Fall 2009

Dear Friends:
Grey skies and rain, temperature in the 40's, wind out of the northeast, no doubt here on the eastern shore it's Fall and time to pay attention to Vata, the driver behind many imbalances. From now until the Holidays (in this climate), balancing Vata is important, especially for those of us entering the Vata time of life (our later years) or those who have well-established Vata imbalances like insomnia (See "Latest News"). That means among other things, creating a more stable routine, protecting agni byeating more warm unctuous foods and fewer raw vegetables, daily oil massage, and scaling back on the intensity of exercise. (No Marine Corps Marathon, Boomers, unless you are Kapha predominant!)

Another way to help balance Vata is to reduce the time you are exposed to the media. I'm not suggesting dropping out of the human race, but evaluating the addictive but uneccessary "constant contact" with breaking news to which we've all become accustomed. Make a fair assessment of how many minutes (hours) a day you spend "connected" and see if you can reduce the time by half. Or at least eliminate the loudest, most upsetting commentators, programs, blogs, etc. Your nervous system and Vata will be grateful, your blood pressure will improve, you'll sleep better, and you'll protect your immune system as we enter Flu season. Here's to a healthier Fall!

Namasté,

David Mathis, MD, FAAFP, ABHM, D.Ay.