ayurvedic summer survival guide

The idea: Pacifying Pitta Dosha

When we are in balance in summer, we feel spicy, passionate, and lively.

When we are out of balance, we can be argumentative, burnt out, agitated

- Pitta is reduced by gazing at the moon with a cool head and a loving heart. Swim in the moonlight for a pitta-reducing experience.

- Spray yourself with flower water. Pour some rose water into a spritzer with filtered water and spray abundantly.

- Exercise in a way that won’t spark the flame (especially if you already have a pitta body type). Regular exercise is important. Yoga and swimming are best during the hot season. Keep it slow and cool. Emphasise spinal twists and forward bends in yoga. This will help release excess fire and toxins from the digestive system. Only exercise to half of your capacity in summer, just to the point where you get a little sweat glow going. 

- Cover your skin in coconut oil.  Coconut oil is cooling and has natural detoxification properties. Gentle daily oil self-massage with coconut will cool intensity, promote healthy ageing, calm the nervous system, and reduce dehydration. See “abhyanga” PDF in the membership platform for self-massage how-to’s

- Drink cool (not iced) water with mint, cucumber or lime.

- Avoid intensity and conflict in the already-heated months. It’s best not to make big life decisions in the heat of the summer. Remember, heat and passion peak at midday when the sun is highest, as well as from 10 PM–2 AM.

- Rose, lavender, jasmine, lotus, sandalwood and hibiscus are cooling fragrances that feed your Spirit, and the feminine heart. You can use them as essential oils, powders, teas or fresh flowers.

- Wear cooling colours. White, blue or light green, loose-fitting clothing of cotton or silk are great ways to mitigate summer’s heat.

- Sleep on the right side to cool the nervous system.

- Summer foods best for cooling the fire: Emphasise seasonal foods that are sweet, bitter and astringent in taste. Eat from the pitta-reducing food list which can be found in the Studio Ojas Membership.