Summer, in Ayurvedic terms the pitta season, stands for sultry nights, picnics in the park and cooling off in the water, but you also see a lot of irritation in traffic and people who suffer from skin complaints. This is easy to explain using Ayurveda. Eline, Ayurvedic therapist, will explain this to you and give you tips for a relaxed summer...
In summer the fire element dominates. The sun is high in the sky, it is warm outside and this external heat source affects your internal fire, your body and emotions.
More fire creates heat
Ayurveda, a holistic health philosophy from India, is based on the principle like increases like meaning that like strengthens each other and opposites create balance.
When it is a warm summer day and you spend a few hours in the full sun, you can imagine that your fire element rises. If you also drink a glass of wine on the terrace (wine is a heating drink) or you choose an intensive workout, this can lead to an imbalance and complaints as a result. These complaints do not occur after one time, but if you know that you are sensitive to this, this is something to pay attention to.
True pitta complaints include loose stools, a bladder infection, burning eyes, heavy menstruation, sensitive skin or fiery emotions such as jealousy or a short fuse.
If you experience (one of) the above complaints, Ayurveda always has a natural remedy for it. A tip for a bladder infection is, for example, to briefly grind coriander and fennel seeds, add them to a glass of water and leave them overnight. The next day, sieve out the seeds and drink the water.
When you have heavy periods, you can make pomegranate juice with jaggery (sweet as sugar) and aloe vera.
Does your skin suffer from the sun? Apply organic coconut oil or aloe vera gel and for burning eyes, cotton pads with rose water are incredibly nice and soothing!
Cooling, Relaxation and Go With The Flow
The best thing is of course if we can prevent complaints and Ayurveda also has tips for that. Ayurveda lives with the seasons and sees food and lifestyle as medicine. By looking at the properties and elements of the season and doing the opposite, you can ensure that you stay in balance. This way, complaints don't get a chance and you know what to do when you're not feeling so well.
The keywords to stay balanced in summer are cooling, relaxation and going with the flow.
Cooling
A refreshing dip in the sea, a lukewarm shower instead of a hot bath and food that balances your internal fire. Go for green vegetables, juicy summer fruit and choose coconut. You can think of coconut yoghurt, coconut water or a cup of warm coconut milk instead of your daily double espresso. Make summer-proof tea from mint and hibiscus or blend watermelon into juice with lime. It is best to leave coffee, alcohol and spicy curries for a while and try to drink your drinks at room temperature. Ice cold extinguishes your digestive fire and ensures that your body has to switch from very warm to cold, this costs a lot of energy and your body can only focus on one thing at a time.
Relaxation
Yes, you are not allowed to do anything! Especially now when there is already so much fire, it is important to take a step back. Go to the beach, lie by the lake with a book and do a relaxing yoga class (early morning or evening). No boot camps or long runs. If you are honest with yourself, you often do not have the energy for that either.
Go with the flow
Do you end up in the sun on the terrace after a day at the beach? Go with the flow and enjoy it! This is the season to not be too hard on yourself but to enjoy what comes your way. Pitta often finds it difficult to let things take their course and prefers to make a whole week (or month) schedule. Let it go & embrace the summer vibes.
About Eline
Eline is an Ayurvedic therapist, gives reiki treatments, workshops and pregnancy yoga. In her practice Dandelien she helps women to understand themselves better and to solve complaints in a holistic way.
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