5 Ayurvedic tips for Summer Season

In Ayurveda, the summer season is associated with the Pitta dosha, which is composed of fire and water, symbolizing metabolism and transformation. During Summer, as the sun reaches its peak, this fiery energy is also reflected within us, driving our activity and wakefulness.

Unlike the cooler Vata and Kapha doshas, Pitta is warm. It’s when this internal fire becomes excessive, we must be cautious. Rather than burning out quickly, like a match that flares up, we should aim to keep our flame burning steadily & consistently.

When left unsupported, to much heat in our body-mind system can lead to problems. Maybe you have already been experiencing its effects:

  • Are you feeling an increase in your body heat, thirst, or a change in body odor?
  • Are your eyes or skin getting inflamed, red, or irritated?
  • Are you experiencing lots of anger, impatience & frustration or feeling ‘hangry’ easily?
  • Or are you overly focussed on achieving goals and obsessed with completing tasks with no priority?


5 Ayurvedic tips to help keep your Pitta dosha in balance:

 

1. DO LESS, CHILL & HAVE FUN

Pitta’s intense drive can easily lead to burnout, especially in summer. To avoid overheating and exhaustion, it’s essential to prioritize relaxation. Steer clear of a jam-packed schedule; instead, make room for moments of peace & downtime.

After a busy day, catch up with friends, spend time in nature, bask under the moonlight and dip your feet in cool waters. Embracing fun & relaxation is a powerful way to balance Pitta Dosha and keep your inner fire in check!

 

2. CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE

Invoke humility & humor to get out of our own head trip. Set an intention, offer your efforts to help others or for the greater good of humanity to keep the focus of you. Keep a sense of humor when the inner judge of Pitta starts to judge we are not working enough, doing enough etc. Know ‘this is not me, just high pitta’ 🙂

 

3. BALANCE THROUGH DIET

  • Have a regular eating schedule and avoid skipping meals
  • Emphasise fresh organic fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  • Avoid excess oils, fried foods, caffeine, salt, alcohol, red meat, soy and hot spices.
  • Choose sweet, bitter and astringent tastes (juicy mango or apricot and all green leafy veggies for example)
  • Avoid hard cheeses, sour cream, buttermilk, and yogurt but go for cooling dairy products like milk (including plant-based) and cottage cheese.
  • Incorporate herbs & spices like coriander, saffron, dill, fennel & mint
  • Add lime or rose water to your water

 

4. ADJUST YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

  • Practice in a cool, fresh room with windows slightly open. Avoid the hottest time of day.
  • Visualize moving as if you are moving with the grace of a swan, drifting on waters and letting the water glide off us gracefully.
  • Bring in a relaxt effort and give only 60% instead of 200%
  • Keep the eyes with a soft gaze at eye level (prevents headache) or close them
  • Try to enjoy the practice have FUN and laugh > keep a smile on your face
  • Open the palms of your hands during Shavasana to practice surrendering & acceptance

 

5. PRACTICE COOLING PRANAYAMA

Pranayamas are great for Pitta as they keep things flowing and help to remove any stagnated heat. Also takes Pitta out of their head where it tends to get hot and judgemental towards fresh space of pure awareness. Upon realizing there is a greater force running this universe Pitta can drop the weight of responsibility and cool down.

Try to incorporate one of these into your Kundalini Practice:

  • Shitali
  • Brahmari
  • Chandra Bhedana

Laughter is natural pranayama!

Energy Medicine Space

Need some more inspiration for your spiritual journey? Head over to the Energy Medicine Space where you can find handpicked Kundalini Yoga practices that are perfect for the Pitta season. Enjoy!

 

ENERGY MEDICINE