At the end of a long, hot and humid summer, most of us look forward to the reprieve of Autumn breezes. The gradually changing temperatures and falling leaves are clear reminders that a transitional time of year is upon us.  In Ayurveda, this time of year marked by cooler, dryer and windy weather, is considered the beginning of Vata season.

At the onset of Fall, many of us start to think of the approaching holidays, the cozy sweaters and of course, the pumpkin-themed treats.  But, Ayurveda reminds us that this time of year is also an integral time of transition for our skin and self-care routines.  As the season changes, and the weather cools, we must adapt not just our wardrobes but also our routines.  Ayurveda has a lot of time-honored advice to impart for our well-being during Vata season including how what we do during this time impacts us well into winter and beyond. 

Air, Air Everywhere

Elements that make up Vata, Air and Ether, are increased during this season often causing dryness in hair, skin and eyes.  But on the upside, airy Vata is also known as the primary motivating force of the doshas.  Like wind, it is known as ‘that which moves things’ inevitably bringing the phrase winds-of-change to mind. Vata is responsible for our mental and physical adaptability so it makes sense that it is the moving/energizing force of the body and mind.  It governs our nervous system and even our physical senses.  When Vata is in balance, our movement is airy and our mental processes flow, allowing us to feel spacious, centered and connected. Finding equilibrium during Vata Season is all about harnessing the flow of this breezy season

You are NOT a Snowflake

 

Elements that make up Vata, Air and Ether, are increased during this season often causing dryness in hair, skin and eyes.  But on the upside, airy Vata is also known as the primary motivating force of the doshas.  Like wind, it is known as ‘that which moves things’ inevitably bringing the phrase winds-of-change to mind. Vata is responsible for our mental and physical adaptability so it makes sense that it is the moving/energizing force of the body and mind.  It governs our nervous system and even our physical senses.  When Vata is in balance, our movement is airy and our mental processes flow, allowing us to feel spacious, centered and connected. Finding equilibrium during Vata Season is all about harnessing the flow of this breezy season. 

Forget the snowflake analogy, consider yourself more like a leaf; an Autumn leaf.Autumn at first glance is a time of endings.  The once vibrantly green leaves come into all their fall glory with hues of red, gold and orange that must necessarily fade to brown marking the end of the summer season.  But Autumn also signals the rebirth that will occur once more after the old leaves have shed and gone, making room for the green to return. 

Similarly, you and your skin will go through a period of adjustment and initial dryness but with proper care and adaptation to the cyclical nature of things, the glow will come once more.