Ayurveda for summer time

One of the main foundational principles of yoga and Ayurveda is that everything is connected.

What happens out in the environment happens within us as well.

During the summer time, the element of fire combined with the element of water, also known as pitta, is predominant. This is really easy to see during these long, hot and steamy days.

Because we aren’t separate from the world around us, the summer time usually leads to a build up of pitta in the body and mind.

If we already have a lot of pitta in our special sauce to begin with the summer can be particularly problematic.

Signs that pitta is in excess and you need to get yourself back into balance -

• diarrhea

• acid reflux

• sour stomach

• skin rashes

• acne

• hot flashes

• blood shot eyes

• you’re judgmental, critical, have a “short fuse or a hot temper”

• closed minded

• overly competitive

• burnt out

Ways to get pitta back into balance -

• Warm, cooked foods with cooling herbs (mint, dill, cilantro, parsley, basil)

• Limit caffeine, alcohol and fried or spicy foods

• Create a consistent sleeping and eating schedule

• Abhyanga with coconut oil

• Rest your senses (limit your content intake, social media, news, etc. and spend time in nature or in silence)

• Restorative yoga

• Belly breathing

Another simple way is to favor tastes that are cooling. These are bitter, astringent, and sweet.

Bitter - leafy greens, dark chocolate, cumin, turmeric, green tea, black tea

Astringent - legumes, pomegranate, apples, broccoli, cauliflower, mint, green tea

Sweet - root vegetables, whole grains, milk and ghee from happy, pastured cows

Tastes that tend to increase heat in the body and mind and should be limited during the summer months are pungent, sour, and salty.

This doesn't mean that you have to wait until January to treat yourself to a margarita or spicy tacos.

It's all about making the connection to what you consume (food, content, interactions, etc.) and how it makes you feel physically and energetically.

When you become aware and start to pay attention you're able to make better decisions to support your health and well being. 

Yoga therapy and Ayurveda sessions are now being held at Ride the Wave Yoga Studio in Newburyport. Connect with me if you want to incorporate the ancient wisdom of yoga and Ayurveda into your wellness journey!