Fall Ritucharya

There is one constant in life and that is change. It is inevitable. So, the question is: how do we find more grace and acceptance in the face of change?

When the seasons change, the weather shifts and certain crops are ripe for planting and some don't stand a chance. As a developed species, we have created technologies that disrupt our natural rhythms. It is important more now than ever that we tune in to the innate desires that environmental change creates. We must greet the current season with ease and adopt practices that balance us from within.

This is an Ayurvedic ritucharya. Ritu is the season and charya is rule and regimen. [1] Ritucharya is a practice that tunes our diet and behavior to match the environment around us. It feels good because we cultivate ease with nature.

According to Ayurveda, fall and early winter are vata season. Vata is marked by dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile and clear qualities.

As the seasons change, consider the following practices to balance mind and body. It is suggested that one follow these practice from about October through February. However, with awareness, you will notice your desires begin to shift anyways. :)

Opt for High Quality, Warm Nourishment

Diet should include:

• Warm, well cooked, well spiced foods such as soups and stews

• Warming spices such as ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin

• Drink warm fluids - ideally water or tea

Avoid the Following:

• Cold, frozen, rough, dry, raw and hard foods

• Pre-packaged snacks - Rice cakes, chips, crackers, popcorn, dried fruit

Abhyanga or Self-Massage

Loving touch paired with warm oil is one of the best ways to ground and calm the mind and body. It also supports the nervous system which is a function of vata. Also, the daily application of oil combats the dryness that is ever-present in the fall and winter months. 

This Ayurvedic massage is best practiced in the morning. Showering after the abhyanga allows the oil to steam and soak into the body. It can also be done after the shower. Choose a seasonal oil such as sesame for the fall or opt for something lighter like olive or sunflower if you are pitta. Safflower or dry brushing is good for kappa. I like to get high quality, organic massage oils from Banyan Botanicals.  

Here is a video on how to perform the abhyanga.

Routine

Routine is a wonderful way to balance the irregular and changing aspects of vata dosha. This means eating and sleeping around the same time each day. It helps the body get into rhythm and supports regular bodily functions and elimination as well.

Slow Down

Fall is such a beautiful time of year. Look around and enjoy all that fall has to offer for the senses: beautiful leaves for the eyes and crinkling under the toes, cool air on your face, smells and tastes of warming spices. Ease up on your schedule and block out more time for self-care and to simply be. Remember that you are a human being – not human doing. ;)

Sources:

[1] Ritucharya: The Answer to Lifestyle Disorders. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3361919/

The Ayurvedic Clock

Ayurveda provides a framework for how to sync the mind and body up to the rhythm of nature. When we are in tune and in the flow with the cosmos then energy is steady, digestion is strong and the mind is clear. Life becomes easier because we are swimming with the current - not against it. 

The Ayurvedic clock is broken down into six cycles. Three cycles occur during the day and three during the night. 

Before laying out the clock, it is beneficial to understand the energies which guide us. Ayurveda is based on the five great elements: earth, water, fire, air and space. These elements combine to create three doshas. Dosha is a sanskrit word which provides understanding to the elements and relating qualities. The three doshas govern mental and physical response. 

Vata is the lightest dosha comprised of air and space.
Pitta is the hottest dosha comprised of fire and a little water.
Kapha is the densest dosha comprised of earth and water. 

Day Cycle

6a - 10a - Kapha Time
Dense kapha energy is strong at this time. It is best to engage in movement and exercise because there is already natural lubrication and strength in the physical body. Exercise also shakes any lethargy or heaviness in the mind.

10a - 2p - Pitta Time
The sun is at the highest point in the sky which increases the fire element. Use the hot, fire-like energy in your advantage and enjoy a large, slow lunch because the digestive fire is strongest this time of the day!

2p - 6p - Vata Time
Vata invokes light and mobile energy, so harness this energy through a focus on work. The subtle and expansive qualities offer greater creativity and productivity.  It is also a time of transition from the day cycles to night cycles. 

Night Cycle

6p - 10p - Kapha Time
Enjoy a light meal. Digestion is not as strong during this time of the day. Supper is supposed to be supplemental meaning it should supplement the mid-day meal. If unable to exercise in the morning, this is a good alternate time to exercise. Get into bed and aim to be asleep before 10p while the dense energy can ease you into a restful night's sleep.

10p - 2a - Pitta Time
During this time, the fire and transformative energy of pitta is used to detox the system. It is important to be asleep before 10p, or else you may catch a second wind of energy. Being awake during this time affects your liver's ability to clean house or clean and repair your body.

2a - 6a - Vata Time
Start your day bright and early! The air is naturally lighter which makes for an easier transition into your day. You may notice that you are groggy if you wake after 6a during the kapha time. However, it is important that you get sufficient rest or waking up before 6a will be challenging. 

Conclusion

Have you noticed any of these energies in your daily life? It can be overwhelming to think about switching your routine up. Habits are hard to break! The invitation is to begin noticing how the energy of each dosha affects your mind and body at certain times of the day. Perhaps start by slowly retiring to bed a little bit earlier each week over a few weeks, or have a slightly larger lunch than dinner. It is encouraged to make small changes and adjust habits over time!