Ayurvedic Medicine understands that seasonal changes have an effect on the elements in our surroundings, which in turn will have an effect on our doshic balance. For example, in the heat of the summer, Pitta will naturally increase in most of us and can create Pitta related disturbances in our body as well as in our emotions causing us to experience more frustration and anger. If we understand these changes and learn to balance our beings through the seasonal changes, by the next season any imbalances will diminish.

Let's take a look at the different seasons and how they can effect us:

Vata Season Vata seasons are Spring and Fall, when either we are changing (vata) from one season to another, in spring from the coldness of winter to the heat of summer and in the fall from the heat of summer to the coldness of winter again. During Vata times of the year we often can feel a number of Vata imbalances:

1. Ungrounded
2. Spacey
3. Forgetful and/or anxious
4. Skin and/or eyes become dry
5. We feel the cold more
6. Sometimes if the Vata is very high, we can either decide we need to travel (vata) or make a change in our relationships, living situations or jobs
7. We feel aches and pains in the body more

All these behaviors are symptoms of Vata imbalances and can be mitigated in simple ways:

1. Drink more spicy teas such as; ginger, chai, cinnamon, cloves, etc.
2. Drink warm liquids - not too hot or too cold
3. Apply warm sesame oil to dry skin, follow with a shower or bath
4. Eat more root vegetables and squashes, such as pumpkin, carrots, potatos, turnips, etc.
5. Keep warm as the weather changes, avoid cold wind on the neck and head areas. Keep feet warm with warm socks and slippers, especially indoors.
6. Do a grounding yoga practice, with Pranayama and meditation.
7. Take your Daily Dosha quizzes daily to see the progression of Vata and learn more ways of balancing this Dosha that can move out of balance so quickly.

To be continued.....