OUT WITH SUMMER, IN WITH FALL

In Ayurveda, the transitioning of seasons is called “Rtu Sandhi” and it is during these periods of the year that many people become ill as they are not sure of or are not following the season in its own process of transitioning. Some people are opposing this and hold on to summer as much as possible and even though it is understood why some people may do this there still has to be an awareness that carrying one season’s behavior into the next will have a cost. This cost is known as a health compromise and is aligned with the siddhanta (core principle) of Ayurveda known as Prajnaparadha (misuse of intelligence), which is one of the primary causes (nidana) of health issues.

What does this look like, you may ask? Here’s an example. Imagine having a cold but your friend is eating pizza next to you and your eyes want the pizza but the rest of your body doesn’t. You have a choice to make. Do you eat the pizza too or do you forego the pizza and make yourself some soup instead? The right use of intelligence suggests that giving up the pizza temporarily will help you have pizza another day, enjoyably, as long as you can recover from your cold immediately or as soon as possible. So often, some people choose to eat the pizza and prolong the cold but complain of the long-lasting symptoms such as congestion, fogginess, constipation, and even runny nose, but they don’t own up to the fact that they made a poor food choice that perpetuated this suffering, or they choose to not care and push through it.

When it comes to seasonal transitions such as summer going into fall, when you slow down you can notice nature also making its shifts. Watch the plants, trees, and the rest of nature. What is happening? The air quality and temperature start to change and slowly fluctuate as nature prepares for hibernation. We are part of nature and when we think otherwise is when we cause more health issues. In Ayurveda, another siddhanta (core principle) is known as Svabhava which is defined as that which occurs naturally. What occurs naturally? Seasons changing, cycles of the day, cycles of life (birth, childhood to adolescents to adulthood to expiration), the urge to eat, the urge to drink, the urge to poop, the urge to sleep, and many other urges and natural processes. When we work against this we cause health problems. Continuing to wear flip flops and shorts and staying up late (regardless of the season but especially when we transition) and eating cold foods on cooler days can cause ill health.

Notice where you may be doing this and how you can make some changes. An investment in health today will grant you more health tomorrow, next week, next month and even years from now. The body is a historical system and it requires consistency for health and as long as we are consistently maintaining (carya) health and a regular daily (dina) and seasonal (rtu) schedule we can remain in health more easily. Even when there is ill-health present, which tends to be a result of dis-ease (not being at ease, due to stress) abiding by a consistent healthy (svastha) regimen, adhering to a routine (stricter) can increase the chances of returning to homeostasis.

Here are some basic suggestions but please be sure to review SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS which contains more information and other article resources and practices.

1) Start your day off with a simple cup of hot water. Drink it plain right after brushing your teeth and oral hygiene practices.

2) Make sure you are eating meals at consistent times (Kala).

3) Know what foods are harvested this time of year and ensure that they are a part of your diet.

4) Apply oil (nasya) that is in alignment with your constitution or where you are at within your health.

5) Incorporate some self-massage practices and ideally schedule your session for them.

6) Make sure your exercise regimen occurs consistently and ideally before 10 am, for the best practice.

7) Be sure to be asleep by 10 or close to it.

8) Waking up naturally can occur more easily when you get to bed at the best time. It’s more important to get to sleep by 10 and the body will claim what it needs and wake you up when it is ready. Trust it.

9) Once you wake up, force yourself up, especially as the days darken and remain darker longer. Going back to sleep can cause an excess of Kapha dosha (Kapha Prakopa) and this can stress the heart and circulatory/lymphatic system. There are special considerations such as being ill, elderly, childhood and even pregnancy, or days/climates that are hot, that resting during the day is indicated. Find out more. Also, these sleep rules apply to the average person that doesn’t work a night shift. Find out more if you are a night worker of sorts.

10) Be mindful of portions (Matra) and not to overeat. It is best to eat when you START to feel full.

11) Gradually, increase oils such as coconut, butter, olive oil, and even a little ghee as the season changes and becomes more consistent in its pattern.

Remember, what we do now can influence our health not only today but also tomorrow. The investment is worth it and the benefits by far outweigh the negative effects if we take the time to address proper self-care right now. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can begin today and right now. The sooner the better. You’re worth it and your health will be the reward that allows you to experience the joys and pleasure of life long-term. Ayurveda is the science of health, prevention, sick-care, and longevity.

DISCLAIMER: This information is meant for educational purposes only. Any changes in lifestyle should be reviewed with a qualified practitioner and primary care physician if you are currently under their care for specific conditions.