9 Ayurvedic Tips to Stay Cool This Summer

Here are some tips for keeping your cool and staying balanced in the season of the Fire Element...

By: Upasana Giglia, MS, RYT and Ayurvedic Consultant 

The recent, rather abrupt change of seasons announced the arrival of summer, the season ofpitta dosha (the expression of the fire element) with all the intensity that characterizes this fiery energy. Many of us were thrown a bit off balance, experiencing some irritability, inflammation, fatigue, reactive skin issues, heartburn and/or loose stools, perhaps some nausea.  These are all signs of increased “pitta dosha” in the body & mind. 

The Ayurvedic concept of “rutucharya” or “seasonal routine” gives us very effective tools to keep the fire element balanced and stay healthy, happy, and cool during the summer months.  Here are a few tips:

• Avoid the mid-day sun, especially if you have a pitta constitution (you fiery types!).  If you must be outside during this time, wear loose, light colored, lightweight clothing and a wide-brimmed hat (don’t forget the sunglasses). 

• Spend time in cool, shady, refreshing environments as often as possible.  Sitting on the cool grass or by a natural body of water is perfect.

• Stay well-hydrated with cool beverages  - not iced.   Iced beverages tend to weaken digestion, which is already less than robust in summer, since energy is diverted from digestion to cool the body. 

• Favor sweet, bitter and astringent foods.  These are the tastes that balance pitta. 

• Minimize sour, salty and spicy foods.  These tastes are heating and will increase pitta. 

• Avoid strenuous exercise.  Walking, hiking, bicycling, swimming are all good summertime activities, done in moderation.  Never exercise in the heat of the day!

• Honor your body’s natural impulse to do less and move at a more leisurely pace.  This is not the best time to begin an aggressive new project or work long hours.  Take a nap!

• Minimize the consumption of alcohol, which is heating and sharp (just like the sun – like increases like).  Beer on a hot day is your best choice (the bitter taste is cooling).

• Avoid intensity – in people, places, circumstances.  Have fun!  Laugh!  Play with children! 

Need help navigating the change of seasons or with specific health concerns?  Schedule an appointment with our resident Ayurvedic Consultant, Upasana Giglia, to learn more about your unique constitution, state of imbalance, and how to live a more balanced, peaceful life through Ayurveda!  

You can find out more about Ayurveda and what Upasana does by visiting our website here, or you can go directly to her website at www.BalancedLivingAyurveda.co.  If you'd like to set up an appointment, please call our office at 541-343-1887. 

Now you can really enjoy summertime, and the livin' is easy...