In Ayurveda, this in-between phase is considered a time when our bodies and minds are more vulnerable to imbalances due to the shifting energies in nature. The transition between seasons, particularly from summer to fall, is seen as a delicate period and requires attention to both the body and mind with mindfulness to maintain balance. In today’s blog post on The Journal we talk about why this is important for hair health and the relationship between how the accumulated heat from summer plays a role in hair fall during this time. Our Ayurvedic guidelines help guide you through this transition for support. By adjusting diet, daily routines, and self-care practices, one can mitigate the potential imbalances that arise during this in-between period, ensuring a smoother and healthier transition into the Vata (fall) season.
Energetic Shifts
• Summer (Pitta Season): Summer is associated with the Pitta dosha, which is characterized by heat, intensity, and transformation. During this time, fire and water elements dominate, and the body accumulates heat.
• Fall (Vata Season): Fall marks the onset of the Vata dosha, which is governed by air and ether elements. Vata energy is dry, light, cold, and mobile. The environment becomes cooler, drier, and windier, and this can lead to imbalances if not managed properly.
The Vulnerability of the In-Between Phase
During the transition from summer to fall, the body may hold onto accumulated heat from the summer. According to the laws of nature heat rises. Within the body the accumulated heat will rise to the top of the head affecting the cycle of each follicle. The accumulated heat is then released through the scalp resulting in more hair shedding. This period does not last too long and there is no reason to be alarmed unless there are other factors that could be contributing to it. When your body is in sync with the natural flow of nature you will notice that you hair grows more in the summer time and like leaves on a tree, strands get dry and release themselves during the fall. Then the cycle of rebirth begins again. During this time you will begin to experience the cooling and drying effects of Vata. This can cause internal instability. Ayurveda emphasizes that this is a time when the body’s immune system can weaken, digestion may fluctuate, and emotional states may become erratic.
Ayurvedic Guidelines for Transitioning Between Summer and Fall
1. Dietary Adjustments:
• Begin to introduce more grounding, warming, and nourishing foods as fall approaches, such as cooked vegetables, root vegetables, grains, and warming spices like ginger and cinnamon.
• Avoid excessively cold, dry, or light foods like raw salads and iced beverages, which can aggravate Vata.
• Hydration is crucial to balance the dryness of Vata, so include warm teas and soups.
2. Daily Routine (Dinacharya):
• Establish a consistent routine to help balance the irregularity of Vata. Waking up, eating meals, and going to bed at the same times daily creates a sense of stability.
• Self-massage with warm oils (Abhyanga), especially with sesame or almond oil, helps to nourish the skin, calm the nervous system, and prevent Vata imbalances. Apply on scalp with a head massage. Brush oils through your strands for extra nourishment. Do take a warm shower or bath after your massage and don't expose your head to cold weather with oils on your head and don't not sleep with oils on the scalp over night.
3. Mental and Emotional Balance:
• Engage in grounding practices such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises (Pranayama) to keep the mind calm and centered during this time of change.
• Spend time in nature, focusing on calming and grounding activities.
4. Support Digestive Fire (Agni):
• Agni, the digestive fire, can be weakened during seasonal transitions. Ayurveda suggests incorporating digestive spices like cumin, fennel, and black pepper to help rekindle this fire.
• Light, easily digestible meals are recommended during the transition period to avoid overloading the digestive system.
5. Rest and Rejuvenation:
• Adequate rest is crucial as the body adapts to seasonal changes. Ayurvedic practices also recommend incorporating rejuvenating herbs like Ashwagandha and Shatavari to support the body’s transition and restore balance. You can find these botanicals in our Vata Nourishing line along with other incredibly healing ingredients for the hair and scalp.