Monthly Ayurvedic Wisdom
Simple, practical tips from Dr. Jay Apte to help you live in harmony with nature through the timeless principles of Ayurveda.
Curious George called me again.
During the summertime, he had noticed quite a few positive changes in his health and mental state. He was excited and wanted to know more about how he could adjust his diet for the coming fall season.
“Dr. Apte,” he asked, “fall is around the corner, and temperatures will start dropping soon. What changes should we follow, and when should we start making them?”
“George, you are right. Ayurveda recommends making changes in our food choices and lifestyle according to the season. By staying in tune with seasonal changes, we can support the body and potentially prevent many seasonally affected health issues.
“Soon, we will begin transitioning into a fall lifestyle. But the change should not be abrupt. The body is still used to high temperatures, cooling foods, and a summertime lifestyle, so we need to begin making subtle changes gradually.
“Ayurveda calls this transition period Ritu-sandhi—the joint between two seasons.”
There Is No Fixed Date
“Always remember,” I told George, “that the seasons change at different times in different places, so there is no single fixed date when everyone should change their routine.
“We need to stay in tune with Nature and observe what is happening around us.”
Ritu-sandhi is roughly a two-week period during which we gradually shift away from the previous season’s lifestyle and begin preparing the body for the season ahead.
In Ayurveda, fall is associated with an increase in Vata dosha, or wind energy. Its qualities are cold, light, and dry. As the season changes, we may begin to notice that we feel colder, our skin becomes drier or itchy, and we may feel lighter or less grounded.
The transition into fall is a period between the heat and intensity associated with Pitta and the cooler, drier qualities associated with Vata. During this time, mornings and evenings may begin to feel cooler while afternoons are still warm.
That is why a gradual transition is so important.
Week One: Begin with Breakfast and Dinner
During the first week of Ritu-sandhi, begin making changes to your breakfast and dinner, while continuing your summertime choices at lunch and during the warmer part of the day.
Breakfast
Begin introducing warm, moist cereals such as:
- Oatmeal
- Grits
- Cream of wheat
Dinner
Choose warm, nourishing foods such as:
- Soups
- Stews
- Curries with rice or other grains
Lunch
Continue enjoying lighter summertime foods, including:
- Salads with lunch
- Juicy, pulpy fruits during the afternoon
Lifestyle
As mornings and evenings become cooler:
- Drink warm water in the morning and evening.
- Wear a jacket or sweater when needed.
- Practice a few minutes of yoga and pranayama.
Week Two: Gradually Make the Transition During the Day
During the second week, continue the changes you began in the first week and gradually begin making changes to your afternoon and lunchtime routine as well.
As the weather continues to shift, begin moving away from cooling summertime foods and toward the warmer, more grounding foods that are appropriate for the fall season.
By making these changes gradually, the body has time to adjust gently to its new seasonal routine.
George was impressed by the depth of knowledge Ayurveda has to offer and was eager to begin making these changes.
And that is the beauty of Ritu-sandhi. Seasonal transitions offer us an opportunity to pause, observe Nature, and gently prepare ourselves for what is coming next. Rather than making sudden changes, we can listen to our environment and our bodies—and allow the transition from one season to another to happen gradually.
Want to learn how Ayurveda can support you through seasonal changes and other shifts in your health and well-being?
Schedule a consultation with Jay Apte to explore personalized Ayurvedic guidance for your unique needs.