Vata in Motion: How to Survive Autumn in Balance According to Ayurveda

Autumn cold, wind and dry air pose a great challenge for our body. Our immunity decreases and the respiratory tract is put to the test. Ayurveda sees this time as a period of dominance of the Vata dosha, which has a natural tendency to dry out the mucous membranes, destabilize the organism and unsettle the nervous system. When this dryness is combined with humidity or sudden changes in weather, a dry and irritating cough often appears, or, conversely, a cough with difficult phlegm. How to cope with autumn ailments?

Recently, 37-year-old Monika came to me for a consultation. She suffered from a dry, irritating cough every September. It woke her up at night, her throat was irritated, and she felt without energy in the morning. I recommended that she drink warm boiled milk with turmeric, a pinch of nutmeg, and a teaspoon of ghee in the evening, rub a drop of lukewarm ghee (Nasya) into her nose before going to bed, and gently massage her chest with warm sesame oil during the day. The result? After just 2 days, the cough subsided, her sleep improved, and within 5 days, her vitality returned.

This example perfectly demonstrates how targeted Ayurvedic practices help restore balance.

Ayurveda distinguishes how to approach autumn cough, because what helps one type can worsen another. If the cough is dry and irritating (Vata dominance), we need to moisturize and soothe. Boiled milk with spices (turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg) combined with a small amount of ghee is ideal, which moisturizes the mucous membranes and soothes irritation. If, on the other hand, the cough is phlegmy (Kapha dominance), it is better to skip the milk and reach for a hot tea made from fresh ginger, thyme, cinnamon or Tulsi. Inhaling steam from herbs will also help loosen mucus and make breathing easier.

Tulsi, the holy basil> is key for autumn. Called the "queen of herbs", it strongly strengthens immunity, clears the respiratory tract and invigorates the mind. It is ideal for colds, phlegm and exhaustion associated with Vata imbalance. A cup of Tulsi tea on a cold evening will warm the body and help calm a fluctuating nervous system.

Forget cold salads! Supporting your immune system in the fall starts in the kitchen. Warm, nutritious meals are key. Thick vegetable soups and kicharis (a traditional Ayurvedic dish made with rice, mung dal, and spices) strengthen digestion (Agni), which is the foundation of immunity. These foods are easy to digest, warm, and calm the Vata dosha, providing steady energy without weighing you down.

In addition to diet and herbs, procedures play a key role. Warm oil massages (Abhyanga) warm up, relieve tension and harmonize the nervous system. With Shirodhara, when a stream of warm oil flows onto the forehead, it brings deep calm and helps with anxiety, insomnia and overwork. Nasya, the application of oil into the nose, protects the respiratory tract from drying out and infections. These procedures are not only relaxing, but also effective immune support and prevention of autumn problems.

At Ananda Spa, we focus on an individual approach. Every body and every imbalance needs a unique solution. During personal consultations, we look together for what will support you the most – whether it is a diet adjustment, herbal therapy or suitable procedures. Autumn does not have to be a time of weakness for you, but an opportunity to build stability and strengthen your immunity for the cold months. I will be happy to welcome you and together we will find solutions not only for autumn imbalances, but also for women's problems related to hormonal changes or age, which I specialize in. Come for an initial consultation and together we will set your path to health.