Summertime: the season of long warm days, going to the beach and enjoying the sunlight. With the intense heat during mid-day, maybe you can easily guess what dosha summer is dominated by- Pitta! Just like all doshas, the pitta season has its’ own unique qualities in which we must adapt to. Ayurveda teaches that our daily routines, habits, and diets should adapt to the season to find harmony and balance with nature. In Ayurveda, like increases like while the opposite finds a state of equilibrium. So in the summer season dominated by light, heat, and intensity, it is important to counteract these pitta qualities though lifestyle patterns that are cool, heavy, and relaxing. An ayurvedic seasonal routine is a wonderful way to ensure that you enjoy the summer season by finding a balanced pitta.

Pitta-season lifestyle choices start by embracing the natural rhythm and waking up early in the morning, when the air is still cool. This is the best time to exercise, as the body won’t overheat. Grounding your energy and favoring cool, relaxing activities is essential during summer. You wouldn’t want to go for a run in the middle of the day under the blaring sun and come home to eat some spicy Indian food, this would all be extremely pitta aggravating! Instead, try going for a refreshing swim to cool off or enjoy a gentle yoga class followed with a fresh fruit salad to counteract to intensity of the summer season. This makes sense, as our bodies naturally start favoring raw fruits and vegetables and seeking out shaded areas.

After exercising, we suggest giving yourself a massage with cooling oil such as coconut or sunflower to calm the nervous system. Essential oils such as jasmine are also a wonderful thing to incorporate in the mornings as they help refresh the mind. It is especially important to watch your thoughts during the summer season because excess pitta in the mind can bring anger, aggravation, and overly critical thoughts. Being conscious of your emotional and mental state during this hot season may help you find internal balance. It is important to encourage a calm mentality to find patience, tolerance, and positivity in order to better enjoy your summertime. For after all, everything starts in the mind! When it comes to your summertime wardrobe, wear light clothing with cooling colors such as blue, purple, and white. This will be easy on the eyes and soothe the mind. You can even take this a step further by decorating your living space with cool colors or carry crystals such as lapis lazuli or amethyst.

Your diet during the summer should consist of fruits and vegetables that help pacify pitta. Favor hydrating foods that are sweet or bitter in taste, such as cherries, apples, melons, kale, zucchini, cucumbers, and chard. This is the season for sweets, so feel free to enjoy ice cream, yogurt, and other treats! The best grains for summer are barley, basmati rice and wheat. Summertime legumes include garbanzo beans, mung beans, split peas, and soy. However, be sure to watch your portion sizes and o eat in a peaceful environment. Eat your meals in smaller quantities, as the body naturally reduces the intensity of the digestive fire as to not overheat the body. Avoid foods that are pungent, salty and sour. Spicy foods such as chilies and cayenne pepper should be avoided, along with red meats, fried foods and alcohol. If you can’t survive without a summer beer, just remember that moderation is key.

By changing your inner landscape to flow with the change to summer season, you can find harmony and balance within yourself. We hope that this article has provided some helpful tips for the summer, stay cool out there!

Many blessings,

Santa Cruz Ayurveda

 

 

Resources:

Welch, Dr Claudia. “Balancing Pitta.” Banyan. N.p., 31 Jan. 2014. Web. 24 May 2017.

“Managing a Pitta Constitution.” Banyan. N.p., 01 Apr. 2014. Web. 24 May 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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