First Snowfall! How Ayurveda Can Help You Find Balance This Season

Our first snowfall in Klamath Falls fell in the early morning on November 1, signaling a more visible change in our external environment as the shift in seasons begins. As we move closer towards winter we also begin to notice shifts in our internal environment - as within, so without. We may experience a variety of different symptoms from a stuffy nose, increased fatigue, a desire to be more sedentary, increased anxiety or depression, and perhaps less time spent outdoors. As the temperatures drop, we begin to notice the world around us becoming more dormant.

There is a reason we experience these cycles during this time of year, and there is a call for each of us to tap in and listen to our body’s wisdom and modify our routines or our approaches towards ourselves during this time. There are also holistic approaches that have been passed down from the ancient science of Ayurveda which can create ease and more enjoyment as you redefine what your body is needing and craving during this season.

Ayurveda originated in India over 5,000 years ago and is one of the world’s oldest forms of medicine - more accurately termed, the science of life. Ayurveda approaches health and wellness as a mind-body connection, which is also why it is considered a sister science to yoga, the two working in conjunction.

The 3 Doshas

A basic tenet of Ayurveda is that there are three doshas, which include the five states of matter: ether, air, fire, water, and earth. Each person possesses all three doshas, but in different amounts based on the person’s mental, emotional and physical constitution and makeup. Because human beings are cyclical in nature, just like the world around us, our doshas shift and change with the seasons and our lifestyle, and when that occurs, our bodies call for balance. In Ayurveda, when there is a lack of balance between the doshas, that is when we experience illness - mentally, emotionally, and physically. But we’ll get into that soon…

First, as I describe the doshas, notice the elements and traits within each dosha and how they correspond to elements in nature, and within yourself. As you do, you’ll notice how your body naturally responds to both your inner and outer worlds, and how it is all intrinsically connected. This awareness of connection will foster increased health, balance, and ease as you become more in tune to your unique rhythms.

Vata

The first dosha is Vata, a combination of ether and air. It is considered the most powerful of the doshas and controls basic bodily functions as well as the mind. Vata corresponds with our ideas, our inspiration, and creativity. It is associated with the seasons of late fall and early winter.

If you are someone who is Vata dominant, you may have a more long and lean frame, fingers, and toes, experience dryness in skin, hair, lips, and joints, and may be more sensitive to the cold, wind, and dry weather. Additionally, Vata appetites are more erratic with an irregular digestion, and are typically considered light sleepers.

When Vata is imbalanced, you may experience joint pains or arthritis, anxiety, migraines, irregular menstrual cycles, or restless sleep.

Pitta

Pitta is a combination of fire and water. It is linked with digestion, metabolism, and hormones. Mentally and emotionally, Pitta corresponds with our passion, drive, and motivation. Quite literally imagine a blazing fire - heat, fluidity in movement. It is associated with the season of summer.

As a Pitta dominant person, you may have more of an athletic build, perhaps freckles or redness in the face and cheeks, more prone to acne, and sensitive to heat and humidity. Pitta possess healthy appetites and strong digestion, and light but good sleepers.

When Pitta is imbalanced, you may experience indigestion, heartburn, heavier menstrual cycles, increased agitation or a quick temper.

Kapha

Kapha is a combination of earth and water. It controls stability, strength, our muscles, weight, and immune system. Mentally and emotionally, Kapha is nurturing, grounded, steady - similar words we would associate with our Earth. It is associated with the seasons late winter and early spring.

A Kapha dominant person may have a more curvy build, strong frame, tendency toward weight gain, and thick, soft, oily hair, lashes, and skin. They are more intolerant of cold, damp environments, experience cold extremities, and a steady but slow appetite and digestion. Kapha sleep deeply and experience more regular menstrual cycles.

When Kapha is imbalanced, you may experience a tendency towards colds, congestion, allergies, a sluggish digestion, and a tendency to oversleep.

The Doshas and Your Lifestyle

As you read through each dosha, can you relate to each one in some way? Are you able to identify where you may be more dominant in one dosha than another?

Currently, we are in Vata season, slowly moving toward Kapha season. What does this mean? Vata is associated with cold, brittle, and dry. Similar to how early winter feels (if you’re located in a place with a typical winter). In order to create balance while Vata is so prevalent, our bodies ask for warmth, nurturance, and grounding, as well as heat building movement that still allows for a slower pace.

Here are some practices, both on and off your mat, you can incorporate this Vata season to create more balance and harmony within your inner and outer worlds:

Diet

Incorporate more warm, cooked, and Vata balancing foods into your diet during this time: seasonal fruits and vegetables such as apples, apricots, oranges, sweet potatoes, lentils, carrots, turnips, and leafy green vegetables. Additionally, add more healthy fats, oils, and nuts into your diet as well as warming beverages.

Helpful herbs include: garlic, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, and paprika.

Avoid: overly spicy foods, cold or fried foods.

Yoga

A practice that is heat building yet slower moving may be helpful during this time, depending on how quickly your body is ready to move. Beginning your practice with some extra sun salutations can be beneficial in easing into the practice while also building that heat from within. Additionally, this season is a great time to really enjoy those delicious spinal twists and heart opener poses.

Step Outside

With vitamin D levels dropping, getting outdoors when the sun makes an appearance will significantly positively affect your mood and overall disposition. Just make sure to bundle up, especially if you’re someone already sensitive to colder weather.

Dry Brushing & Abhyanga

To encourage circulation in the body and lymphatic drainage, dry brush before showering. Use long, sweeping strokes on long bones and circular strokes on your joints, always brushing towards your heart center from wherever you are on your body. Before hopping into the shower, you can then use an oil of your choice for a self oil massage, or abhyanga. Again, this will encourage circulation and heat within the body.

Check in with Yourself

While these are all suggestions to incorporate during this season, you know your body best. Check in with yourself. And, sometimes it can be difficult to incorporate new practices into your routine, or maybe the decrease in mood makes it difficult to do much of anything. Take some time to be still and quiet with yourself, to check in with your body and its needs, and give yourself permission to reach out for support if it feels too overwhelming.

Sol Luna Yoga was created with community at the forefront. Reach out to schedule a class, whether you’re seeking a heat-building yoga class, some slower movement, or a non-movement class that simply asks you to connect with yourself. We never want you to feel alone, during this season, or any other time. We’re here to support you. So come join us. We’d love to have you.