How to Stay Balanced in Fall — Simple Tips for Vata Season

Dear friends & community,

Even though we are still enjoying some warm, sunny days here in Southern California, which feel almost summer-like, the shift in season can already be felt. The mornings and evenings have become cooler and crisp, and some trees have started to shed their leaves. Fall is definitely in the air.

This seasonal transition marks the beginning of Vata season, the time when the air (vayu) element becomes predominant. The qualities of Vata are dry, cool, light, and mobile, and you can literally feel the “winds of change,” both in nature and within yourself.

As these external tendencies increase, they can easily aggravate the inner Vata in our bodies, emotions and minds, especially since some dryness already accumulated at the end of summer. The key now is to balance this dryness and create a sense of warmth, moisture, and groundedness. Adaptation is such key!

Here are a few simple and practical tips to help you stay in harmony and homeostasis during this season:

🍁 1. Eat Warm, Cooked, and Moist Foods

Now’s the time to say goodbye (for now) to raw salads and cold smoothies. Instead, enjoy nourishing stews, soups, porridges, roasted or steamed vegetables, and kitchari. Warm, oily, soupy and grounding meals will help your body feel nurtured and stable. You can also enjoy some well-cooked meats or nourishing bone broths if you wish. Remember, Ayurveda doesn’t necessarily require you to be vegetarian or vegan; it’s all about what truly supports your balance and wellbeing.

🍁 2. Spice It Up (Gently)

Warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cloves, black pepper, fennel, cardamom and cumin kindle digestion and circulation. Start including them a bit more in your cooking or herbal teas.

🍁 3. Favor Sweet, Salty & Sour Flavors

These three tastes help keep moisture in the body and soothe Vata’s dryness. Use a good quality sea salt, a little squeeze of lemon or lime juice over your cooked food, and enjoy something naturally sweet like a fresh date or a teaspoon of raw, local honey.

🍁 4. Boost Immunity with Chyawanprash

This delicious Ayurvedic tonic supports immunity, vitality, and energy which is perfect for this seasonal transition into fall. Take ½–1 teaspoon daily in the morning on an empty stomach with a little warm water or warm milk (or nut milk). One of my favorite is Lotus Blooming Herbs Authentic Chyawanprash.

🍁 5. Sip Warm Liquids

Avoid cold or iced drinks for now, since they dampen digestion and increase Vata. Instead, sip warm water or herbal teas throughout the day. I especially love this easy to make Tulsi Turmeric Ginger Tea. It’s supportive for the respiratory system and gently warms and kindles digestion.

🍁 6. Enjoy Self-Abhyanga (Oil Bath)

One to two times a week, enjoy an oil bath or Self-Abhyanga, a warm oil ritual. It’s more than skin care; it’s whole-self care, deeply grounding, nourishing, and calming for your body and nervous system. You can find my detailed guidance here: Self-Abhyanga (Oil Bath).