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As the sun shines and temperatures soar, summer brings with it a unique set of challenges for our bodies and minds. It leaves us feeling dehydrated, lazy and irritated.
According to the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, Pitta dosha rules the summer season. Pita dosha represents the elements of fire and water. When Pitta becomes aggravated, we may experience symptoms like overheating, inflammation, irritability, and digestive issues.
To stay cool and balanced during this hot season, it's essential to align our lifestyles with Ayurvedic principles. If you're eager to learn more about "how to embrace summer with Ayurveda", this guide will help you out.
It explains Ayurvedic tips for a refreshing and harmonious summer, including ideal foods, daily rituals, cooling herbs, and more.
For some people, it's challenging to survive in the summer season. Summer's intense heat can bring about several imbalances in the body, especially if one does not take adequate measures to manage it. Let's find out how summer can impact your health and well-being:
Excessive Sweating: During summer, our bodies sweat more to regulate internal temperature. This increased sweating can lead to a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes, causing dehydration. You can experience dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and reduced urine output.
Heat Rashes and Sunburn: High temperatures and increased exposure to the sun can cause numerous skin problems.
Did you know when heat rashes occur? They occur when sweat ducts become blocked, leading to red, itchy bumps on the skin.
Sunburn results from prolonged exposure to UV rays, causing pain, redness, and peeling of the skin. So don't forget to wear sunscreen whenever you go out.
Inflammation: Skin inflammation is another common issue during summer. It can manifest as redness, swelling, and tenderness, often exacerbated by sun exposure and high temperatures.
Pitta Aggravation: The Pitta dosha, associated with heat and fire, can increase during the summer, leading to digestive issues. Common problems include indigestion, acid reflux, and other heat-related gastrointestinal disturbances.
In Ayurveda, the right diet is crucial for maintaining balance and well-being, especially in the different seasons. During the summer, the focus is on cooling, hydrating, and Pitta-pacifying foods to counteract the intense heat. Here's a more detailed look at the types of foods recommended:
Juicy, Sweet Fruits: Summer is the perfect time to indulge in nature's hydrating gifts. Juicy, sweet fruits are not only delicious but also incredibly hydrating and cooling. You can try:
Cooling Vegetables: Incorporating the right vegetables can help balance the body's internal heat and aid digestion.
Cooling Dairy Products: Dairy can be beneficial in the summer if chosen correctly.
Lighter Grains: Choose grains that are easy to digest and don't generate excessive heat.
Easier-to-Digest Legumes: Some legumes can be heavy and hard to digest, but some exceptions are suitable for summer.
Cooling Herbs and Spices: Flavor your meals with herbs and spices that cool the body and aid digestion.
Incorporating specific daily practices can help maintain balance during the heat of summer. Let's find out about these practices:
Morning Routine: Start your day with a glass of lukewarm water infused with mint or a slice of lime to kickstart your digestion gently.
Exercise: Indulge yourself in calming activities such as yoga, swimming, or walking in the early morning or evening when it's cooler outside. These exercises will not only keep you fit but also leave you feeling relaxed and at peace.
Skincare: Soothe your skin with the cooling and hydrating properties of coconut oil or aloe vera gel. This natural remedy will keep your skin refreshed and comfortable, even in the summer heat.
Clothing: Wear light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen in light colors to reflect heat and keep cool.
Hydration: You'll feel dehydrated if you're not drinking enough water. Therefore, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Coconut water and herbal teas are ideal for staying hydrated and cool.
Herbal teas can be a pacifying and effective way to balance Pitta during summer. Here are some recommended options for you:
Peppermint Tea: Picture yourself sipping cool and refreshing peppermint tea in a hot summer. Feeling the calm and chilly vibes!
Well, peppermint tea helps reduce internal heat and soothe digestive issues.
Hibiscus Tea: It is rich in antioxidants, and not only cools the body but also supports cardiovascular health.
Chamomile Tea: Chamomile Tea is popular for its soothing properties and can help lessen stress and promote relaxation.
Fennel Tea: It can help with digestion and cool the body. It is perfect for after meals.
In addition to herbal teas, these cooling drinks can keep you refreshed:
Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera juice is extremely hydrating and helps to reduce internal heat. So you can start having it in the morning.
Coconut Water: Naturally hydrating and rich in electrolytes, coconut water is an ideal summer drink. This can be your best buddy for summer.
Rose Water: A few drops of rose water in your drinking water can provide a cooling effect and aid in hydration. Have you ever tried it? If not, you must.
Buttermilk: Spiced buttermilk, known as chaas, is a traditional Ayurvedic drink that cools the digestive system and hydrates the body. Can we tell a secret? You can have it in a sweetened and spicy flavor.
Summer is a time to enjoy the vibrancy and warmth of the season, but it also requires us to be mindful of how we care for our bodies. By incorporating these Ayurvedic tips—choosing the right foods, adopting cooling daily rituals, sipping herbal teas and drinks, and using appropriate spices—you can maintain balance and stay cool. Embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda to make the most of summer, ensuring that your Pitta remains in harmony for a healthy, joyful season.
Remember, balance is key, and Ayurveda provides the tools to support you stay cool, calm, and collected all summer long.
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