With the arrival of summer, we can finally enjoy the warmth of the sun, longer days and the invigorating energies of green nature. It’s time to re-tune our routines and practices in line with the changing weather. According to Ayurveda, each season is dominated by different energies: vata (air and ether), pitta (fire and water) and kapha (earth and water). These are associated with specific qualities and doshas (mind-body traits). The warm, dry, sunny summer months (June to August) are dominated by the energy of pitta (fire), which can affect our digestion, skin, appetite, vision and mood. If we take into account the Ayurvedic principle that opposites balance each other, the summer Pitta season will be less stressful if we eat cool, light and hydrating foods. Fresh fruits like watermelon, cucumber and leafy greens are great choices. It is important to do calming activities that reduce pitta (fire) energy without increasing vata (air) or kapha (water) energy.
To best support our health during this season, Ayurveda suggests a few simple yet effective lifestyle adjustments:
Tune the balance of flavours in your meals to match the change of season, focusing on reducing Pitta energy in the summer months. Sweet, bitter and astringent flavours help to counterbalance the increased fire energy (Pitta) in our environment.
Pungent, salty and sour flavours should be consumed in moderation, as they increase Pitta energy. It is also important to take into account your individual body type (Prakriti): complete our online dosha test to learn about your Ayurvedic body constitution and the current balance of your energies.
With the arrival of summer, our bodies signal it is time for a change in our diet. Fresh vegetables, salads and fruit are what our body craves most. This is the best time of year to eat raw vegetables and fruits. Choose light cereals in your diet, such as basmati rice, millet, oats and barley. Feel free to eat vegetables steamed, this will help the effective absorption of vitamins and nutrients and help keep you cool inside.
During the summer months we should minimise fast foods, meat in general (pork, beef), dried fruit and nuts that have a warming effect. Avoid eating heavy or oily vegetables such as avocados, beetroot, spinach, tomatoes and spicy fried foods. Reduce the tendency to overeat or to nibble between meals, and put less emphasis on spicy, sour and salty flavours. Heavy or acidic fruits such as citrus, bananas, strawberries and peaches should also be minimised. It is also worth cutting back on dairy products. Rice milk and almond milk are great substitutes for animal produced milk. If you do drink cow’s milk, boil it first, add a pinch of turmeric or ginger and drink it warm to make it easier to digest.
Hydration is essential all year round, but during the summer it is especially important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, fresh fruit juice and cooling tea (chamomile, peppermint) or a fresh mint and lime flavoured lemonade. Cool drinks are hydrating and soothing at the same time. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks as they tend to dehydrate the body and also have a warming effect.
Incorporating natural Ayurvedic herbs and seasonal spices into your daily routine strengthens the immune system, has a calming effect, detoxifies and harnesses the natural power of the herbs. Coriander and fennel are cooling herbs that stimulate digestion and metabolism, as well as aiding the body’s natural detoxification processes. Basil, mint and lime are also particularly good at this time of year.
Known for its cooling and detoxifying properties, Neem helps to flush toxins from the body and counteract the increased heat (pitta energy) in our environment. Neem is also beneficial for skin health, reducing inflammation and treating acne.
Brahmi has a cooling and calming effect on the nerves, which helps to counteract the heightened emotional period of the pitta season.
Amla has a cooling and rejuvenating effect, helping to reduce inflammation in the body. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, it supports overall health and immune strength. Amla is also used for sun protection, smoothes the skin and is good for eyesight.
Bhumiamla, also known as Phyllanthus niruri, is a herb that plays a crucial role in supporting liver health. It helps cleanse and detoxify the liver and is often used to treat liver-related conditions. Bhumiamla is also known for its antiviral and antimicrobial properties, making it a versatile herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
In order to stimulate circulation and help remove toxins, an abhyanga (ayurvedic massage) with mildly warm oils such as coconut, olive or sunflower oil is very beneficial. Just place the oil in a pot of hot water for a few minutes before use. Dry rubbing before massage can also help remove dead skin cells, and regular massage nourishes the skin and soothes the nervous system. It’s worth incorporating this into your routine on a monthly or weekly basis.
During the hot summer months, exercise early in the morning or in the cooler hours of the evening, avoiding the hot midday period (10-14 hours). Most exercise is warming, so it is best to exercise in moderation. If you can, breathe through your nose to help cool the air you breathe. An early morning brisk walk, swimming and yoga can be particularly helpful. Incorporating breathing exercises (Pranayama) can also help to clear the passages and support respiratory health.
Recommended yoga practices: cobra (bhujangasana), fish pose (matsyasana), camel pose (ustrasana) spinal twist (matsyendrasana), triangle pose (trikonasana). These help to stimulate the digestive system and support healthy liver and small intestine function. Recommended pranayama practice: sitali
Summer is a season of recharging, an ideal time to detoxify, cleanse and rejuvenate our body and mind. The natural warmth of the season supports the digestive fire, making it easier to metabolise the food we eat and lose the excess weight left over from winter. Following the wisdom of Ayurveda, through diet, hydration, herbs and spices, massage and exercise, we can alleviate the excess Pitta (fire) energy of the summer. Ayurveda is a highly personalized system of medicine and recommendations may vary based on individual body type and current imbalances. Consulting an Ayurveda practitioner can provide personalised guidance on how to optimise your health at any time of the year. To learn more about your Ayurvedic physique, complete our online test.
🌞 Take an active role in your health and let the fiery energies of summer take over 🌞
References: Dr.Frawley Ayurvedic healing, Sebastien Pole Ayurvedic medicine, Dr Vasant Lad Ayurveda