Here we are In the northern hemisphere, feeling the change in the air. A transition is coming from pitta to vata season. Vata and pitta share the qualities of mobile and light so you might think the change is no big deal. But both temperature and moisture are flip flopping. Seasonal shift impacts everyone but has the most effect on four main types of prakruti (states of health) mono-dosha Pitta, and Vata, dual dosha Vata- pitta and Pitta- vata. Now is the time to take action: dissipate heat and calm the winds to ease the transition to fall.
One day it is hot and sunny, and the next the temperature drops and it is brisk and dry. You go from long sleeves and a light jacket to shorts and a tank top day to day or sometimes within a day. You plan a salad for lunch but switch to soup, because you feel the chill in your bones.
Weather changes as we move towards autumn and schedules shift as people settle into a new school year. Temperature, moisture, and routine is a lot of change, and many people find this transition awkward and unsettling. The transition to fall disrupts their digestion and generates ama (undigested waste). Do you apply balancing practices to transition from summer and fall?
Recognizing and Acting on Seasonal Transition Imbalance
I ask this question because I am sensitive to seasonal change. If I don’t pay attention, my digestion gets unsettled; after that, my sleep interrupted. The combination of these two problems sets me up for a grouchy sick fall season, where I am susceptible to weight gain, fatigue, fall colds, and headaches. My work productivity drops. I have learned to take action well out in front of the transition to dissipate heat in August, September, and calm the winds in October to stay in more balance as pitta season ends and vata begins.
Dissipate Heat In Excess Pitta
Pitta’s force comes from the elements of fire and water. The gunas (qualities) of pitta are intense, hot, mobile, oily, sharp, and light. Heat can build up during the long, sweltering light-filled days of summer. The effects of pitta dominant dosha, pitta season of the year and time of life add to and reinforce each other. Hot Stuff can result. So if you are a pitta dominant dosha, it pays to notice any building of heat and work to dissipate the heat.
Manage your calendar and life to allow for ease. Add cooling self-care practices for particularly for your skin and eyes. Reduce spicy and salty foods, add cooling spices and exercise before or after the heat of the day.
When pitta is out of balance, it generally goes out in fire rather than water. Excess blaze creates too much heat drying out the body. Vata season is already drying. Moving into vata season with pitta out of balance is like walking into the desert dying of thirst. Some people call this pitta burning or drying vata.
Calm The Winds Of Vata
Vata’s force comes from air and ether. Gunas of vata cold, light, mobile, subtle, rough, and clear. For vata to thrive: create a structure that has warmth and grounding and constructive rather than destructive mobility.
When vata goes out of balance both air and ether can be the culprit. Shift foods away from cold and raw to warm, moist,and cooked. Add back more warming spices and self-massage with oil. Throw a hat and jacket in the car, so you stay warm, get on a healthy daily routine, meditate, and move every day.
One additional way I know to make a smooth transition from summer to fall: make it a practice check-in with the gunas each day and use food, dress, and practices to balance as each day qualities as it unfolds. Be present with the beauty of the rhythms of each day.
Ayurselfcare’s purpose is to educate on the benefits of Ayurveda. This article is not a substitute for professional medical care, treatment, or advice. All the material here is for learning purposes only. Always share strategy and work with your health care team.