Beat the Heat this Summer with Yoga and Ayurveda

Summer, in Ayurveda, is often referred to as the Pitta season, thus giving rise to the fire and water elements. As we readily encounter, summer oozes with light, hot, sharp, and mobile qualities. We may experience hotter temperatures, longer, lighter filled days bursting with sharp, bright, vibrant, and transformative (fire) energy. It is no doubt summertime inspires heightened determination and motivation as it is powered by the focus and competitive nature of pitta dosha.

Therefore, when we intentionally seek to understand the elemental qualities present within each season, we can further utilize yoga and lifestyle medicine (Ayurveda) as tools for nurturing better balance and harmony. By observing nature and her qualities, at any given season, we can nurture a greater sense of calmness, balance, and ease in the body and mind.

Through the practice of ritucharya (seasonal routine) we can cultivate daily routines and lifestyle rituals that counter the inherent qualities of each season. This practice assists us in the management of potential excess of dosha (qualities) that are commonly heightened during specific seasons. The simple secrets to enjoying any season can be learned by all. You simply don’t have to practice yoga or know much about Ayurveda, you just have to become aware of nature herself, and honor awareness of thyself within each season.

So, in efforts to help you beat the heat this summer season, below are some general summertime pacifying recommendations and or lifestyle adaptations.

Beat the heat

Nourish with more cooling foods.

Include more cucumbers, summer squash, quinoa, kale (and most all bitter greens), watermelon, strawberries, coconut, goats milk, and coconut oil.

Avoid overly spicy foods.

Prioritize the sweet, astringent and bitter tastes.

Favor more cooling pranayama and yoga practices.

Sheetali pranayama or any other langhana breathwork practices will help to cool, calm, and relax the nervous system. Lateral bends (side openers), prone backbends, twists and forward folds are asanas (yoga postures) that are energetically suitable and balancing for the summer season. It is important that we chose asanas that help dispel the heat and create space in the belly.

If you prefer to be guided in seasonal practices, check out my streaming content summertime balancing series HERE!

Minimize intense activity from 10 AM - 2 PM.

The pitta hours of day are between 10 AM - 2 PM. Use this sharper time for intellectual discernment and problem solving, versus creating more heat in the body and mind.

PRIORITIZE rest and self-care.

Use more cooling oils for your abhyanga (self-massage) practice. Utilize aromatherapy, as rose, peppermint, spearmint, and or eucalyptus oils can be helpful in cooling and reviving the body and mind. My favorite is rose! You can use rose oil may different ways. Apply it directly to the skin or add a few drops to your shower gel, bath, or face cream for a hint of rose and excellent hydration. You can also apply rose oil to the forehead, belly and feet if overheated from outdoor activity.

Enjoy cooling drinks.

Digestive lassi’s, aloe vera juice, lime juice, and coconut water are wonderful summertime hydration additions.

Wear cooling colors.

Favor more cooling colors for your summer wardrobe. White, gray, blue, purple and greens are cool colors that can help counter the hot, sharp, and bright qualities of Pitta, especially for the eyes (sense care)!

Honor the moon.

Take more walks under the moonlight. Honor the yin energy during this intense yang season.

To learn more about Ayurveda, yoga, and ritucharya (seasonal routine), sign up for a Virtual Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultation and Lifestyle Plan. A customized lifestyle plan can offer individual guidance for improvements in health and wellbeing through every season.