Summer is finally here and we can feel the joy of life unfolding in us! Endless days, lots of sun and warm temperatures are a blessing for the soul, but also influence our physical constitution. In the philosophy of Ayurveda, each season has its own bioenergy that influences us humans. The change of seasons always gives us an opportunity to relate to our environment and to become aware of how our body is one with nature and reacts to changes.
In the summer months, the bioenergy (dosha) pitta (=heat) increases all around us. Composed of the elements fire and water, pitta is oily, hot, light and fluid: This season can manifest in the body as restlessness, low digestive fire (= agni), hyperacidity and through skin irritations.
The body shifts down a gear due to the high temperatures: it reduces its own heat production, curbs the metabolism and the digestive power. For this reason, it is particularly beneficial to avoid salty, sour, spicy and very hot foods on hot days and rather reach for foods that are sweet, bitter and tart.
Tips for your summer in balance
- Avoid foods like coffee, alcohol, meat and fried foods. Instead, go for fresh, local vegetables and cooked (pseudo) grains such as spelt, quinoa, amaranth or oatmeal. Cooked meals support the body in digestion.
Coconut water and oil have a cooling effect. Coconut oil cools you down during your (self-massage) and smells like summer. Drink cool (not iced) water with lemon and mint. Watermelon, cucumber and yoghurt lassi with mint, but also lukewarm tea are perfect thirst quenchers in summer.
You can put together your own summer Ayurveda drink:
The following combinations of fresh ingredients are particularly good for you:
- Cucumber-mint - that refreshes the spirit
- Rosemary Orange - has a clarifying and cleansing effect and is therefore particularly good for the skin.
- Strawberry Lime Basil - has a cooling effect and lowers the pitta dosha.
- Grapefruit - lemon balm - invigorating. A real energy booster in oppressive heat!
Cut the fruits and herbs into small pieces, juice the limes or oranges. Then pour water over everything and drink it throughout the day.
The right exercise on hot summer days
When the weather is nice, we especially enjoy being out in the fresh air. The feelings of happiness that can arise when we exercise in nature are always fascinating! Nevertheless, you should be careful not to overexert yourself! Especially in hot weather, your body quickly reaches its limits. A restorative or yin yoga practice can help regulate the body's heat balance.
- If you want to work up a sweat, go swimming. The exercise in the cool water (for example in the crystal clear water of the Thiersee) refreshes and strengthens the digestion without overheating.
- Make sure that you are not exposed to direct sunlight for too long, even when you are moving. Use sunscreen and protect your head from the sun's rays.
- If your skin has been exposed to the sun for too long, pure aloe vera gel soothes and cools.
Are you plagued by mosquitoes in summer? Especially at dusk, the little insects like to be on the move. You can protect yourself with a homemade, natural anti-mosquito spray. Essential oils serve as the basis.
Fill a small spray bottle with:
- 45 ml distilled water
- 8 drops of citronella essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3 drops patchouli essential oil
Shake everything well, spray the mixture onto your skin and rub the fragrant mosquito repellent evenly.
Conclusion: Keeping a cool head in every situation is the right attitude in summer! Don't overexert yourself, enjoy the energy that the Pitta dosha brings with it and make sure that you are feeling really well!
