​Healthy way of transitioning into Fall

* keeping your immune system strong    🍁 ​    ​and you mood happy and confident

​When you live here in Québec, you cannot miss the call of the seasonal change!
This year frost came early and not just one night. But nature makes up for it by displaying the most spectacular show of colours, and every day of it reminds us to get ready.
Around here we have been busy with the harvest, canning vegetables and making herbal tinctures and medicinal honeys to be ready for the coming season.

This year more than ever, we need to do what we can to have a healthy body, strong immune system and keeping our spirits high.

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So, let me share some of the things I am doing.

Of course, I will give you ideas on how to protect your skin, especially your hands. The skin is part of our protection and it is important to look after it.
I will share some practises from Ayurveda which uses warm oils on the skin, herbal infusions to warm the body and aromatics herbs in soups, all of which ensure that our bodies stay balanced and able to transition well.

I make a reference to Ayurveda because, this ancient system of heath and wellbeing, takes in consideration our individual constitutions,, our way of reacting to the changing environment and considers lifestyle influences. Ayurveda also make a link between our personal body type and the way our environment effects our emotions, vitality and mood.
 
The principal idea for autumn dynamics in Ayurveda draws attention to Vata, the element of air. The effects of high or aggravated Vata element is: dry and chapped skin, cold hands and feet, light interrupted sleep, irritability, lack of concentration, disturbed digestion and bloating, nervousness (imbalances in the nervous system), joint pains and anxiety to name just a view.
It is recommended to establish a regular routine, stay warm, avoid physical exertion, eat warm foods like soups, apply warm oil to the skin, practise regular meditation.

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​How to take care of your skin during the transition into autumn
The change of weather, with windy conditions and cold temperature has a tendency to dehydrate your skin. In addition, we are turning on the heating which all aggravates Vata dosha even more. Ayurveda encourages us to stay warm and keep our skin oiled.
Hydration of the skin is managed through application of 'oily' and 'creasy' substances. In addition to your daily skin care routine it is recommended to  apply of warm oil to the whole body once per week. Ayurveda encourages the use of sesame oil. I apply it in the evening after a warm shower. On very cold days I allow myself a warm bath and apply the oil generously all over the body before relaxing in the warmth of the bath.
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🧡 🍂 💛 🍁 ❤️ ✨ 🧡 🍂 💛 🍁 ❤️ ✨ 🧡 🍂 💛 🍁 ❤️ ✨

I have created a moisturizing lotion bar for the purpose of deep hydrating effects. It is a rich blend of shea butter, sunflower oil and beeswax. I personally choose the one with orange and ylang-ylang, a fresh and flowery blend of fragrance and uplifting to my mood.
Apply it to the warm skin after your shower and it is a perfect protection to the windy cold climate of this season and the drying effects of heating.

Recent times have put a lot of stress on the skin of our hands. Frequent hand washing with soap makes the skin even dryer and the hand sanitizers we are required to use multiple times in the day are doing the rest

All natural butters will repair and protect, so you can avoid cracks and irritations and risk of infection.
Use it morning and evening as a treatment.
 
During the day, use the hydrating body lotion to hydrate your skin after each hand washing.
​It has a light creamy texture and absorbs quickly.

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Keeping your body and all systems warm, will calm the nervous system and allow a healthy digestion. I make myself infusions throughout the day, using herbs and spices which are warming and calming. My favorite is coriander (seeds), cardamon (seeds) and fresh orange peel.  Other herbs can be Anis, Ginger, Cinnamon and cumin. You can explore them and make your own favorite blends.

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​Autumn calls us to consume more warm foods. It is the time of harvest, so right now my cellar is overflowing with garlic, potato, squash, pumpkin, carrots, cabbage, kale and the very last zucchinis. It is now the time to be creative and create your own favorite soups. I love a mix of veggies with a good portion of garlic, nutmeg, ginger and one apple for sweetness.