Fall is here—the crisp mornings, golden leaves, and that undeniable sense of transition. Along with the beauty of this season, though, comes a natural shift in our bodies and minds.
I recently asked our very own Kitty Woo Ham, FNP-c and Ayurvedic Counselor, what this change means from an Ayurvedic perspective—and how we can stay balanced as the seasons shift.
"In Ayruveda, Vata is a dosha or element that is airy, dry, on the go. It brings a lot of movement and change (ie during Fall and Spring, traveling, transitions in life, and anxiety).
It's important if you're vata imbalanced, and for anyone during this time of year, to find ways to find balance and stay grounded during this environmental season transition.
Finding balance can help your body and mind stay in balance. Staying balanced during this seasonal shift will help support your immune system, gut function, mental health, and more."
Signs of Vata Imbalance During Fall
Kitty explained how the shift in weather brings less sunlight, cooler winds, and more dryness, all of which can trigger or worsen Vata imbalance.
Signs of Vata imbalance this season may include:
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Dry skin and hair loss
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Anxiety or restlessness
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Trouble focusing
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Digestive changes
Understanding this connection is the first step to supporting your body with the right foods, lifestyle, and grounding practices.
Ayurveda Fall Tips for Seasonal Balance
Kitty emphasized that staying balanced doesn’t have to be complicated. Her top Ayurvedic fall wellness tips include:
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Favor warm food and drinks (avoid ice, cold smoothies, etc.)
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Include more grounding and healthy oils in your diet (depending on dosha/body type)
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Include warm oil massage in your morning and/or evening routine
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Cover your head and ears on windy days
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Avoid sleeping in cold drafts (ie fan blowing on you)
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Avoid fasting after the Fall
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Keep well-hydrated by sipping on warm water throughout the day (avoid caffeine & coffee, which are dehydrating and increase anxiety)
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Manage allergies to avoid them worsening in the winter months and decreasing your immune defenses
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Utilize acupuncture to help prevent imbalance and maintain balance, along with lifestyle management
- Check in with your Primary Care Provider
Allergy Testing and Holistic Treatments in Austin, Texas
Kitty also shared how unmanaged allergies in fall can reduce immune defenses as we move into winter. Supporting your system now makes a big difference later. At West Holistic Medicine, we offer:
Allergy testing to identify triggers
Personalized allergy drops to strengthen immune resilience
Acupuncture sessions to restore balance
Direct Primary Care with Dr. Ashley Maltz or Dr. Julia Afridi
Health coaching and emotional freedom tapping (EFT) with Darby Carter
Ayurvedic Assessments: Personalized Seasonal Health Guidance
While general fall wellness practices help everyone, Kitty explained that true balance comes from learning your Ayurvedic body type (dosha).
“With an Ayurvedic assessment, I can help patients understand their constitution and provide customized food, drink, herb, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations,” she said. “That way, you’re not just managing symptoms—you’re maintaining lifelong health.”
Ready to book your Appointment?
New Patients: Please fill out a registration form to schedule your first appointment
Returning Patients: Log in to your online portal to book
Or give our office a call at 512-814-0148, and we’ll be happy to help!