Ayurveda and Seasonal Doshas
Like your body, plants, animals, stars and planets, and the times of day, each season displays a predominant element or set of elements.
The elements of summer are fire and water.
The elements of fall are air/wind and space. This is seen in the changing of leaves, the crisper air of fall compared with summer.
The elements of winter are also air/wind and space and depending on where you live, water and earth, the elements associated with heaviness may begin to be seen.
Spring is most commonly associated with those heavier elements of earth and water. This is because spring snows are heavier typically than winter snows. Here, I’m talking specifically about the density of those snows rather than the quantity. Depending on where you live, the elements of wind and air and space may make a re-appearance during spring time and both fall and spring are seasons of transition and movement, so the appearance of those lighter elements is expected.
So, how do you live rhythmically with the seasons?
Eat foods that balance the overall dosha of the season. So, in summertime, eat cooling foods. In wintertime, eat heating foods. In fall, eat warm, spicy foods, and in spring, cleansing foods.
Here's a deeper discussion on this seasonal diet.
Ayurveda and Seasonal Diet
Think of a hot summer day when the thermometer hits 100. Do you want a warm cup of chai or a slice of watermelon?
How about on that first crisp, cool fall morning? Are you eating a mango salad or ordering soup?
For balance in the summer time, it’s easy to eat what’s in season to balance the heat of summer.
- Cucumber
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cilantro
- Summer squash and zucchini
- Oats
- Tapioca
- Mint
- Watermelon
- Berries (strawberries, raspberries)
- Avocado
In fall and winter, eating warming foods and cooked foods to balance the dry, cold qualities of wind and space. Again, eating what’s in season:
- Pumpkins
- Carrots
- Millet
- Turnips
- Mustard greens
- Winter squash
- Cranberries
- And citrus fruits
And, in spring time, to counter the heaviness of the winter and early spring seasons, you may find yourself craving sprouts, artichokes, baby spinach, asparagus, arugula, and other spicy greens.
In addition to diet, Ayurveda pulls aromatherapy and color therapy to help balance seasonal fluctuations helping you maintain a state of inner harmony as you live in sync with the seasons.
Ayurveda & Color Therapy for the Seasons
For fall and winter, warm colors like yellow-gold, orange, and deep red are both stimulating and healing.
For spring time, colors in red, orange, and gold hues help balance the heavy qualities of the season. Pastels are also exceptional for spring time with their light, airy quality.
For summer, shades of green and blue along with soft pastels help balance the heat of the season. Green can be heating if overused, so you may find blue and teal more cooling.
Find out which essential oils are warming and cooling in this post.
About the Author
Brandy's a formulation scientist and self-proclaimed health geek who loves hiking, gardening, bird-watching, and body boarding.
Her struggle with acne during her teens and 20s led to a holistic and healthy approach to skincare, embracing skin as an organ to be loved and cared for rather than a canvas to wage war on.
Since 2008, she's been developing all-in-one products for a simple routine at home, & Rain Organica started when her backpacking friends asked for a portable skincare routine to keep their skin healthy & happy on and off the trails.
You can try Rain Organica for yourself with The Essentials Kit, a complete skincare routine in just 3 steps.
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