Changing Seasons: Supporting Your Health During the Autumn Equinox
The Autumn equinox occurs each year between September 21st and 24th, though it most commonly lands in the middle. This year, we enjoy the Equinox on September 22nd. This transition is a joyous reminder to appreciate new beginnings while having gratitude for what has already come to pass.
The Equinox also brings changes to the weather which can affect your health and wellbeing. Let’s learn how the Ayurvedic texts teach us to ease into this seasonal shift.
The Autumn Equinox and Ayurveda
You may have noticed that as the seasons change, you experience seemingly random inflammation, infections, allergies, weight gain, and fatigue. This is no coincidence.
Jutta Hecht, a world-renowned Ayurvedic practitioner, explains, “We are transitioning from summer into fall and we are experiencing an accumulation of heat and dryness. [...] And now we’re moving into a season with even more dryness. So Ayurveda says that imbalance can activate Vata. Also, when there are transitions, like we’re having now, it can imbalance Vata.”
Vata is the element of air, dryness, and movement. Imbalances in your Vata can make your skin and bones feel dry and even cause cracking. It affects digestion and agitates the nervous system, which can lead to insomnia and excessive worrying. As Jutta says, “All of these factors can lower our immunity, which is not so great because we’re moving into a cooler season where it is so much easier to catch a cold, the sniffles, a sore throat, or a fever.”
Scientific studies have proven this concept. In fact, researchers have found a link between the length of the day, immune function, and cycles of illness. The shorter the day and the more changes to our circadian rhythm, the more immune function is affected; thus, sickness arises.
Adjusting to the New Season with Rituacharya
In Ayurvedic medicine, we learn about Rituacharya. This is the practice of changing your lifestyle to suit the transition between seasons. During the seven days before the equinox and seven days after, your mental and physical health is more at risk because of the position of the sun and its effects on the weather. Rituacharya teaches us how to combat this.
A regimen based on the season will balance your doshas (biological energies), support your digestive health, and improve your physical strength. We primarily practice Rituacharya by changing our diet and lifestyle.
In terms of lifestyle, it’s important to support yourself with a balanced schedule. That means keeping yourself to a consistent agenda, especially when it comes to sleep. Going to bed and waking at the same time can ensure you get great quality sleep and strengthen your immune system function.
What you eat also plays a huge role in your health. During this time, Jutta recommends that you eat warm, nourishing meals and soups. High-quality oils, ghee, and root vegetables are grounding and nourishing. You should also use warming spices to regulate the digestive fire. This includes cumin, ginger, cardamom, fennel, and, of course, turmeric*.
Golden Milk for Changing Seasons*
Turmeric is an incredible herb associated with a myriad of health benefits. As Jutta notes, “Turmeric nourishes the intestinal flora, which is so important for absorption and digestion. [...] We really want to build that up with foods and spices. It’s anti-inflammatory, it’s purifying, [...] it’s antibacterial.”
The best way to consume turmeric? Golden milk. Traditionally referred to as haldi doodh, this delicious beverage combines turmeric with other spices, like ginger and pepper, as well as fats from oil, ghee, or nut butter, for the best absorption. As your immune system lowers in response to this transitional 14-day period, a daily glass of golden milk can help balance your doshas and support your health.
Golden milk can*:
● Support in Recovery
● Improve sleep
● Limit restlessness
● Support the Immune System
● Aid in hormone balance
Check out our own golden milk recipe here!
At Mt. Meru Medicines, we know that just any turmeric won’t do. Many companies use factory-produced turmeric, which has a lower curcumin content. We do things differently - we grow Lakadong turmeric, selecting only the finest rhizomes to dry and grind into our final products. Protect yourself from the effects of the changing seasons with Mt. Meru’s Lakadong turmeric golden milk mix*.
References:
https://www.onmanorama.com/lifestyle/health/2021/08/19/ayurvedic-concept-seasonal-changes.html
https://lifespa.com/diet-detox/seasonal-change-immunity-ayurvedic-cleanse/
https://www.rebootwithjoe.com/maintain-health-in-different-seasons/