Seasonal Balance - Summer
Āyurveda tips to beat the heat.
According to Āyurveda, summer is pitta season. When the heat increases in the environment, it can increase in both the body and mind.
Take time to tune in and be aware of how your body and mind are feeling. If you find that heat is accumulating in your body, or emotions, take the time to apply cooling sensory therapies. The result will be a cooler, more enjoyable you.
Cool Your Body
Taste (nutrition therapy): Eat cooling natural foods such as cucumber, cilantro, coconut (I like to call these the cooling trio). Other cooling foods include lettuce, broccoli, apples, pears, melons and grapes. Stay hydrated and drink cooling drinks like peppermint and chamomile tea, watermelon, celery, and cucumber juice.
Touch (massage therapy): Do a self-massage (Abhyanga) with coconut oil before you bathe, or try massaging your feet and scalp at night with coconut oil to cool your body and to take away excess heat.
Cool Your Emotions
Sound (music therapy): Think soothing when you make your summer music playlist. Soft rhythmic music with mid-range tones are good. If you enjoy nature sounds, listen to sounds with water such as sounds of the ocean.
Sight (color therapy): Wear cotton or silk in cooling colors such as white, pastels, blues and greens. Surround yourself with cooling natural scenery and bodies of water. Daytime can be too hot so enjoy nature before dawn, after dusk or in the romantic moonlight.
Smell (aroma therapy): Include cooling essential oils in your summer routine. The cooling essential oils include rose, sandalwood, jasmine, lavender, vetiver, and ylang ylang. These are also good for the skin. You can defuse or put a few drops in your bath water or massage oil.
Wishing you a joyful summer with time to laugh, play, relax and commune with nature. Remember to protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
