Dealing with summer heat can be thwarting. Dehydration, sweat, and skin eruptions become familiar friends with individuals gasping for cool retreats, especially here in South Florida. What better way than Ayurveda to tackle the hot, sharp, penetrating Summer! Pitta dosha, or the subtle energy that takes charge of the metabolism and transformation in the body, becomes aggravated during summer. This tends to flare as the temperature rises. The imbalances include hot flashes, acne, exhaustion, heartburn, diarrhoea, anger and impatience. Does this sound quite familiar to you? Beat the heat with best ayurvedic tips this summer.

These are the best Ayurvedic tips to follow during the summer - 

1. Ayurvedic sunbathing: Take a 10-15 minute walk at sunrise, as the gentle rays fall on your skin, sadhaka pitta will be stimulated- a subtype of Pitta dosha which lifts the mood instantly and assist us in achieving our goals. Sunlight helps to stimulate the production of vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and facilitating a healthy immune system. 
2. Aromatherapy:  Dab a drop of sandalwood essential oil on the throat centre, eyebrow centre, wrists, and belly button. The whole aura is soon charged with sweet fragrance pacifying the pitta dosha. Some essential oils work best for heat stroke, such as lavender oil that soothes skin and nerves. Peppermint oil also helps in lowering the body temperature. 
3. Soothing meditation: It is powerful to begin the day with spiritual practices honoring the sun. Several practices such as Surya namaskara (sun salutations) and Surya trataka (sun gazing) helps to soak in the morning rays. The sun is the source of life, it is the source of all energy which is why during summer, when the sun is most powerful, we can benefit by absorbing more color energy into our aura. Summer is also the ideal time for reciting the Gayatri mantra, the Vedic song of sunlight.
4. Day sleep (Diva-Swapa): Day sleep is contraindicated in Ayurveda for  every other season besides summer. However, napping in the afternoon is recommended for the summer season as the weather soaks most of the energy. It helps restore energy while relieving you of physical and mental fatigue. It increases Kapha that the body lacks due to the hot and dry weather. The best direction to do so is the left lateral position facilitating optimum digestion. Sleeping under the moonlight outside is also recommended during summer months. 
5. Eat cool foods: The best pitta-pacifying foods are coconut, cucumber, leafy greens, watermelon, and cantaloupe. The ideal dairy products are milk, ghee, and yogurt. Water-rich fruits such as apples, pears, watermelon, prunes, berries, and plums keep you away from the heat. Cool off with salads and other dishes comprising parsley, cilantro, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, etc.
6. Bring coconut to the rescue: Coconut oil, a tropical land's delight, is a savior during summers. Rub 5-6 ounces of oil on the body prior to taking a bath. It gives a cooling, soothing effect on the skin. Alternatively, you can also use sunflower oil. 
7. Drinking naturally cooled drinks: Ayurveda never suggests drinking an ice-cold drink as it extinguishes the vital digestive fire. However, one may drink room temperature water infused with cooling herbs like rose, mint or fennel to stay cool.
   

Summer is the season for Pitta as the heat is on. Ayurvedic remedies shield you from the dampening impact of the season with ideal dietary choices, routines, and habits.  The beautiful thing about Ayurveda is that it has guidelines to help us find balance in every season, something called Ritucharya. Embrace Ayurveda in your daily life to stay cool this summer season. 

To learn more about how you can align yourself with nature’s cycle and find balance, contact Susama Ayurveda- where we bring Ayurveda to life.