Finding Balance in Fall
An Ayurvedic Guide to Seasonal Wellness
By Meg Dwyer-Mach, ACN, CH
The leaves are changing, the mornings are crisper (a subtle change for Austinites) and suddenly my skin feels like parchment paper (anyone else?). Fall always sneaks in with a mix of beauty and unease—it’s inspiring, cozy, and transitional all at once. In Ayurveda—the ancient science of living in harmony with nature—this season is ruled by Vata dosha, the energy of air and ether.
Vata energy brings creativity, freshness, and movement, but too much of it can tip us into anxiety, dryness, and “I feel all over the place” mode. Even if Vata isn’t your main dosha or constitution, the Fall season tends to stir it up for everyone.
If you’ve been noticing more racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, dry skin, or irregular digestion lately—this could be your body whispering, “Hey, let’s get grounded.”
Understanding Vata + Fall
Fall is cool, dry, light, windy—just like Vata. Because “like increases like,” the qualities of the season can push us off balance.
Signs of too much Vata:
Scattered mind, restlessness, or worry
Constipation, bloating, gas - digestive upset
Dry skin, hair, lips
Irregular sleep or appetite
Does this sound like you? The good news: Ayurveda gives us simple tools to soothe Vata and make Fall feel nourishing instead of depleting.
Best Ayurvedic Tips for Fall Balance
1. Favor Warm, Moist, Nourishing Foods
Think soups, stews, roasted veggies, porridges. Add good fats like ghee, sesame oil, or olive oil, and spice them with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and turmeric.
Best things to avoid? Too many cold salads, raw smoothies, or dry crackers—these aggravate Vata. Now - if you live in Texas like me - you can still work with the persistent heat by incorporating juicy fruits to balance Vata and still stay a bit cool.
A Morning Ritual: I love starting my day with warm lemon water and a bowl of spiced oatmeal—it’s like giving my nervous system a hug. Saying, hey, I’ve got you.
2. Gentle Daily Rhythms
Vata thrives on routine. Even tiny rituals can be an anchor. Try:
Eating meals at regular times (consistent breakfasts, consistent lunches)
Going to bed and waking up at the same time (with room for flexibility)
Picking one daily anchor: a morning meditation, journaling, or an evening walk
Ritual idea: Light a candle before dinner. It sounds so simple, but it signals to your whole system: slow down, you’re home.
3. Stay Warm + Grounded
Layer up when it’s chilly or windy (yes, Texans, maybe not until November).
Bring in earthy tones—rust, gold, greens—to balance Fall’s airiness.
Movement: gentle yoga, walks, or grounding breathwork are ideal.
Try this breath: Inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 6. It slows the mind almost instantly. You may start to find - mind and breath are linked. This is an excellent practice if you find yourself awake in the night with thoughts going. Tune into your breath, follow your breath.
4. Oil Your Body (Abhyanga)
Abhyanga—self-massage with warm oil—is a Fall game-changer.
Use warm sesame oil (or coconut if you run hot). Massage before a shower, or even after—I do it post-shower to avoid the slippery-bathroom situation.
Bed time Ritual: Massage your feet with sesame oil before bed. Pull on socks. Thank me later.
A Gentle Reminder
If you’re feeling extra sensitive or wobbly this season, you’re not broken—it’s just Vata doing its thing. Nature is always shifting, and so are we. When we align with the seasons instead of resisting them, balance naturally returns.
If you’d like personal Ayurvedic guidance, I’d love to support you. Book a session here with me, Meg Dwyer-Mach and we’ll create a Fall plan tailored to your body and rhythms.
Question for you: What’s one ritual that helps you feel grounded in the Fall? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical care. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal medical concerns.
