October Wellness Map
Baby it’s getting cold outside!
With the arrival of October, we are more firmly in Vata (dry/cold) season. While we may have some warmer days, the night temperatures drop considerably and our bodies respond. As in the trees when their sap migrates to the trunk, their foliage changing color and eventually turning loose to the earth below, our resources move toward our core, leaving our limbs feeling drier and cold. We may not lose leaves as the tree does, but the focus moves similarly toward preservation of our important internal processes.
As such, appetite may increase, but those whose mind/body constitution tends Vata, weak digestion may trigger some issues such as gas and constipation. If that is the case, be sure to eat a ginger appetizer (sliver of ginger with sliver of lime and a dash of mineral salt) about 1/2 hour before meals and sip on warm water with lime to stimulate digestion and hydration. Not drinking for 1/2 hour after meals will allow the digestive enzymes to do their job as well. Triphala is also a great supplement to use short term to help digestion as well. While it is tri-doshic, if used long term it can have a tendency to dry out those who are Vata constitution.
The main qualities of the season are dry, airy, and cold, so focus where you can on opposite qualities: moist, warm and grounding. Steer clear of salads and dry foods like crackers, as well as caffeine, which can be drying. And, as always, warm to room temperature water throughout the day is your friend (no ice, please).
This is the perfect time to slow down and go inward, both figuratively and literally. Prioritize rest and self care, and surround yourself with the smells of fall - cinnamon, nutmeg, clove. These are warming and relaxing to the nervous system. Nutmeg in particular is an effective sleep aid. Just add a few grinds of fresh nutmeg to warm glass of milk before bed. Adding cinnamon, a demulcent that helps aid digestion, is recommended as well.
As we dry out, oleation becomes paramount. Take a healing 5-10 minutes each morning for Abhyanga (warm oil self massage). If you tend Vata and feel cold use sesame oil. Other oils that can be used are almond or sunflower. In addition, daily nasya, or oiling in the nose, helps ward off allergies, nose dryness and flu.
Most importantly, enjoy in the season. 🍂 Joy is medicine to the body.
Nourish
As promised in September, this month we incorporate more hard squash into our diets, which I love, love, love! Here is a grounding and nourishing recipe for a Curried Kabocha Coconut Soup that’s sure to warm you up as the temps lower.
As in September, we will focus on the sweet, sour and salty tastes in October. As always, every meal should have all six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent, but the first three below should be the stars of your plate this month:
Sweet foods: berries, bananas, dates, figs, mangos, melons, beets, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, rice, wheat, tofu, red lentils, almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, coconut, aloe, avocado, lime, cilantro, mint, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel. Composed of earth and water elements, these foods are grounding and strengthening.
Salty foods: composed of fire and water, salt helps aid the body in digestion, and increases saliva and absorption of nutrients. In the Autumn in particular it helps with hydration during dry Vata season. Celery, seaweed, tuna, Himalayan mineral salt, and soy sauce and good examples of salty foods.
Sour foods: citrus juice, raisins, tamarind, fermented foods, sour cream, yogurt, pickles, tomatoes. Composed of earth and fire, sour foods increase appetite, saliva, metabolism and digestive enzymes and promote healthy liver function by moving bile. In the Autumn, sour particularly helps with promoting juiciness.
As I always mention, in Ayurveda there are some foods NOT to combine. Here’s a quick list.
Here are some additional recipes to try from one of my favorite resources, JoyfulBelly.com:
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💛, Stephanie
Important note: The information provided is general guidance in accordance with Ayurvedic seasonal living. Every human is different; yoga and Ayurveda treat the individual and work best when tailored to your unique constitution. Contact me to learn more.