Fall Goddess Renewal: 5 Ayurvedic Rituals for Your Skin and Soul

by Donika Patel on Oct 19, 2023

Summer’s pitta influence makes way for fall’s vata. There’s something magical about the Fall season. The changing colors and cooler temperatures bring a sense of renewal and transformation. As the weather changes and the days get shorter, it's important to pay attention to your body's needs.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian healing system, provides rituals and practices to balance mind, body, and spirit. In Ayurveda, fall is Vata season. Vata blends air and space, also known as ether. It embodies change, mobility, and movement. Those who embrace this healing philosophy believe that vata-dominant individuals are energetic, creative, and flexible.

Vata season qualities include:

Lightness, roughness, coldness, and dryness can deplete our system, reducing immunity and making us more susceptible to illnesses. As a result, the onset of fall and winter can often lead to various seasonal imbalances, including allergies, colds, fatigue, and digestive sensitivities.

We explore 5 luxurious ayurvedic rituals for your skin and soul that will leave you feeling like a goddess this fall season.

Dinacharya

Dinacharya is a daily routine that incorporates Ayurvedic principles to promote balance and harmony in your life. This includes practices such as waking up early, tongue scraping, oil pulling, and yoga or meditation all while incorporating a balanced diet. By establishing a consistent routine, you can improve your digestion, sleep, and overall well being.

Sattvic Diet:

which focuses on whole foods, consists of pure, nourishing, and easily digestible options. These include fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and nuts. To enhance the fall flavors, you can incorporate supportive spices and herbs such as ginger, garlic, basil, cumin, mustard, cloves, turmeric, oregano, and pepper. By adopting a plant-based diet and emphasizing whole foods, you can improve digestion, promote clear skin, and achieve a more peaceful state of mind. It is recommended to minimize the consumption of processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and sugar as much as possible.

Additionally, it is important to mention the inclusion of Triphala in your diet. Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal supplement that aids in body cleansing and detoxification. Made from three fruits (amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki), Triphala is recognized for its digestive and antioxidant properties. It is available in powder or capsule form and is best taken before bedtime. Abhyanga:

Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic massage that involves warm oil massaging into the skin. It nourishes and hydrates your body, reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Sesame oil is a popular choice for Fall, as it’s warming, grounding, and anti-inflammatory. Massage the oil into your skin in circular motions for 10-15 minutes, allowing the oil to deeply penetrate your skin. Once you’re done, take a warm shower or bath to aid the absorption of the oil.

Drinking warm liquids:

During the Fall season, we tend to drink more warm beverages like tea, latte or hot cocoa . But did you know that these warm liquids can be a part of your Ayurvedic ritual? Drinking warm liquids throughout the day can help to stoke the digestive fire, balance the Vata dosha, and calm the mind. Ginger tea, chai tea, and warm water with lemon are all great options.

Ayurvedic skin-care this Fall :

During fall, our skin can suffer due to cooler weather and drier air. This can cause dehydration, leading to issues like fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

To combat these effects, try one of our Ayurvedic face mask recipes. E.g., A Carrot-Lemon-Honey Face Mask. Mash a medium-sized carrot in a food processor (or grate it). Add two tablespoons of organic honey and a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the carrot pulp. Apply for 20-30 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. Vitamin-rich carrot offers powerful nutrients that fortify and hydrate the skin, lemon lightens blemishes and impurities and honey acts as a potent antibacterial agent.

Another option is Ubtan, an Ayurvedic face and body scrub. Made from herbs, grains, and spices, it exfoliates, improves circulation, and detoxifies. Mix chickpea flour and/ or oat powder, turmeric, and sandalwood powder with milk or rose water (dash of honey or jojoba/ coconut oil optional). Apply and leave on for 3-5 mins, then gently massage, and wash off. Enjoy smooth, bright, and radiant skin!

Mindfulness Meditation:

Fall is a season that encourages introspection and slowing down. To connect with your inner self and foster calm and relaxation, try practicing mindfulness meditation. Find a comfortable position, focus on your breath, and allow thoughts to come and go without judgment. Start with 5-10 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Meditating according to your dosha can yield even more powerful results.

Another practice to consider is Pranayama, a series of ayurvedic breathing techniques. A super quick and easy Pranayama technique: Sit comfortably in a quiet place, close your eyes, and follow this cycle: inhale deeply through your nose for 5 counts, hold your breath for 5 counts, and exhale slowly through your mouth for 5 counts. Repeat this for a few minutes and gradually increase the duration. Pranayama can improve lung capacity, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance overall well-being.

Fall is the perfect time to indulge in luxurious Ayurvedic rituals for self-care. From full-body oil massages to Ayurvedic scrubs, warm tea, sattvic diet, breathing practices, and meditation sessions, these rejuvenating rituals nourish both your skin and soul. Embrace a sense of renewal and vitality as you incorporate these Ayurvedic practices into your daily routine. They promote healthy, glowing skin and a centered, peaceful state. Feel like a goddess this season!

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