We are currently in Vata season, it’s the season from late fall into early winter. It isn’t classified by exact dates but instead the qualities of the atmosphere. Vata is connected to air and space, so think of wind or dry and cool air. As many of you know, Ayurveda classifies the seasons throughout the year into the 3 different doshas, which are Vata, Pitta, or Kapha rather than Summer, Spring, Fall, and Winter. Each of us are also classified by the three doshas, although it is possible to be more than one dosha at a time. For those who aren’t familiar with Ayurevda it translates as “knowledge of life” it is an Indian traditional medicine designed to restore mind-body balance for healing.

Each dosha is more present in our environment according to the season we are in. Vata characteristics in a person would be dry, cold to the touch skin, they are capable of fast unpredictable movements, and very creative individuals. At a glance, vatas are usually tall, slender, fast moving and talking. They tend to have cold hands and feet, also very dry skin and hair. You may not be a Vata through and through but being that it is Vata season and as we age in general everyone collects more Vata. These characteristics start to become present within you sometimes in excess, which can cause an imbalance in the body internally and externally. The characteristics of a Vata imbalance are dry or rough skin, constipation, fatigue, headaches, anxiety, and restlessness. It is important to stay balanced by grounding and nourishing the body.

Exercise Tips

Swap out cardio for more slow controlled movements. You really want to focus on muscle strength and flexibility. Our bodies become tighter and more constricted during this season so it’s important to stretch and keep warm. A gentle or restorative yoga practice is perfect for the body. A simple asana to calm the mind is Balasana or childs pose, a bonus is the compression is good for chronic gas or constipation, which we talked about being an imbalance of vata.

A gentle yoga practice helps to loosen up those tight muscles while giving the body a break and a chance to recharge, yet still build muscle within. Yoga is tri doshic meaning every dosha will find some kind of balance with a practice. If yoga isn’t your jam Pilates or weight lifting in a slow and controlled motion are also great options. Meditating a few minutes a day is another form of rejuvenation for the body.

How do you incorporate grounding into your diet?

We need to eat more saucy warming foods, such as soups, stews, roasted vegetables, baked fruits, and rice or pasta bowls. It’s the perfect season for comfort foods. Try adding high quality oils like olive oil to your diet, and cooking with herbs such as turmeric, which is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and supports the immune system. Drinking herbal teas with ginger also help the immune system and are warming to help counterbalance the excess Vata in the body.

How do you nourish your skin during Vata season?

Skin tends to be more on the dry side for most during this season, so you want to change up your routine a bit. Exfoliation is always key to getting the top layer of dry dull skin off, but following up with more rich nourishing face creams, or even incorporating a good oil into your routine will go a long way during these dry months.

Not everyone requires the same type of moisture some need a more subtle light moisturizer while others need a deep hydrating moisturizer. For those needing a light weight option our Kerstin Florian Organic Lavender Facial Oil is fast absorbing for immediate hydration that doesn’t feel heavy or oily, it is also anti septic and anti-bacterial. There is also an option for the body as well Lavender Body Spray Oil which is a dry oil.

For those needing a deeper hydration a good option would be Eminence Facial Recovery Oil this deeply nourishing facial oil is honestly good for all skin types. It has olive oil which is calming and hydrating for the skin, and it also contains sage leaf extract which is an antioxidant that rejuvenates and tones the skin. Our Eminence Apricot Body Oil is greatly nourishing it is high in Vitamin A, C, and E with skin softening properties it helps the skin retain moisture and the look of suppleness.

There are several different products to help balance out your skin each individual needing something different. It is important to set up a Skin Consult at Skincare Butik and get a plan that best suits your needs.

All in all, vata season takes more from us than it gives so please be kind to yourself and remember to ground and nourish your mind and body.

Credits: Janelle Rivera, aesthetician at Skincare Butik.