According to Ayurveda, the key to our health lies in harmony with nature and our internal biological rhythm. This is especially important during the transitional period between summer and autumn, when it starts to get cooler, drier winds blow, and Vata energies are already stirring within us.
It is advisable to start preparing already in August, because this is the ‘transitional period’ (Sandhi Kala) between seasons, when the body is most sensitive and most prone to imbalance. Furthermore, after the freer summer period, school and work return to their usual routine, which can present new challenges and stress for our body.
After the Pitta dominance (heat) of the summer months, our body tends to become imbalanced, and the qualities of Vata dosha (dry, cold, light, mobile) can easily become dominant.
If we do not consciously prepare for this change, we may experience symptoms such as dry skin, anxiety, sleep disorders, or digestive problems.
The following Ayurvedic guide – seasonal transition routine, dinacharya – can help each body type and dosha as follows:
Supporting Vata dosha: creating stability and warmth
Read more about Vata constitution here: Surya Ayurveda – Ayurvedic Body Types – Vata, Pitta, Kapha
For those with a Vata constitution, this transitional period is the most challenging, as the qualities of the autumn season further reinforce their inherent tendencies.
- Early rising: Wake up before sunrise (during the Vata period, between 2 and 6 AM) to start your day calmly and energetically.
- Oil massage (Abhyanga): It is important to perform daily self-massage with warm sesame oil to counteract the cool, dry Vata. Regular massage nourishes the skin, calms the nervous system, and aids detoxification.
- Warm breakfast: Consume warm, cooked foods, such as oatmeal with warming spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger). Avoid raw foods and cold drinks, which further cool the body.
- Yoga and movement: Choose grounding, calming yoga poses. Slow, conscious movement helps to calm the nervous system. Walking in nature is also excellent, provided you dress in layers.
- Bedtime: Ideally, go to bed around 10 PM to ensure restful sleep. Vata individuals are prone to ‘overthinking’ at night, which can lead to sleep disturbances.
Supporting Pitta Dosha: Alleviating Summer Heat
Read more about Pitta constitution here: Surya Ayurveda – Ayurvedic Body Types – Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Pitta types are still sensitive to sudden temperature changes and inflammation after the summer heat. The goal of the transitional routine is to dissipate residual heat in the body.
- Moderate breakfast: Pitta individuals have strong digestion, but during the transitional period, it is advisable to avoid overly pungent and spicy foods. Choose sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes.
- Exercise: Pitta types enjoy dynamic movement, but during the seasonal change, opt for cooling, calming exercises such as swimming or gentle walks.
- Skin care: Pitta skin can be sensitive. For body massage, you can use coconut oil, which has a cooling effect.
- Rest: Pitta individuals are prone to overworking. During the transitional period, consciously incorporate rest periods into your day.
Supporting Kapha Dosha: Maintaining Lightness
Read more about Kapha constitution here: Surya Ayurveda – Ayurvedic Body Types – Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Kapha types are the least sensitive to Vata qualities, but it is important for them to avoid feelings of heaviness and stagnation, especially before the upcoming colder period.
- Active movement: For Kapha individuals, active movement is key. Brisk walking, running, or cycling helps stimulate lymphatic circulation and maintain vitality.
- Light foods: Consume light, warm foods, and use pungent spices like chili or pepper to support digestion. Avoid dairy products and fatty foods, which can slow down digestion.
- Dry massage, herbal powder massage (Udvartanam): Performing a dry massage is recommended to counteract Kapha dosha. This stimulates circulation and helps remove toxins.
The Key to Rejuvenation: Supportive Ayurvedic Treatments for Seasonal Transition
In addition to home routines, Ayurvedic treatments profoundly help prepare the body and mind for the transitional period. Personalized therapies performed by our therapists specifically support the balance of the doshas.
Vata Dosha: Calming and Nourishing Treatments
For mobile, dry Vata types, warm oils and calming massages are most effective.
- Abhyanga (Warm oil massage): A full body massage with warm herbal oil deeply nourishes the skin and nervous system, relieves tension, and helps ground Vata qualities.
- Shirodhara: Warm oil slowly poured on the forehead exceptionally calms the mind, relieves stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders, which are common in cases of Vata imbalance.
Pitta Dosha: Cooling and Purifying Treatments
The goal for Pitta types is to dissipate summer heat and avoid inflammatory processes.
- Cooling Abhyanga: A massage performed with a mild, cooling oil (such as coconut oil) that helps to calm Pitta’s heat.
- Shirodhara: Warm oil poured onto the forehead, onto the third eye, has a deep relaxing effect; it helps alleviate mental irritation, anger, and overwork, and has a cooling effect on the mind.
Kapha Dosha: Stimulating and Invigorating Treatments
For Kapha types, circulation-stimulating, detoxifying treatments are most suitable during the transitional period to avoid feelings of heaviness and stagnation.
- Udvartanam – Herbal powder massage: The dry, herbal powder massage stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation, helps remove toxins and eliminate excess water.
