Summer’s fiery embrace brings sunshine, joy, and, of course, scorching temperatures. While we crave those long, lazy days, the heat can wreak havoc on our health, leaving us dehydrated, sluggish and cranky. But fear not; Ayurveda offers a treasure trove of tips and tricks to remain hydrated, calm, and balanced throughout the season.
In this blog, let us discuss the best ways to stay cool in the heat.
Understanding Summer from an Ayurvedic Lens
Ayurveda recognises three primary Doshas (biophysical energies) that govern our mind and body: Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (earth and water). During summer, Pitta Dosha takes centre stage. The fiery nature of Pitta manifests as increased heat, sweating, and irritability. Dehydration further aggravates Pitta, leading to fatigue, headaches and digestive issues.
Hydration Hacks: Beyond Just Water
While water remains the cornerstone of hydration, it is not the only solution that Ayurveda recommends. Here are some summer health tips to stay well hydrated and keep your Pitta in check:
Embrace Room Temperature Water
Ice-cold drinks might seem tempting, but Ayurveda suggests room-temperature water for optimal absorption. Think of it like quenching a fire with another fire . Cold drinks provide temporary relief, but disrupt your digestive fire (Agni), which is the root cause of all diseases according to Ayurveda.
Flavour it Up
Spruce up plain water with natural flavourings. The best Ayurvedic herb that helps beat the heat is Vetiver. It has a nice aroma and has amazing cooling properties. Boil a handful of Vetiver in 1 litre water, strain it and drink it throughout the day. It is the best thing to subside Pitta in summer.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes lost through sweat. It is the best thing to drink to stay hydrated during summer. Its cooling properties and abundance of minerals make it a perfect summer drink.
Herbal Teas
Cooling herbs like peppermint, fennel and coriander are Pitta-pacifying. Brew them as teas or add them to your water for one of the best rehydration drinks.
Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
Mother Nature provides! Watermelon, cucumber, celery, leafy greens, and other summer fruits and vegetables are high in water content, keeping hydrated from within.
Soups and Light Broths
Enjoy light, brothy soups like lentil soup or vegetable clear broth. They are hydrating and easy to digest, perfect for a light summer lunch.
Summer Safety Health Tips for Summer Season: Beyond the Sip
Hydration is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some additional summer health tips to help you stay relaxed and balanced:
Early to Bed, Early to Rise
The sun’s peak intensity occurs in the afternoon. Adjust your sleep schedule to rise early and enjoy the cooler mornings.
Light and Loose Clothing
Opt for breathable, loose-fitting cotton clothes in light colours. They allow for better airflow and prevent heatstroke.
Sun Protection is Key
Shield yourself from the harsh sun with a hat, sunglasses, and broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Limit Strenuous Activity
Opt for light exercise or indoor activities during the hottest part of the day. Save your intense workouts for the cooler mornings or evenings.
Abhyanga Using Sheeta Tailam
Organic sesame oil is usually recommended for self-oil massage or Abhyanga. But the heating property of organic black sesame oil makes it impossible to use during summers. You can use Sheeta Tailam instead – a massage oil made in my clinic exclusively for Pitta people. It contains Vetiver as the main ingredient. The oil also contains other cooling herbs like Manjishta, camphor, etc. and has Organic black sesame oil as the base. You can contact +91 7306421248 to purchase Sheeta Tailam.
The Pitta-Pacifying Diet: Food as Medicine
What you eat significantly impacts your digestive fire. Here are some summer health tips for your diet:
Favour Sweet, Bitter and Astringent Tastes
These tastes are naturally cooling and Pitta-pacifying. Think sweet fruits, bitter greens, and astringent pomegranate.
Minimise Spicy and Sour Foods
Spicy and sour foods aggravate Pitta. Limit chilli peppers, tomatoes, citrus fruits and excessive salt in your diet.
Healthy Fats are Your Friends
Ghee and healthy fats like those in avocado and nuts help balance Pitta and relax you.
Spice it Up (Wisely)
While some spices, like chilli peppers, are a no-no, others, like fennel, coriander and cumin, have cooling properties and can be used in moderation.
Opt for a more enjoyable lifestyle
It’s a great time to go swimming and participate in water-based activities. Being in natural surroundings with an abundance of greenery can promote a sense of peace and tranquillity. Spending time outdoors, taking extended strolls in natural surroundings, and savouring the climate is beneficial. Keep in mind to shield yourself from the intense rays of the sun.
Before sleeping, cleanse your feet, which soothes you and helps you relax. You can apply essential oils such as lavender, sandalwood and rose to your feet or incorporate them into your bath to help you relax and cool down.
In the end, surround yourself with pleasant aromas, as they can help to neutralize the intense, fiery Pitta energy in the atmosphere. Inhale the scents of rose or sandalwood essential oils and decorate your home with abundant fresh flowers.
Beat the Heat, Not Your Spirit
Summer doesn’t have to be a season of sluggishness and discomfort. By embracing these Ayurvedic summer health tips, you can remain hydrated, cool, and maintain your inner balance. Remember, consistency is the key. Make these practices a part of your daily routine, and enjoy a vibrant, healthy summer.
Bonus Tip: Listen to your body. These are general guidelines, but tailor your approach to your individual needs. And in case of any discomfort, consult an Ayurvedic doctor.