Ayurveda is the oldest preventative health system from India that promotes health and wellness by bringing balance to oneself through right foods, and lifestyle practices for our unique body type or dosha.  In Ayurveda, each person, living creature and the even seasons are associated with a dosha and along with their corresponding elements and their qualities.

Ayurveda recognizes there is a relationship with ourselves and our environment.  Each season has its own group of qualities, and each quality has its balancing quality.  A key point to remember is that like qualities increases like qualities and opposite qualities offer balance.

With the changing of the seasons we have an ongoing opportunity to be in relationship with our environment and to increase our awareness of how our bodies respond to the elements around us.

Summer is Pitta Season

The summer season is governed by Pitta dosha. Composed of the elements fire and water, Pitta is oily, hot, light, spreading, and liquid.  The days can be hot, humid, and sticky.  Within our bodies, we may feel a little agitated, experience low digestive fire, have sour stomachs, break out with acne, and skin rashes.

Balance the hot and oily qualities of summer (Pitta dosha) with cooling and balancing qualities through food and lifestyle practices.

Foods:

Drink cool (not iced) water with lemons, limes, and mint. Drink coconut water.

Eat fruit that is cool and full of water such as watermelon, cucumbers, sweet cherries           sweet grapes and peaches.

Eat fresh local green vegetables, lightly sautéed or raw.

Eat whole cooked grains such as basmati rice, barley, millet, oats, and quinoa.

Eat lighter meals making your largest meal during noon-2pm when the sun is at its peak and your digestive fire is at its optimal level.

Spice your food mild to moderate and avoid eating very spicy foods.  Best spices are cardamom, chamomile, coconut, coriander, dill, fennel, lemon verbena, peppermint, saffron, spearmint, turmeric.  Use small amounts of  basil, bay leaf, black pepper, caraway, cinnamon, cumin, fresh ginger, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

Lifestyle Practices:

Try a restorative or yin yoga practice.

Walk in the morning or evening when it is cooler.

Go swimming.

Remain calm, centered, and cool when your beginning to feel agitated or frustrated.

Practice meditation and breathing exercises.

Practice gratitude.

Cool your eyes with a rosewater eye wash and mist your face or body with rosewater.

Stay out of the hot sun and wear clothing to prevent sunburn or overheating.

Enjoy your summer, stay in balance and live with ease!