Movement for Fall: Yoga & Exercise to Balance Vata
As autumn arrives, nature shifts into a season of wind, dryness, and change. Ayurveda calls this Vata season—a time when our bodies and minds can feel light, erratic, and ungrounded. While movement is always important for health, the way we move in fall can either bring balance or deepen imbalance.
Autumn Foods: Nourishing Balance in Vata Season
As the air turns crisp and the leaves surrender their vibrant colors to the earth, our bodies, too, feel the shift of autumn. In Ayurveda, fall is governed by Vata dosha, marked by qualities of dryness, lightness, coldness, and movement. To stay grounded and resilient in this season of transition, we must look to foods that bring warmth, moisture, stability, and nourishment.
This is the wisdom of autumn eating: aligning with the season so your body feels supported, not depleted.
Ayurveda Winter Wellness: Balancing Kapha & Vata for Seasonal Health
The first snow of winter carries a magic of its own—the crisp air, the scent of earth beneath fresh powder, and the quiet stillness that signals a new beginning. Just as the seasons shift, so too do the rhythms of our bodies.
In Ayurveda, winter is primarily considered Kapha season, with its cold weather, increased moisture, and hibernation-like energy. But in places like Colorado—where winters are also dry and brittle—Vata qualities are just as present. The stillness and isolation of winter can aggravate both Kapha and Vata, making it important to follow a supportive seasonal routine.
Abhyanga: The Ayurvedic Practice of Self-Massage with Oil
In Ayurveda, self-massage with oil is called Abhyanga, a practice that nourishes the body, calms the mind, and cultivates self-love. In Sanskrit, the word Sneha means both “oil” and “love.” When you anoint yourself with warm oil, you are not only moisturizing your skin — you are offering love and care to your entire being.
This simple yet profound daily ritual helps restore balance to the doshas, especially Vata and Pitta, making it ideal during seasons of stress, dryness, or heightened heat.
The Power of Contemplation: Slowing Down to Discover Truth
In a world where most of us are conditioned to react instantly, contemplation invites us to pause, breathe, and consider. Rather than rushing into action from fear, stress, or ego, contemplation allows us to hold space for the situation, letting wisdom ripen before we act.
Even comedy captures this truth. In a classic Monty Python sketch, philosophers line up to play soccer. Instead of kicking the ball, they all stand still, stroking their chins, deep in thought. Finally, one philosopher has an idea, kicks, and scores. Funny—but also a perfect picture of what contemplation really is.
Ayurveda Fall Wellness Guide: Balancing Vata for Cold & Flu Season
As autumn arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, the air grows crisp, the leaves fall, and Vata season takes center stage. In Ayurveda, Vata dosha is governed by air and ether—qualities of cold, dryness, and movement. When Vata is balanced, it fuels creativity, energy, and inspiration. But when it becomes aggravated, it can leave us feeling anxious, dry, and vulnerable to seasonal illness.