The Energy in Season: Autumn
In both Ayurveda (the sister science of Yoga) + Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) — from which Qi Gong originates — the changing seasons are seen as powerful teachers.
Though these ancient systems use different languages, they share one message: by aligning ourselves with the elements of Nature, we can support balance, prevent illness + live with greater ease.
Ayurveda: The Vata Season
Through the Ayurvedic lens, Autumn is VATA season — a time governed by the elements of AIR + ETHER (SPACE).
Vata’s qualities are like the wind: quick, cool, dry, light, changeable fluctuating + spacious.
Autumn conditions can be drying, windy + blustery + very changeable. The Autumn colour pallet is an example of how changeable this season is, from a loud vivid October colour palette muting to its bare neutral hue in advance of winter. In ourselves, it invites adaptability, openness to change + courage to step beyond comfort zones.
When Vata Is Out of Balance
Too much Vata can bring dryness, restlessness, anxiety, or an overactive mind.
This can show in symptoms such as chapped lips, dry skin, eyes, hair, nails, bowels (constipation) + joint pains.
It can show up as restless energy, racing mind, bloating/gas, hiccups, can’t sit still + trouble sleeping. You might feel flighty, scattered or ungrounded.
It can also show up in our habits + communication eg. difficulties in self expression or honest communication – too talkative/gossipy or too introverted/detatched; Erratic or irregular sleep times, eating habits.
Vata imbalance often affects the Large Intestine + pelvic region, causing stiffness + pain in the lower back or hips as well as elimination issues.
To balance Vata:
→ Create structure boundaries + routine around sleep-times, meal times + movement / exercise.
→ Prioritise warmth + nourishment.
→ Cultivate steadiness, simplicity + self-care.
Yoga + Tantra: The Heart + Throat Chakras
In the subtle energy body, Autumn corresponds with two key centres:
- Anahata (Heart Chakra) – frequency of AIR
- Vishuddha (Throat Chakra) – frequency of ETHER (SPACE)
Both resonate with Vata energy.
When we bring awareness to these centres — through breathwork, mindful movement + attention — we support balance + harmony.
Remember: ENERGY FLOWS WHERE ATTENTION GOES
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
Governs the heart, lungs, diaphragm, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, skin + immune system.
Support this energy through:
- Upper body mobility + strength
- Breathwork to expand lung capacity
- Skin nourishment + self-massage
- Practices that open the heart — compassion, kindness, gratitude, forgiveness
Imbalances may show up as emotional defensiveness, jealousy, fear of intimacy, or withdrawal.
We can manage this energy centre by reinforcing boundaries in relationships + committing to practices that encourage open heartedness, adventurous spirit, acceptance, love + connection for ourself + others + the natural world.
Healing practices include journaling, breathwork + cultivating kindness, connection + acceptance.
NOTICE if you project energy blocks or imbalances with behaviours such as jealousy/ lack of empathy/ fear of intimacy / taking the role of the rescuer or the role of the victim/ overly judgemental/ overly defensiveness /prefer to self isolate or be antisocial etc. Take support to manage any such tendencies either with physical practices (breathwork + movement) or cognitive practices such as learning the value of forgiveness, managing grief or trauma.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
Governs the neck, throat, thyroid, ears + mouth, and is the centre of communication + truth.
Protecting this area from the cold (hello, beanie + scarf season!) also brings awareness to it.
Imbalances may appear as sore throats, stiffness, or difficulty expressing or hearing truth.
Support this chakra by:
- Speaking with clarity + integrity
- Listening deeply
- Using sound (chanting, humming) or breath to free the voice
Keeping a gratitude or reflection journal this season can help clear emotional residue + calm the mind before sleep.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: The Metal Element
In TCM, Autumn is the season of the METAL ELEMENT — refined, strong, structured + clear.
Metal comes from deep within the Earth but is not earthy — think of minerals, crystals, precious metals that bring brilliance + value.
When balanced, Metal energy gives us integrity, discernment + self-worth. It teaches us to receive + let go — to release what no longer serves us so we can create space for what’s new.
Organs of the Metal Element
The Lungs + Large Intestine are the organs linked to Metal energy.
They govern the body’s exterior (skin, sweat glands, body hair) + our protective energy (Wei Qi) — the immune system.
Their functions:
- Absorption: breath, oxygen, nutrition
- Elimination: toxins, waste, CO₂, emotions
Healthy flow through these organs = vitality, clarity + emotional balance.
When Metal Energy Is Out of Balance
Excess Metal can show up as perfectionism, rigidity, or materialism.
Deficiency may lead to sadness, apathy, low self-worth, deep boredom or withdrawal.
Physically, imbalances often appear in the respiratory, skin, lymphatic + elimination systems.
Grief is the emotion most associated with Metal — not something to avoid, but to honour + allow to move through you. Letting go creates spaciousness for renewal.
Supporting Metal Energy
- Practice chest opening + shoulder mobility to strengthen lungs
- Yoga + Qi Gong with the arms + upper body (meridian lines of Lung + Large Intestine)
- Breathe deeply + release completely
- Focus on boundaries, values + letting go with grace
The essence of Metal is clarity — to know your worth, to refine what remains + to release what no longer serves.
Integrating the Wisdom of the Season
Whether you connect more with Ayurveda, Yoga, or TCM, the message is the same:
Autumn is a time to slow down, simplify, protect, and refine.
Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and align with Nature’s rhythm.
CLICK HERE for Practical Guidance on Staying Balanced This Autumn
Come + explore more in CLASS