Vāta Season Tips
Fall is a special time of year. The leaves change color, then leap from the trees to dance in the wind. The air is crisp, cool and moving. As the cold, dry light and moving qualities of fall increase in the environment, these qualities increase in our bodies as well. You may notice that your skin gets drier, your sleep is not as sound, your bowel movements less regular, and your mind is more restless. To keep balanced, make sure you take the time for warming, moistening, and grounding therapies.
Try the following suggestions and notice how they make you feel:
Make sure you are getting adequate rest.
Include warm, moist, grounding foods in your diet (soup, stews, hot cooked cereals).
Pay attention to your fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Massage your body with warm sesame oil before your bath or shower.
Head and Foot Massage:
Try this head and foot massage. Start by warming two tablespoons of sesame oil. Take half of the oil and massage into your scalp. Use the flat part of the hand (not the fingertips) and massage your scalp in circular motion.
Massage your forehead from side to side using the flat of your hand. Move to your temples and massage gently, again using circular motions. Next massage the outside of the ears and the neck.
Now take the rest of the oil and apply it to your feet. Massage each foot, one at a time with both hands, Massage each toe with your fingertips. Then using the flat of your hand vigorously massage the soles of your feet in a back and forth motion.
Sit quietly and enjoy the experience. Follow with a bath or shower.
Want to do a full body self massage? Learn here →
Learn more about Āyurveda in our Chopra Health Program
