As the trees release their leaves, we too can release what no longer nourishes us.
Autumn is nature’s exhale — a soft yet powerful turning inward. In Ayurveda, this season is ruled by air and ether, bringing light, cool, and mobile qualities. Similarly, in East Asian medicine, autumn is associated with the metal element, linked to the lung and large intestine meridians. Both systems point to the same essential teaching: this is the season to let go.
Physiologically and energetically, autumn is about creating spaciousness — exhaling stale breath, releasing waste, clearing the clutter within and around us so that new life has room to enter.
The Breath: Lungs as Gatekeepers
The lungs are our first interface with the world. With every inhale, they draw in life force — prana or qi — and with every exhale, they release what is no longer needed. This rhythmic exchange mirrors autumn’s natural cycle of receiving and releasing.
When the lungs are balanced, we breathe deeply, feel clear, inspired, and connected. When Vata becomes aggravated or lung energy stagnates, we may notice:
Shallow or anxious breathing
Tightness in the chest or upper back
Grief, sadness, or an unexplainable heaviness
Skin dryness or immune sensitivity (the lung governs the skin and the body’s protective boundary)
Gentle practices that support lung qi — like breathwork, slow walks in crisp air, restorative movement, or warm teas with tulsi, licorice, and ginger — help keep the breath open and steady.
The Release: Large Intestine and Letting Go
The large intestine is the organ of elimination. It determines what is to be released from the body — a physical mirror of the emotional and spiritual release this season invites. When this system is sluggish or dry, we may experience constipation, tension, or holding — not only in the body, but also in the mind.
In Ayurveda, Vata dosha governs elimination. Its cold, dry, mobile qualities can disturb the downward flow of apana vayu, the sub-dosha responsible for letting go through the bowels, menstruation, and grounding functions.
Balancing apana vayu means:
Warming, moist, and oily foods that soothe dryness (think root vegetables, ghee, soups, stews)
Regular routines for meals, rest, and elimination
Abhyanga (self-oil massage) to calm the nervous system and anchor the body
Gentle twisting yoga postures or a warm compress on the lower abdomen to support flow
The Emotional Landscape of Autumn
In both Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, emotions are intimately tied to the body. The lungs are connected to grief and inspiration; the large intestine to release — not only of waste but of attachments, expectations, and old patterns.
This is why autumn so often brings a tender, reflective quality. We may feel a natural pull toward solitude, simplicity, or even waves of unspoken sadness. This is not pathology; it’s part of the rhythm of letting go. When we give ourselves permission to soften and exhale, grief transforms into clarity and resilience.
Rejuvenation for the Nervous System
As Vata rises in autumn, the nervous system can become more sensitive, restless, or overextended. Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapies offer deeply grounding, regulating support — inviting the body to shift from sympathetic (fight/flight) activation to parasympathetic (rest/digest) restoration.
Marma Therapy works with subtle energy points to regulate prana flow, reduce tension, and restore balance. Stimulating specific marma points calms the mind, eases breath, and supports healthy lung–colon communication.
Abhyanga (warm oil massage) nourishes both skin and nerves. The warm, unctuous quality of oil helps insulate the nervous system from the cold, dry qualities of autumn, promoting deeper sleep, steadier mood, and a grounded sense of embodiment.
Shirodhara, the gentle pouring of warm oil over the forehead, offers profound nervous system reset. By soothing the vagus nerve and quieting mental chatter, it supports emotional release and cultivates a state of deep inner stillness.
These therapies aren’t just luxurious rituals — they are medicine for Vata, helping the body remember safety, rhythm, and ease.
Simple Practices to Support Letting Go
Warm, Spiced Nourishment: Eat foods that are grounding and moist to counter Vata and support apana flow.
Breath Rituals: Practice slow, intentional breathing each morning to strengthen lung qi and calm the mind.
Abhyanga: Apply sesame or ashwagandha oil 3–4 times a week to stabilize the nervous system and support the skin — the lungs’ outer boundary.
Release Rituals: Whether it’s decluttering your home, journaling what you no longer wish to carry, or simply taking long exhalations, create moments to consciously let go.
Rejuvenation Sessions: Marma, abhyanga, and shirodhara offer restorative support to help the nervous system exhale with the season.
“When you cease to fear your solitude, a new creativity awakens in you.” — John O’Donohue
Autumn invites us to trust the intelligence of release. Just as the trees shed their leaves to conserve their energy for winter’s stillness, we too can make space for clarity, nourishment, and inspiration to arise. By tending to the lungs and large intestine, soothing Vata dosha, and supporting the nervous system through touch, we align our physiology with the wisdom of the season.