Hot summer days are often associated with increased Pitta (one of the three ayurvedic doshas, made of Fire and Water) which can result in mind-body imbalances such as increased inflammation, headaches, emotions like anger and frustration, agitation, difficulty sleeping or resting. The natural environment directly affects us but there are many tools we can use to stay balanced and naturally stay cool.
Here are some suggestions:
Hydrate with Cooling Beverages: Drink coconut water, cucumber juice, or fresh mint tea. These are known for their cooling properties and help balance Pitta dosha according to Ayurveda. However, avoid drinking ice-cold beverages since this has actually proven to increase body temperature and is not recommended for your digestion. Prioritise room temperature or slightly cooler.
Eat Cooling Foods: Incorporate foods like watermelon, cucumber, and yogurt into your diet. These foods have cooling effects on the body and help maintain balance in hot weather.
Practice Sitali Pranayama: This cooling breath technique involves inhaling through a rolled tongue and exhaling through the nose. It’s believed to cool the body and calm the mind. Join my weekly online Yoga classes to learn to practice this technique.
Wear Light, Breathable Clothing: Opt for natural fabrics like cotton and linen in light colours. These materials allow for better air circulation and keep the body cooler.
Use Cooling Essential Oils: Apply essential oils like peppermint or sandalwood to your pulse points. These oils are traditionally used to create a cooling effect on the skin.
Engage in Gentle Yoga: Practice yoga poses that are soothing and restorative, such as forward bends or reclined poses and inversions (legs up the wall is a great one). These poses can help calm the nervous system and reduce overheating.
Create a Cooling Routine: Follow a routine of daily self-massage with cooling oils like coconut or sandalwood oil to soothe the body and mind.
Take Cool Showers or Baths: Soak in a cool bath with added ingredients like rose water or cucumber slices. This helps lower the body temperature and refreshes the senses.
Avoid Spicy and Heavy Foods: Spicy and heavy foods can increase Pitta dosha and heat in the body. Opt for lighter, cooler meals to stay balanced.
Incorporate Mindful Meditation: Practice meditation techniques that focus on calmness and relaxation, such as visualizing a cool, serene place or focusing on cooling sensations.
Stay in the Shade During Peak Hours: Avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest. Seek shade during these hours to prevent overheating.
Practice Grounding Techniques: Spend time walking barefoot on cool grass or sand. This ancient practice helps ground the body and can have a cooling effect.
These practices combine wisdom from Ayurveda, Yoga, and ancient traditions to help you stay cool and balanced during the hot summer months.
To learn to practice some of these techniques and more, you can join my online Yoga series "Cool the Heat". Watch the INTRO here. Click here to sign up!
Comments