Fall is a time of transition - the temperature drops, sunlight wanes, and we start to eat heavier and denser foods. Fall should be a natural time for us to slow down and go inward; yet, we are the only species on the planet that remains as active as we are in the warmer months. Consequently, we may begin to feel out of balance - increased anxiety, poor sleep, digestive distress and congestion are all common complaints.
Such health issues can easily be prevented by observing the change of seasons with dietary and lifestyle modifications. These practices are inherent to the Five Element Theory of Chinese Medicine which maintains a strong connection with nature - adjusting foods, physical activities and healing practices with the seasons. In this healing tradition, each season correlates to a specific element.
In fall, we transition into the less active, more receptive “yin” state and to the element of metal. The metal element is contractive in nature - drawing inward to prepare and store for winter. As trees begin shedding their leaves, we too expel toxins and rid ourselves of patterns that may be holding us back. This makes us more sensitive to our environment which taxes our immune system, and we may experience a reocurrence of past symptoms.
The metal element is associated with the lungs and large intestine, and when it is out of balance, respiratory ailments, excess congestion, digestive issues, constipation, and immune system weakness may result. Some may even experience a metallic taste in the mouth.
The best way to get back into balance this time of the year is to take the time to slow down and adjust our diets. By eating warm meals made with aromatic herbs and spices we nourish and enhance our digestive fires. The ayurvedic recipe for ‘kitcheri’ is excellent for doing such (see below). This meal can also be used as a staple during a fall cleanse.
Embarking upon a cleanse this time of year helps to shed the toxins that overburden our bodies and make us vulnerable to weather change, stress and microbial exposure. It is a measure that will prevent seaonal bouts of flu and allergies.
Kitcheri
Kitcheri provides nourishment for the body and also benefits digestion. Kitcheri is a food of choice for times of stress on the body, such as during a change of seasons, periods of overwork and during illness. It is a particularly good choice of food for a mono-diet during an internal cleansing regime. The recipe below is a basic and easy one to start with, and it is balancing to all three ayurvedic doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Serves six.
Ingredients:
• 2-3 TBS ghee (can be purchased at most health food stores or made by skimming the milk solids off butter as you heat it)
• ½ cup split yellow mung dal, or red lentils
• 1 cup white basmati rice, rinsed well and drained.
• 6 cups filtered water
• 4-5 thin slices of fresh ginger root
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 4½ cups water with a pressure cooker or six cups with a regular pot
• ½ tsp black mustard seeds
• 1 small pinch of asafoetida (“hing”)powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
Heat ghee on medium heat. Ghee burns easily so be careful. Sauté the mustard seeds in the ghee until the seeds pop. Then add the drained mung dal or red lentils, asafoetida powder, turmeric and salt. Stir until the mix starts to stick to the bottom of the pan. Then add the rice, water, ginger and remaining spices, stirring well.
Cover and bring it to a boil on high heat. Then turn the heat down and let it simmer until the consistency is soft. You may have to experiment with how much water you use to find a consistency that you like. The more water - the thinner the consistency. A thinner consistency is preferable if digestion is weak. You will notice that kitcheri will thicken when it cools and you may need more water than you originally thought.
Upcoming Health Talks:
Preventing Seasonal Ailments Naturally
In light of the change of seasons and the potential for fall allergies and the flu, Dr. Marie Rodriguez (www.drmarierodriguez.com) will be presenting some natural approaches for immune system strengthening at the Wise Woman FestivALL
-12 noon Sunday Oct. 22nd at UDC 4200 Connecticut Ave NW.-
Come with questions and ready to learn!
Restoring Balance - Anti-Anxiety workshop
In the fall, cooler and windier days tend to stir up “vata”, one of Ayurveda’s 3 doshas (or constitutional types) whose element is air/ether based. During this change of season, we can begin to feel ungrounded, edgy and nervous. Even those not normally prone to anxiety may begin to feel emotionally unsettled.Anxiety has both emotional and physiological causes. Relieving anxiety involves restoring physiologic balance through dietary and lifestyle modifications, quality nutritional supplements, and therapeutic practices such as yoga. This workshop will focus on a natural approach to calming anxiety and balancing the vata dosha. We will perform a restorative yoga practice to nourish yin which will calm vata and our nerves. 1 pm Nov. 18th at boundless yoga (www.boundlessyoga.com)
