Autumn in New England brings much change and activity; just look to nature for cues. Birds are migrating, squirrels are gathering nuts for winter nourishment, trees are drawing in their energy while leaves turn. The heat of summer has faded. Transition is happening everywhere, including within.

How do you stay healthy in Autumn? Here are a few ways that Ayurveda helps us stay on track:

Dincharya (daily routines). Since the nervous system is easily scattered in the Fall, it is a good time to establish a daily routine if you haven't already. Eat warm, cooked foods at regular mealtimes to support digestion. Side note: Sipping warm water with a pinch of salt, squeeze of lime and piece of ginger before your meal will aid in assimilation. Getting to bed by 10pm and waking at the same time each morning will help regulate your sleep patterns. Try to wake with enough time to meditate or set an intention for your day. Practice gentle yoga or a round of surya namaskar (sun salutations) to get your body moving. 

Daily Abbyanga (body massage) before your morning shower is another way to keep your skin and tissues supple while supporting your immune system. Use sesame oil (tridoshic--good for all) and start at your feet, slowly working upwards toward your head and heart. Take your time and speak kindly to each body part. Note: Be careful getting in and out the shower due to the oil. 

If you're feeling restless at night or suffer with insomnia, rub sesame oil on the top of your head and bottom of your feet and then cover with socks to avoid leaving any residue. This will help your body unwind and prepare for sleep. 

These are just a few ways that Ayurveda teaches us how to tap into the rhythm of nature. How do you take care of yourself during seasonal transitions?

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Brook is a native Vermonter who moved to Maine in 2020 after spending her 20’s in New York City. She grew up wanting to be a dancer (and a massage therapist on the side because her mom said she needed a marketable skill!). She completed her undergraduate degree at the New School with a concentration in dance in 2014 and completed her massage therapy studies in 2019 at New York College of Health Professions. She passed her licensing exam in New York State, as well as the MBLEX (national certification exam).  

Her first foray into the massage world was when she was younger and received monthly Rolfing sessions. She feels her current massage style closely mirrors her previous experiences with myofascial release, Structural Integration, Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique to encourage somatic experiences and more easeful movements in the body as we go about our daily lives.

Brook is trained in trigger point therapy, reflexology, deep tissue massage, sports massage, medical massage, Shiatsu, Thai massage and enjoys incorporating elements of each into her practice. She excelled in pathology and medical massage classes, and often drew on her experiences and knowledge from working in veterinary medicine to aid her in her studies. She completed 1000 hours of study at New York College of Health Professions.

Brook started at SOMA in March and has quickly become an integral part of the team. We are happy to have her expertise and kindness at SOMA! 

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