AYURVEDIC SUMMER PRACTICES
Staying cool and balanced
According to Ayurvedic seasonal cycles, summer is considered to be Pitta season, where the energetic principles of fire and water are strongest. It is during summer that Pitta dosha, inherently driven by solar force, is most predominant, as it is comprised of the fire and water elements.
Pitta dosha is the expression of radiant energy, both within our bodies and in the universe. As we move in and out of the Summer Solstice it is a time where the Earth is receiving the most sun, heat and radiant energy thus bringing the qualities that are sharp, hot, bright, and penetrating. We mostly feel the drying effects of this time of year via the hot sun and for some areas dry winds as well. Ayurveda considers this a time of dehydration that occurs both inside and outside the body. Following the principle of like increases like we follow a summer guide based on Pitta pacification measure to balance what is predominant in our environment.
The key qualities or gunas of Pitta are hot, sharp, light, liquid, spreading, slightly oily and fleshy smelling. When these attributes build up within the body due to wrong diet and lifestyle, Pitta accumulates and begins to manifest various imbalances. This imbalances can more easily arise in the summer whether you are of Pitta prakriti or not. However, for those with Pitta in their constitution this season is an especially sensitive time of the year for you because during the summer season, due to the hot quality, Pitta people become more susceptible to heat related ailments.
Signs of increased pitta in the body include:
-excessive body heat
- heartburn
- hyperacidity
- peptic ulcers
- acne
- irritation, impatience, anger, frustration
- skin rashes
- diarrhea
- early graying of the hair or falling hair
The Pitta person is prone to a low tolerance for heat, sunshine, or hard physical work. When out of balance emotionally, the sharp quality of Pitta arouses aggression, irritability, anger, hatred, judgment, criticism, and jealousy. Special care must be taken in order for them to remain cool, calm and peaceful. In general, to balance Pitta, we learn to apply its opposite qualities to any given imbalance. For example, if a person has eaten chili peppers, making their mind sharp and agitated we counterbalance with cooling foods, remedies and practices.
DIET
Due to the strong properties of the sun and the body’s need to stay cool and release internal heat Ayurveda correlates this in terms of internal Agni in the body. Meaning that Agni is pulled to the extremities to keep the body cool and therefore digestive Agni is compromised weakening our digestive capacity. That is why in the summer we are often less hungry and want to eat less. So it is good to eat lighter and smaller meals during this time of year.
Increase sweet, bitter, and astringent tasting foods that are light in nature. Eat plenty of bitter salad greens such as lettuce, arugula, radicchio, basil, and endive are particularly Pitta balancing. Include cool drinks and raw foods in the diet, including cucumber, mango and coconut water. Natural fruit juices without added sugar, mint teas, and raw berries are good choices.
Reduce sour, salty, and pungent tastes
Lifestyle Recommendations
Since the stomach, liver and skin are the principle seats of Pitta dosha, simple cleansing techniques aimed at these regions are commonly employed in the summer months.
- Upon awakening, do some yoga asanas, including Chandra Namaskar. The emphasis throughout your practice can be on surrendering, forgiving, softening and being gentle with yourself – a cooling, grounding sadhana.
- Spend time outside before 10 am and after 5 pm. Avoid being outdoors during the hottest times of the day.
- Practice cooling pranayama after your asanas. Either Shitali pranayama or left-nostril breathing will cool and calm the hot quality of pitta dosha. Be sure to release any remaining internal heat from within the body before meditation.
- Give yourself a slow and loving full body massage before taking a shower. Use Pitta massage oil, Coconut oil or Sunflower Oil.
- Essential oils of rose, sandalwood, jasmine or lavender are cooling
- Drink a tea of cumin, coriander, fennel and rose to pacify the hot quality, improve digestion and calm the mind. Mint tea.
- Wear clothing of light texture and color. Excellent choices would be cotton, linen and silk of white, blue and green. Red and yellow shades tend to increase the fire that is already present.
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