Did you know that your body follows the cycles of nature?
Ayurveda believes there is a direct connection between the natural world and the physical body. Just as spring rains give way to blossoming flowers and trees lose their leaves before the first snow, there is a similar, although subtler, cycle occurring mentally, emotionally, and physically within the human body.
Keep reading to learn more about the Ayurvedic practices that will help you keep cool and calm, battle allergies, and keep your body balanced this summer.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, which directly translates to the “Knowledge of Life,” is the oldest healing science in the world. Originating in India over 5,000 years ago, it is a nature-based system comprised of five principles that follow the elements of nature – ether, air, fire, water, and earth.
In the Ayurvedic tradition, these elements are divided into three constitutions, or doshas, that govern both nature and the human experience. The late spring and summer months are attributed to the dosha they call Pitta.
The elements that rule Pitta are fire and water. With qualities like hot, oily, sharp, light, and liquid, it’s no surprise that Pitta can cause exhaustion, over-heating, and hot flashes. Even acne is considered to be excess heat leaving the body. Pitta is linked to anger, irritation, and impatience in the mental and emotional centers of the body.
However, Ayurveda is all about finding ways to counterbalance in your body what is naturally happening in your environment. You can bring your body back into a balanced state by providing tangible practices to combat the heat.
Below are three easy things you can do to combat the effects of the Pitta season.
Three Ayurvedic Tips for Summer
1. Add Mint to Your Water
The summer heat can be brutal, sapping moisture from plants, the earth, and your body. Sweat is the body’s reaction to excess heat. And in the summer months, your body constantly tries to regulate itself by pushing moisture out of the skin. Drinking upwards of six 8-ounce cups daily will help compensate for sweating and prevent fatigue.
Mint is considered a cooling herb and will naturally help bring down the internal body temperature. By adding it to your water, you’re doubling down on combating the natural effects of Pitta.
2. Eat Light Digestible Foods
Enjoy sweet, juicy fruits and their juices. Some great Pitta-pacifying foods are cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumber, coconut, and leafy greens. You can even try adding cilantro or parsley to your meal, as these herbs will also help to cool the body.
Avoid spicy foods, hot drinks, caffeine, and alcohol during the summer months. All of these will increase the heat produced in your body. Whether the food or drink is temperature hot or spicy hot, summertime might not be the best time to enjoy those foods. If you start sweating after eating or drinking something, that is your sign.
3. Neti Pot
Ayurveda considers the nasal passages to be the doorway for most diseases. Things like pollution, food, and general stress can overload the sinuses, leading to blockages and sometimes infections. Using a neti pot is an ancient Ayurvedic technique that keeps the sinuses clean and makes breathing easier.
Using a neti pot one or two (if you’re feeling adventurous) times can be highly beneficial for clearing out the nasal passages and keeping those allergies at bay.
Here are a few additional benefits:
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- Alleviates allergies and hay fever
- Alleviates headaches
- Prevents common colds and flu
- Improves vision
- Improves breathing and sense of smell
Stay Cool This Summer
Ayurvedic practices have been around for thousands of years. It follows the seasonal cycles and believes that your body is a mere reflection, a microcosm, of what is happening in the natural world around you.
When the weather warms, so does your body. By utilizing these three practices, you can help your body combat the heat of summer.
If you want to find out more about health and wellness, contact our Littleton, CO wellness clinic today.
