As the vibrant hues of summer fade, the serene embrace of autumn or {sharad}, as it’s known in Sanskrit, signals a time of significant transition. Characterised by cooler temperatures, clear skies and the shedding of leaves, with the increasing richness of the season’s landscape comes a message of abundance. In Ayurveda, the arrival of autumn impacts Vata and Pitta doshas, who will benefit from making a few mindful adjustments to maintain harmony and wellbeing.

Embrace the seasonal shift

Many of us are met with feelings of resistance as summer and autumn make their exchange. For a Vata in particular, autumn's cool, dry and kinetic nature can tip the balance, leading to dry skin, digestive discomfort and restless thoughts. At the same time, the residual warmth of summer can aggravate a Pitta with acidity and skin irritation. But in contrast, it’s Kaphas’ time to shine; to embrace new energy, shed their heaviness and delight in the wholesome warmth of the autumn harvest.

Eat to warm and comfort

For Vata and Pitta, warming and grounding foods are the key to {sharad} contentment. Cook your meals with seeds and balancing spices like cardamom and turmeric, hydrate with soothing herbal teas and water, favour natural sweeteners, like honey, and avoid foods that will heighten the chill like ice cream and frozen yoghurt. Feel-good seasonal foods include apricots, avocados, pumpkins, grapes, apples and raisins, while sour fruits are likely to have the opposite effect.

Calm and ground the mind, body and skin

When it comes to exercise, Yoga, Tai Chi and nature walks are wonderfully grounding forms of movement that will harmonise the season’s overriding Vata energy, which can often manifest as anxiety. Meditation is also key at this time for supporting mental and emotional wellbeing.

For Vata's dry skin, prioritise hydration through both diet and skin care. Sesame oil-based moisturisers and mild cleansers retain natural oils, while an oat-based mask will soothe and quench dryness. Sensitive Pitta skin will respond well to our hypoallergenic products with gentle, natural ingredients void of harsh exfoliants whilst the oily qualities of Kapha skin will thrive with gentle yet thorough cleansing, light moisturisation, and the occasional clay mask.

All doshas will benefit from a daily body self-massage ritual with oils like sesame and coconut to nourish the skin and balance.

Slow down, rest, sleep, reset

The essence of autumn in Ayurveda is about slowing down and reflecting in sync with the season, savouring its beauty before the winter chill sets in. Cooler nights invite deeper, longer sleep, your signal to adopt a calming and consistent bedtime routine. Think reading, gentle stretches, mindful breathing, limited screen time and lavender essential oil for a soothing atmosphere.

When we align with nature's rhythms and harmonise with each season by adjusting our daily practices, we open ourselves up to a profound sense of wellbeing and balance like we’ve never felt