A few Yogic and Ayurvedic tips on how to balance the autumnal season (windy, wet and cold qualities) to stay aligned and supported by the cycles of nature.
The seasonal shifts are real! You may be familiar with your immunity getting a little bit compromised and your mind scattered during this season.
Here are a few of my favourite ways to counteract the intensity of the wind, lightness and cold. Think the opposite brings balance. Grounding, more nourishing meals, warmth, stability and lubrication!
"Balance involves self-awareness. Balance is a personal, ever-evolving and holistic concept". 'Alignment is necessary!
1.Neti Pot
Neti, meaning "to guide", is a practice that involves using a neti pot to pour salty water solution through one nostril, allowing it to flow out the other. Though it might sound tricky, it's simple and effective!
Why practice Neti?
Our nose is vital for breathing, which affects every function in our body. When breathing is disrupted, it impacts our system. The nose is also directly linked to the brain, making it a powerful way to influence the mind. That’s why neti is part of cleansing practices in Yoga and Ayurveda, promoting clarity, balance, and overall well-being.
Blocked sinuses can slow down energy, circulation, and digestion. Neti helps clear these pathways for better health.
Benefits of Practising Neti
If you catch it early it may release cold or ease the side effects of it
Helps with sinus congestion, asthma and allergies
Enhances breathing, especially for those with a deviated septum
Alleviates mouth breathing and snoring
Boosts energy and helps with chronic fatigue
Strengthens immunity and digestion
Eases emotional disturbances like anger, fear, anxiety, and depression (due to the connection with poor breathing)
Balances the brain's left and right hemispheres (ida & pingala nadis)
Increases prana (vital energy), promoting healing
Improves sensory functions, such as smell and taste, by allowing an uninhibited flow of breath
Enhances blood flow to the brain, improving mental clarity and energy
Can improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia
Relieves headaches caused by blocked airflow
Great companion when you travel! Think of all that air that circulates in the plane. And of course, all the pollution around us.
See instructions on how to practice Neti here.
2. Nasya - oiling of your nostrils
1 or 2 drops of oil in each nostril after doing Neti.
Organic coconut oil, untoasted organic cold press sesame oil, or nasya (special medicated oil) are great.
Benefits:
Lubrication (and herb delivery)
Protects the mucus membranes and filters in the nose
3.Good Quality Sleep
Disconnect from your phone and all electronics at least 1 hour before sleep. Unwind without any additional stimuli. Massage some warm untoasted cold press sesame oil onto the bottom of your feet, the top of your head and even your temples.
Ensure you are in bed by 10 PM so the body can rejuvenate between 10-2 AM when our fire element is most predominant.
4.Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation through the lens of Ayurveda
To reduce vata dosha (element of air and space), we move towards qualities that are: calming/warming/ stabilizing actions, foods and thoughts. Emphasizing constancy/regularity in lifestyle.
· Practices that are slower, calming, stabilizing, restorative, practices that lead towards grounding and rest, including longer relaxations and Yoga Nidra.
· Foods that are warming, soothing, nurturing, substantive.
· Adapting Vihar (lifestyle), good qualities of oils (internally and externally), adding nurturing elements to our environment
Yoga practice to reduce light, airy and mobile qualities (vata dosha) we emphasise:
-quiet, grounded, and systematic way
-favouring twists and forward folds with longer holds
-grounding and collecting energy/ awareness into the pelvis
-longer holds, 1:1 ratio of breath to 1:2 (longer exhales)
-be efficient with the practice as you may not have as much energy as in previous seasons
Pranayama: Alternative Nostril Breathing, Brahmari Breathing
Meditation: grounding, earthing, releasing. Calming the restless mind and nerves relieves their inherent tendency to fear and anxiety. Mantra and visualization work well.
5. Journal/ reflection prompts
What am I ready to let go/to release?
What am I inviting in this season?
Keep on aligning...
Let me know how you get on with these simple tools.
I have a few Neti Pots for sale at £13, so please drop me a message if you would like one!
If you would like to know more about the Ayurvedic lifestyle, diet or help with your current state of health please refer to my 'Ayurveda' page or the 'Private Yoga Tuition' page to see what I offer.
Autumanl Blessings,
Ivana Tara x
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