Ayurveda for health and wellness – a transition from Pitta to Vata
“Ayurveda teaches us that our bodies are microcosms of the larger universe, and by aligning with nature’s cycles, we can achieve optimal health and vitality.” – Unknown
All physical life is composed of the same elements. The heart of Ayurvedic science lies in the understanding that the elements in our foods nourish those in our bodies and minds. It originates from the ancient Vedic belief that we all stem from cosmic consciousness.
As we approach a seasonal transition from Pitta to Vata, it’s an excellent time to think about Ayurveda for autumn health and wellness.
At Yoga For Good, we are conscious of modern culture’s fixation on chasing health as if something is inherently wrong with us. However, we know that we aren’t born with disease or in need of constant wellness pursuits. Our natural state is wellness.
In the Vedic tradition, the beginning of physical phenomena began with unified consciousness. Vibrations led to the creation of space, then air, fire, water and finally, earth. Each bite of food connects us to this process, nurturing and shaping our life force, movement and internal well-being, making food an expression of our unity with nature.
Seasonal cycles
The Ayurvedic calendar charts six seasons that mirror the stages of Earth’s journey around the sun. They don’t simply mark time. They outline the rhythms of nature. In India, these rhythms are captured in the musical form called Raga. Each Raga represents a season, embodying its unique essence and influence over nature.
Just take a moment to listen to nature, and you’ll feel it—those harmonies and rhythms that make up the universe. Whether it’s the babbling of a stream, the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind or the cheerful chorus of birdsong, these sounds stir something deep within us. They fill our hearts and open our spirits to discovering our true nature.
Indigenous Australians also recognise six seasons, each determined by the behaviours of animals and the cycles of native vegetation. These cycles reflect spring, late spring, summer, early autumn, autumn and winter.
Autumn and the Vata season
As you watch the leaves transforming from green to vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, it’s evident that autumn heralds a period of transition and change. The air becomes cooler, inviting outdoor activities like hiking, gardening and bonfires. It’s also typical to feel a sense of nostalgia and reflection, bidding farewell to summer memories and readying oneself for the approaching winter chill.
Infusing our meals with positive energy as we prepare and enjoy them, we can be mindful of affirmations tailored to the Vata season.
These reflections remind us of the cyclical nature of our biorhythms, guiding us through transitions and personal growth. In early autumn, our focus lies in harvesting and simplifying. Later in autumn, we gather and contain.
During seasonal shifts, our internal state mirrors nature’s changes, leaving us more vulnerable to its influences as our immunity weakens. Around the Autumn Equinox, it’s important to acknowledge and embrace these transitions. This is an opportunity to cleanse ourselves from any toxicity and consciously realign. Practices such as fasting, meditation and prayer help restore balance to mind, body and spirit.
The three doshas
The three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha – coexist in varying degrees within all living organisms. Each of us has a predominant dosha type, which determines our metabolic functions and constitution.
When an imbalance occurs, it manifests through uncomfortable bodily discharges such as mucus, bile and wind.
These signs signal a need for alignment, and ignoring them can lead to illness. Although the causes of disease are diverse, irritation of the doshas undeniably impacts health.
The proportion of Vata, Pitta and Kapha within you defines your unique constitution, which is delineated into nine body types. Understanding your dosha type is pivotal for balancing health and adapting your lifestyle. To uncover your dosha type, take this quiz. However, consulting with an Ayurvedic clinic is highly recommended for confirmation and personalised advice.
Yoga, nutrition and self-care for autumn
Vata, Pitta, and Kapha tend to be vulnerable in early autumn. Understanding your dominant and secondary doshas can help guide your food choices during this transition period. To maintain balance and well-being, it’s advisable to steer clear of certain foods based on your dosha type. For example, Vata types should avoid astringent, bitter tastes and excess cold, dry foods. Pitta should avoid excess pungent, salty, oily and fatty foods, and Kapha should avoid excess sweet, salty, cold, oily and greasy foods.
Each dosha is amplified during its respective season. In autumn, Vata takes precedence, increasing the likelihood of imbalances in individuals with a Vata constitution.
Achieving balance in your dominant dosha will naturally align the secondary dosha. The below recommendations are for your dominant metabolic type. However, depending on your imbalances and seasonal needs, you may occasionally nourish doshas other than your own.
VATA:
- Steady routine for eating and sleeping
- Ease-inducing activities
- Ample rest
- Warm, nourishing foods
- Avoid bitter, cold foods
- Shield from cold, damp environments
- Embrace warmth and healthy rituals
PITTA:
- Rise early, sleep by 10 pm
- Plan activities to avoid stress
- Choose calming foods
- Avoid hot, spicy foods
- Shield from hot, humid environments
- Embrace serenity and calmness
KAPHA:
- Daily stimulating exercise
- Embrace new experiences
- Rise early
- Light, stimulating foods
- Avoid cold, oily foods
- Shield from cold, damp environments
- Lighten your heart
Connect with your true self through the transformative power of yoga
At Yoga For Good, nature is one of our core values, and we know you can find balance and harmony in the natural world this autumn.
Ayurveda is deeply rooted in ancient traditions of healing, healthful living and longevity, offering a holistic approach to wellbeing. Understanding the doshas can empower you to achieve and maintain optimal health.
According to Vedic seers, disease arises from living in ways that disregard natural laws and rhythms, neglecting innate wisdom, misusing the mind and senses, improper eating habits and ignoring inner rhythms and seasonal cycles. Let’s take our cues from nature for autumn health and wellness.
Connect with your true self on a regular basis by attending our free community classes.
For additional insights on nature, doshas and seasonal health and wellness, as well as numerous other valuable lessons derived from yoga, explore our Yoga for Good Foundation articles.
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17th September 2024 - 12:00 to 1:00pm
Sandra Taylor – Transformative Yoga Community Class
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Join Sandra from Be You Yoga for this Spring Yoga Class, designed to de-stress and reset your digestion, metabolism, immunity, and overall health. Spring is the best therapeutic season for a natural and holistic cleanse.
We will begin by gently warming up your joints and proceed with a pranayama designed to calm your system. This will be followed by gentle movements that promote mobility and fluidity in your body, instilling a sense of nurturing and self-love throughout the practice. We will conclude with deep relaxation and a short meditation to integrate your practice on multiple levels: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
Sandra is a master of spirituality and blends the practices of yoga in an adventure of self-discovery. She has a series of books on Be You Yoga that deepen the understanding of yourself to cultivate a heightened sense of self-love, with easy-to-follow yoga guide with meditation exercises and inspired quotes.
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9th November 2024 - 11:00am to 12:00pm
Suze Male - Transformative Yoga Community Class
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Join Suze from 42 Yoga for a transformative yoga class focused on balancing the sacral chakra, the centre of creativity and passion. She believes yoga is the key to body, mind wellness and healing. After practicing for many years and teacher training in Bali and India, she is using these skills with children’s and trauma-informed yoga.
Her new book, a yoga-for-kids adventure called Ursula the Roly Poly Unicorn, helps children develop strong self-esteem, through story and yoga as a positive and empowering tool.
In this class with gentle flows, breathwork and mindful practices, we will cultivate energy, release blockages, and ignite the creative spirit, as well as explore the profound connection between body, mind, and creative expression.
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22nd January 2025 - 12:00 to 1:00pm
Reetu Verma – Transformative Yoga Community Class
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Meeting ID: 859 1833 4994
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Join Reetu for an immersive meditation session into the depths of our energy centres. Nourish the systems of your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, ready for the year ahead. Be guided by her inspiring voice to relax into meditation and reconnect with and balance the subtle energies within.
Reetu Verma has 25 years of experience as an academic, teacher and coach, providing support, help and guidance to thousands of people from all walks of life from all over the globe.
During a traumatic near-death experience, she experienced pure light and pure love and embarked on a transformational, personal healing journey. Inspired and totally committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others, helping them on their healing journey to live a healthier, happier life.
She founded Healing, Health and Happiness to expanded her teachings of personal development, into finding life purpose and spiritual growth. Reetu has developed a systematic, practical approach to bring more harmony and a sense of joy into life.
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22nd October 2024 - 12:00 to 1:00pm, Tuesday
Amy Brooks – Trauma Informed Yoga Community Class
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Join Amy for a trauma-informed gentle flow Community Class with a particular focus on noticing internal sensations and making choices.
Amy Brooks is a qualified social worker, mental health clinician and yoga facilitator certified in Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) based in the Shoalhaven, NSW. She has been practicing yoga for over a decade and passionately believes in its healing qualities for the mind and body, making it an effective adjunct therapy for mental health work. Amy completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training at Om Sweet Om Milton in 2022.
She is offering yoga classes to the community, combining her professional training and lived experience as a source of strength to guide others on their own journey towards recovery.
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