Change of Seasons for the Body: Autumn

In the Bay Area, it can be hard to determine what season we are currently in. This summer has seen some very cold nights as well as days and now as we begin to approach fall, it can seem confusing. What should we wear when we are expecting a cold or rainy day, but it is sunny and warm out, just like what you would expect on a summer day. Well, just as you might be getting some confusion on the weather end, the same may be true with regards to your body. It may be known by most people that as you begin to enter a new season, it is recommended to do a cleanse to start off the new season with a "clean slate". We are also approaching the Autumnal equinox this week which marks the beginning of fall, so with all of this coming upon on us, what can we do to get ourselves ready for fall and winter?

After the warmth of summer and the abundance of food, outdoor activities, sun and maybe even alcohol, our focus should begin to shift towards more warming foods with the oncoming cold and wet weather. Based on Ayurveda, fall is a time for qualities such as cool, light, dry and windy. It is beneficial for all types to seek out more warming foods and liquids and to find more balance in their life. This would include getting more sleep and relaxing when needed. What is surprising is that fall is a time of activity, even though some think of it as a time for us to slow down. During fall, we are gearing up for winter as well as the holidays. School starts, people are heading back to work, and then Halloween and Thanksgiving come upon us so quickly.

Some guidelines to keep in mind for fall are:

- bring more heavy and oily foods into your diet
- keep yourself warm and wear a hat to protect your head on windy days
- stay well hydrated
- give your self a warming massage in the morning after your shower
- avoid fasting

Now, if you must do a cleanse, now would be the perfect time. We still have an abundance of summer fruits and vegetables available and it is so much easier to do a cleanse with some fresh produce around. Personally, I find it very difficult to stick to a fasting diet, but I like the idea of fasting regularly instead of doing one long fasting session where it is much harder to stick to. Finding a day where you can do a 24 hour fast can be much more beneficial by giving your body a break from digesting food. Even better, if you know that you will be gorging on some heavy food or sweets and alcohol, be sure to set the next day or so as a day for you to fast. It can give the body a break from processing and digesting and give the body and especially the liver time to detox the body instead of allowing it is stay harbored inside the body.

By preparing the body for this change in season, it will make the transition to winter even smoother.