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As one of my teachers, Claudia Welch, writes: "A fundamental tenet of Ayurveda is that we should live in harmony with our external environment as well as our internal one. (We adjust) our lifestyles, diets, herbs and remedies according to whatever season we're in. For example, we may eat cooler things when it's hot out or warmer things when it's cool out, thereby discouraging too much heat or too much cold, respectively, from accumulating in our bodies. It's easier to maintain balance when what you're standing on isn't moving."
I love that last sentence because it's true of so many aspects of modern living!
This is one of those weird times of year when we're stuck in between seasons for a while. One day it's 90 degrees and sunny and the next day is 55 degrees, rainy and windy...what you're standing on is moving. Variable weather affects vata dosha more so than the other doshas. No matter what your ayurvedic constitution, your vata will be elevated during the transition into fall. (Don't worry if you don't "speak ayurveda", I'll be breaking it down for you.)
So, what does this mean? It means that everyone will be more prone to such physical and emotional symptoms as constipation, gas, bloating, aching or cracking joints, dry hair and skin, cold hands and feet, tics, twitches, nerve disorders, spaciness, anxiety, nervousness, fear and worry.
So, what do you do?
ˇKeep a regular routine. Routine is exceptionally important for pacification of vata dosha. Waking, eating, sleeping, exercising, etc. should all be done at the same times every day. If you can't do all of these, simply start with one
ˇEat warm, moist, slightly oily, heavy foods. Avoid leftovers, cold, dry, raw or frozen foods. Do not fast or skip meals.
ˇKeep warm. Avoid cold weather and wind. Keep your hoodie or your pashmina at hand because you may not know exactly when you'll need it.
ˇGet plenty of rest. Don't overstimulate yourself with loud music, staying up late, too much TV or too much talking. Multi-tasking = the enemy.
ˇ Daily oil massage is extremely beneficial (instructions here). Steam baths and humidifiers are recommended.
ˇReduce stress, agitation and worry through meditation, gentle asana and pranayama (breathing exercises). Here's some really nice beginner meditation instruction from Kim Wilcox, a Chicago yoga instructor.
Here's a Vegetable Curry recipe (from Amadea Morningstar) suitable for everyone during vata-elevating times:
Tri-Doshic Vegetable Curry #1
* 1 cup fresh green peas (frozen can be used if necessary)
* 1 cup carrots, diced
* 1 cup potatoes, diced
* 2 cups green string beans or asparagus, cut in 1 inch pieces
* 2 tbs. sunflower oil or ghee (clarified butter)
* 2 tsps. cumin seeds
* 2 tsps. black mustard seeds
* 1 tsp. sea salt
* 1 1/2 cups water
* 2 tsps. turmeric
* 1 tsp. coriander powder
* ˝ cup yogurt
Heat oil or ghee in large heavy skillet. Add mustard and cumin seeds. When the mustard seeds pop, add turmeric. Then add all the vegetables and the water. If using frozen peas, do not add until rest of vegetables are nearly done. Cook covered until the vegetables become tender, about 15-20 minutes. Then add yogurt and the rest of the ingredients, stirring well. Simmer uncovered on low heat for another 15-20 minutes.
Comments: Serve over rice or other grain. This easy-to-prepare curry is likely to garner you rave reviews. The cooling qualities of the peas and potatoes are offset by the other vegetables and the curry spices. This small amount of yogurt, thinned with water, is usually tolerated well by all doshas and aids digestion. Whenever you can, use tender fresh, rather than frozen peas, as they are more balancing for Kapha and Vata.
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