vata to regain your balance in autumn. Specifically, you should cultivate qualities that are contrary to this cold, dry, rough, light, and mobile energy:
• physical and mental stability.
• warmth.
• softness and slowness.
• regularity.
During this transition period between summer vacation and work, our biological clock is disrupted by the decrease in brightness, which is further exacerbated in France by the change in time. To cope with these destabilizing changes, the first lesson to be learned from Ayurveda is to adopt a regular rhythm:
• by going to bed at the same time every night.
• by having your meals in a calm environment and at regular times.
• by following a routine in your yoga practice, even on days when you simply want to stay home and not move.
During this season when nature changes and leaves swirl, it is important to practice yoga poses that promote stability and grounding. In your morning yoga routine, prioritize asanas that symbolically represent a connection to the Earth or rooting, such as Mountain Pose and Tree Pose.
These two balancing poses engage the legs, deep muscles, and points of contact with the ground that help maintain stability and calmness. They also serve as powerful metaphors, reminding us of the importance of keeping our feet firmly grounded. Just like a tree, we cannot withstand storms (intense events and emotions) if we do not have solid roots.
In the evening, focus on poses centered around spinal relaxation and letting go. Since our emotions can be destabilized in autumn, it is more important than ever to cultivate calmness and release the stress accumulated throughout the day.
For example, you can practice lying twists on your back and gentle spinal stretches like Child's Pose or Balasana.
To counterbalance the cold and dry energy of Vata in autumn, Ayurveda also recommends warming up in various ways.
You can, for example:
• wear several layers of clothing;
• drink hot beverages like honey and ginger infusions;
• consume seasonal foods like pumpkin soups and cinnamon apple compote;
• take warm baths, between 34°C and 38°C, without exceeding a duration of 20 minutes to avoid drying out your skin;
• massage your skin with nourishing oils like sesame oil.
Draw inspiration from this non-exhaustive list to establish relaxation and beauty rituals in your schedule! Autumn is a favorable season for self-care. And since you can't fight against the less sunny weather and shorter days, focus your energy instead on your daily yoga routine and healthy habits that bring you well-being and comfort…