Preparing For Autumn

Hot autumn nights may have fooled us into thinking summer would last forever. But all good things must come to an end and it’s finally time to start preparing our bodies for the colder months ahead. In Eastern medicine, the arrival of autumn signals an end to the extroverted yang energy of summer to a more inward focused, yin season.

Early autumn is also a perfect time to consider a detox to eliminate toxins, restore internal balance and boost our immunity before the temperatures drop according to Dr Vishal Sharma from the Ayurvedic Wellness Centre in Sydney.

 

"Summer is the time when the body becomes slightly warmer and more flexible compared to any other season due to the warmth of the environment,” says Dr Sharma. 

“In the summer heat, we sweat a lot, draining our bodies of water and salt. This also increases the concentration of toxins within the body which, without water to dilute and retain balance, can cause health problems.” So look at early autumn as the right time to detoxify the body and to successfully achieve rejuvenation.

“Just as we prepare our minds for the day ahead each morning, we must take opportunities to prepare our bodies and spirits for seasons, months and the year ahead,” says Dr Sharma.

Six ways to prepare your mind and body for autumn:

1. To help rid the body of summer heat (known as pitta) Dr Sharma recommends avoiding caffeine, alcohol, hot spices such as chilli or cayenne pepper, excessive salt and refined sugar.

2. Swap your green smoothie for a warming breakfast of quinoa porridge or another nourishing grain. Cold and raw foods create dampness in the body which can be mucus-forming – something you don’t want especially during the colder months.

3. Just as trees shed their leaves in autumn, it’s time to slow down and let go of summer’s frenetic pace by returning to more simple, grounding routines.

4. Dry body brushing will stimulate circulation and help exfoliatie away summer’s dry skin and help you better absorb moisturiser. 

5. Begin each day with a simple self-massage working upwards from your toes to your head using sesame or coconut oil. This stimulates lymphatic drainage and helps keep your skin hydrated in the dry, windy weather.

6. Get cosy and start slow cooking. Switch from summer salads to steamed greens, root vegetables, whole grains, sweet curries and energy-dense, slow-cooked stews. Make a little extra and take it to work the next day to warm up for lunch.