Summer S.O.S: Ayurvedic recommendations for Pitta season
Ayurveda has recognized the influence of seasonality on health for thousands of years and outlines seasonal routines to keep you balanced and healthy twelve months a year
It’s no secret that your body’s inner clock (circadian rhythm) is affected by the seasons, which bring changes in food availability, sun exposure and amount of precipitation, all of which influence your health and sense of wellbeing. The modern study of these rhythms, called Chronobiology, dates back to the early 18th century, but yoga’s holistic sister science Ayurveda has recognized the influence of seasonality on health for thousands of years, and in response outlines seasonal routines (Ritucharya) to keep you balanced and healthy twelve months a year.
To understand how Ritucharya can work for you, there are three fundamental Ayurvedic principles you’ll want to understand:
Ayurveda views everything in life through the lens of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether. For example, root vegetables are seen as containing more of the earth element whilst light, dry popcorn has an airy quality
Fundamental to understanding how imbalance occurs is the principle that like increases like; eating too much food with the light, dry quality mentioned in the previous point can provoke dryness in the physiology, leading to dry skin or constipation, for instance
The key to maintaining health is that you can restore balance with opposites such as performing oil massage to soothe dry skin
Now let’s apply this to the summer season. Summer’s warm temperatures are viewed as an increase in the fire element in nature, ensuring more heat, sharpness and intensity, and that increase outside tends to influence what’s happening inside your body. So as summer wears on, you might experience greater energy, but if you spend too much time outdoors engaging in vigorous exercise in the hot sun, you might also develop a short temper, skin rashes or hyperacidity (excess heat in your physiology).
To balance these symptoms, you want to apply foods and behaviours with the opposing qualities (think: cool, slow, soft, mellow):
Best foods: Sweet, juicy fruits like peaches and cherries, zucchini and asparagus, whole grains, lean protein, cooling coconut water and peppermint tea
Reduce: Hot chillies, excess alcohol, cheese and vinegar
Yoga: Seek out a contemplative Vinyasa practice with heart openers, side bends and ample time for stretching and meditation
Exercise: Swimming and all water sports are pacifying for the summer heat. Try to hike on shaded trails and bike in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler
Lifestyle: Relax! Summer season is high time for injuries as we push ourselves in the great outdoors. It’s ok to stop and smell the roses on the trail
Be sure to check out our winter wellness and spring survival tips too!
