Ayurveda means “the science of life.” As above, so below: as the season changes, the qualities that increase outside increase inside our bodies too. Late summer is a transition from pitta season (fire and water) toward vata season (air and ether), and the foods we eat and the rituals we keep should help us balance what is happening in nature and in ourselves.
The yogic lifestyle gives us methods for taking care of the body, our outermost layer, and the morning is an important time, because it sets the tone for the rest of the day. Traditionally, the yogi wakes at the holy hour before sunrise and begins their rituals. It’s difficult to just sit down and meditate, so it’s important to prepare the body to sit. And if you don’t meditate, this routine prepares your body and mind for the day!
Start with the mouth
We start by cleaning the dirtiest part of the body first. Ah, you thought I meant something else! Your mouth can get downright gross. As you sleep, the body sloughs off toxins as it rests and digests. Peek inside your mouth in the morning and you’ll see a white film on the tongue. That’s not meant to be left there, or the body will simply reabsorb it.
- Oil pulling. Swish a tablespoon of sesame oil in your mouth for 5 to 10 minutes, then spit it into the trash (not the sink).
- Tongue scraping. Use a stainless steel tongue scraper, gently, from back to front, several times.
- Brush and floss. Use a natural Ayurvedic tooth powder or paste without harsh chemicals, and remember to floss. For a sore tooth, a drop of clove essential oil in your pulling oil is a traditional remedy.
Then wake up the insides
After tending to the mouth, we tend to the insides. Drink a mug of hot water with a wedge of lemon and a little honey to get digestion moving before your first bite of food. I like to add a pinch of crushed coriander seed, which is cooling and balancing as summer’s heat gives way to fall’s cool, moving energy.
Nourishing breakfasts
Then enjoy a nice Ayurvedic breakfast. Here are a few favorites, adapted from traditional recipes.
Power smoothie
Soak a handful each of peeled almonds, pistachios and cashews with a few dates and raisins overnight, or for at least two hours. Blend with milk or plant milk (or the soaking water) until thick. Add a splash of rosewater, a pinch of cardamom and a few strands of saffron, or ground fennel seed in place of the saffron. The dates make it sweet, but you can add a little jaggery or honey to taste. It’s good any time of day.
Quinoa pancakes (great for kids)
Soak quinoa overnight, then blend with a pinch of salt and enough water to make a smooth batter. (Quinoa flour mixed with water and salt makes an instant version.) Cook in a hot pan with a little ghee or coconut oil. Serve sweet or savory: with hummus, honey or apple butter. For a wheat-free alternative, try buckwheat, spelt or mung dal flour.
Warming breakfast porridge
The night before, soak a few raisins, dates, figs or apricots in a pot of water, with any seeds or nuts you like: sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, flax, almonds or shredded coconut. In the morning, bring it to a boil, add rolled oats (or millet, quinoa or barley flakes) and cook until soft. Stir in cinnamon and a few crushed cardamom seeds. Oat, rice or almond milk makes it creamy and light. Sweeten with maple or date syrup and a spoonful of nut butter. If you like honey, add it only once the porridge has cooled, since Ayurveda advises against cooking honey.
