15 ways to support your immune strength as you head into Fall

In Ayurveda, the seven days at the end and commencement of a season are known as Rithu sandhi. During this period of time, the daily regimen of the preceding season should be discontinued gradually and that of the following season should be gradually adopted. A sudden discontinuance or sudden adoption gives rise to unsettling reactions caused by non-habituation (Asatmya).

As such, Rithu Sandhi is at a sensitive time.

Honoring the rhythms of nature and living a life mirroring these changes have always been chief concerns of study in Ayurveda.

As we enter the season of Fall, follow these 15 Ayurvedic tips to ease stress, minimize sickness, and build strong immunity. These also allow your body to ease into the season of drier climates and prepare your body, mind, and spirit for the cold winters.

15 Immunity-Building Hacks To Kick Off Fall Wellness

• Practice mindful breathing, a technique where you focus on your breathing to help ground yourself, as the seasons change.
• The transition between seasons is a good time to do a gentle cleanse.
• When the weather fluctuates between warm and cool, dress appropriately to maintain immunity.
• Be mindful of your food choices when the weather fluctuates and include foods such as sweet potatoes, beets, and butternut squash in a warm, cooked form with spices, to build resilience as Fall begins.
• Practice stabilizing yoga asanas during the transition between seasons.
• Add ghee to warming soups and stews. Ghee is beneficial for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha.
• Get at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep during Rithu Sandhi, the transition between seasons.
• The approaching cool months mark the start of the Vata season. Warmth and stability are needed.
• Build immunity with sesame oil self-massage. 20 minutes, 3 times a week.
• Moving into Fall, include warm soups and stews like kitchari in your diet. Easy-to-digest foods give strength and ease.
• Strong digestion builds a strong body. As you move into Fall, stay away from iced cold beverages. They inhibit digestion.
• Seasonal changes bring feelings of anxiety and unrest. Meditate daily to build a strong inner self.
• For prevention and immunity, include Ayurvedic herbs such as Guduchi, Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Amla, and Ginger in your daily diet.
• Avoid heavy meats, leftovers, and processed or junk foods. They are challenging to digest during this time.
• Apply a face mask of neem powder and turmeric mixed with honey for 15 minutes, once or twice a week.

Additionally, Fall is also the time when your skin undergoes a lot of change. To cope with the dry, arid climate during this season, Ayurveda recommends leveling up your usual skincare regimen with extra nourishing and moisturizing steps to retain the right level of hydration in your skin.

Key changes in “autumn skin” include dryness, dull and sallow skin tones, sunspots, skin that appears ‘scaly’ or rough, and other irritations.

Pro tip: Use a natural exfoliator like a mixture of Amla, Neem and Turmeric powder to gently clarify your skin and make it appear radiant and glowing this Fall.

But, if you’re looking for a full skincare routine, check out Ajara’s 5-Step Daily Face Care Kit for Dry, Mature, Vata Skin or build your own routine with our pick of our best and finest:

1. Coconut Rose Softening Cleanser is an uplifting, creamy facial cleanser custom-made for dry mature skin, that leaves it feeling clean, refreshed, and moisturized.
2. Chandaluna Moon-Like Glow Face Lepa, a sparkling herb-loaded fine powder-based facial mask with Indian Water Lily, Nutgrass, and Plum enriches your skin with its youthifying, moisturizing, and cooling superpowers.
3. Yauvari Amplified Youth Spring, to boost your skin with a distinct Ayurvedic blend of Black Gram Oil, known for its powerful moisturizing property and the ability to give a youthful appearance, along with Rice Bran Oil for a light, easy-on-the-skin texture as well as unique Ayurvedic herbs like Krishna Sariva and the leaves of Mango, Jamun, and Bael for a juicy, alive look.