Changing with Fall
Fall is a season that symbolizes change and letting go as we move from the hot, vibrant summer into the cold, silent winter. Fall is the in between, and as the trees embrace the change of color and releasing of their leaves, we too can prepare our bodies (and our minds) to let go as we enter the winter months ahead.
There are many practices available to honor this shift in nature and with our bodies. I find Ayurveda a fascinating way of living in alignment with nature. Ayurveda is the sister science to yoga, dating back 5,000 years. I’ve become accustomed to Ayurvedic practices and the Kitchari Cleanse. A kitchari cleanse is a mono-diet made of mung-beans (an easy to digest and nourishing legume) and beneficial spices to cleanse and support our organs. Kitchari is like a yummy, warm porridge. It is a gentle cleanse that gives our bodily systems a chance to reset.
An autumn and spring kitchari cleanse is now a yearly ritual. It maintains my balance and strengthens immunity as the seasons change.
Another beneficial seasonal ritual that can support the body through the seasonal transition is a lymphatic drainage massage.
The lymphatic system plays a big role in the immune response and waste removal. It functions like a giant washing machine for the body, cleansing and renewing the cells.
A lymphatic massage can offer several benefits, especially in the fall:
Boosted Immunity: As cold and flu season approaches, lymphatic massage can help enhance immune function by stimulating lymph flow and facilitating the removal of toxins.
Reduced Seasonal Allergies: It may help alleviate symptoms of allergies by reducing congestion and promoting clearer airways.
Improved Circulation: The change in temperature during fall can lead to circulation issues; lymphatic massage can improve blood flow and support overall circulation.
Detoxification: As the body prepares for winter, lymphatic massage aids in detoxifying and refreshing the system, which can help with energy levels.
Stress Relief: With the transition to shorter days and holiday preparations, lymphatic massage can reduce stress and promote relaxation, benefiting mental heath.
Incorporating lymphatic massage into your fall wellness ritual can support both physical and emotional wellbeing.
If you feel called to a practice that honors the change of the seasons, I encourage you to explore the practices of our ancestors, those that lived in accordance with the rhythms of nature. There is much wisdom to be found and who knows what you will discover?! For example, I learned that my Korean ancestors visited the JjimJilBang or the bathhouse as a way to honor their bodies during the seasonal changes. Communal soaks in baths is how they connected with themselves, their families, and their community. They would unwind in the soaks and saunas, release and renew with a Korean body scrub, and find nourishment in warm soups while connecting with one another. This is now one of my favorite fall time rituals; to spend a day at the Korea bathhouse with my husband so that we can slow down, decompress and rejuvenate 💖.
As always, do your own research and find what resonates with you. (Side note: Once I started engaging in seasonal rituals, I noticed a decrease in symptoms of seasonal affective disorder or SAD. Interesting, huh?)
I’m curious about your fall rituals? What do they include? How do they support you during the changing seasons? Another one of my favorites is the preparation of Fire Cider… stay tuned for the next blog where I’ll share the history of this old folk herbal remedy for colds, an easy DIY vinegar infusion for immunity support. And then we can be witchy together :)