10 Ayurvedic Tips On How To Stay Cool This Summer
Summer = GRISHMA RITU
ELEMENTS: FIRE + AIR
DOSHA: PITTA
ORGAN: SKIN
ENERGY: PLAYFULNESS
Like each of the seasons, Summer arrives with its own distinct personality. Hot, bright and wildly busy, the season of fire naturally turns up the heat in everyone’s life. Because each of us experiences this seasonal heat within our body and mind uniquely, there are various ways that Ayurveda can be useful to us when it comes to staying cool.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, Summer is governed by Pitta Dosha - the physiological energy that regulates our bodies' temperature systems, including: the hypothalamus, skin, sweat glands and blood vessels, as well as the agni (digestive fire). So, it is to these physical places within ourselves we look to protect, support and create balance this season.
But for us Pitta types (those who run hot) summer’s heat can be challenging. So here are a few of my favorite Ayurvedic summer tips to help you stay cool while the temperatures are on the rise.
Walk on the grass barefoot first thing in the morning. The cold dew helps to draw the heat out of your body, and being in nature is one of the best cooling and calming remedies for a healthy body, mind and soul.
Avoid foods and drinks that heat you up. This would be things like garlic, onion, chilis, tomatoes, night shades, caffeine, fermented foods, any spicy foods, and spices such as cinnamon, cayenne, fenugreek, paprika, and mustard seeds. This time of year I personally have been enjoying some heirloom tomatoes, but again, in moderation!
Avoid the midday sun. This one might seem kind of obvious, but the months around summer solstice is when the sun is the strongest, so the midday sun from 11am-2 pm is best avoided. Favor early morning or late afternoon times of day for exercise, and even then keep things in moderation with exertion. If you are in the sun midday make sure you have a good sunhat on.
Make use of aromatherapy oils. Sandalwood, jasmine and lavender not only have a soothing aroma, they also have cooling properties. I love adding a drop of sandalwood along my neck line and my wrists on a hot day. One drop can go a long way.
Eat more pitta pacifying foods. Think of cooling fruits and veggies. Most people think of using ice as a way to cool down, but all that ice is going to do is diminish your digestive fire and create toxins known as ama. Ayurveda suggests eating more fruits and veggies that have a cooling post digestive effect. Some examples are mint, cilantro, dill, cucumber, fennel, zucchini, cabbage, berries, peaches, nectarines, watermelon, coconut, and spices such as coriander, cumin, fennel, and cardamom.
Sip on cooling herbal teas. Favor herbal teas such as hibiscus, mint, and tulsi for a refreshing midday beverage. Another remedy is to lightly crush 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds, then add them to a glass and fill with 1 cup water. Keep this covered and let it steep overnight. Drink it first thing in the morning (after straining the seeds out), or one can steep it for a few hours during the day, then strain and drink.
Favor whites, lighter colors, cotton, and linen in your wardrobe. The natural and breathable nature of the material helps air circulation, keeping you cool.
Summer Sadhana practice (your morning spiritual routine). For thousands of years, yogis have begun their day with spiritual practices that honor the sun: surya namaskara, sun salutations, or surya trataka (a practice that involves gazing at the sun); and a walk at sunrise to absorb the early morning rays. The sun is the source of all life, and summer is the time to celebrate and honor her blessing. That’s why summer is the perfect time to recite the Gayatri mantra, the Vedic song of sunlight, during meditation.
Adjust your bedtime routine. You can go to bed a little later on summer nights since the sun sets so late, around 10-11 pm is best, when some of the sun’s heat has dissipated. Sleep on your right side to open your left nostril, which corresponds to the ida nadi, the subtle energy channel that corresponds to the cooling moon.
Rest. From summer gathering, weddings, vacations, excess traveling, to camping; summer burn out is a real thing. It can be easy to overdue it and push beyond our bodies limits. Remember to rest, even schedule it if you have to.
