Ayurveda has classified our 12 calendar months into 6 categories as per seasons namely Sisira, Vasantha, Greeshma, Varsha, Sarad, and Hemantha. The summer is termed Greeshma Ritu by Ayurvedacharyas. It is characterized by its extreme heat, dryness, dehydration, and sweating which results in loss of body strength. During this period, the sun is prominent and the earthly qualities are reduced which leads to increased pitta dosha. Pitta refers to heat and it plays a key role in the regulation of hormones and emotions. Increased pitta often results in mental irritations and causes weary and teary emotions.
The pitta has a direct influence on the digestive system. Imbalance of pitta dosha results in poor digestion. Digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and poor appetite are common in this season. Skin diseases like folliculitis, eczema flare-ups, acne breakouts, sunburns, and heat rashes get triggered by summer heat.
People are easily prone to urinary tract infections during summer. Along with pitta dosha, Vata dosha is also imbalanced in this season which is often neglected. This vata is responsible for the extreme dryness that we have in our bodies as well as the surroundings. So Vata dosha also should be taken care of.
Overall summer is a season of poor health and low immunity and hence one should take utmost care of health. Following a healthy lifestyle during this season is important to prevent illness and infections. Ayurveda acharyas have given clear-cut instructions regarding the do’s and don’ts in the summer season, keeping in mind all the below factors.
Ayurveda routine for Summer aims at keeping the body cool and the mind pleasant.
The primary focus is to Stay Hydrated:
Drink an ample amount of water at least 3 liters a day. Ayurveda is always advised to drink boiled and cooled water since boiled water is easy to digest. However, in the summer season, certain infused drinks are suggested. At Agni Ayurvedic Village, we make sure that we provide water boiled with herbs that are Pitta Shamak which makes the body cool. The preferred taste during the summer season is sweet.
Some of the drinks recommended by Ayurveda to beat the heat include infused water prepared out of grapes, aromatic herbs, popped rice, white rock sugar candy, pomegranate, buttermilk, etc. Fresh fruit juices prepared out of orange, lemon, watermelon, mango, passion fruits, grapes, etc can be used in summer.
Support the Body With Proper Nourishment :
As the digestive system is primarily affected during this season, the food we consume should be carefully chosen. Loss of strength is yet another concern during this season which should be addressed with proper nourishment both quantitatively and qualitatively. Liquid foods which are prominently sweet and light to digest are to be preferred. Including ghee in the meals is ideal in this season. Ash gourd, bottle gourd, cucumber, scarlet gourd, and seasonal vegetables can be consumed. Reduce green leafy vegetables as they are heavy to digest. Soups prepared from the above vegetables with minimum spices are advised. Different types of kheers can be served.
Take Care of Mental Health as Well:
As discussed earlier, in this season the body strength is low. Therefore, getting adequate rest both mentally and physically is important. Sleep is the best remedy for exhaustion. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep is necessary. Short afternoon naps are also advised in this season. Buffalo milk helps in enhancing sleep, thus it can be consumed during this season. The pleasant atmosphere is a mood enhancer. It can act magic over our emotions. Scented candles, perfumes, aromatic oils, etc. serve the purpose. Flower garlands having a pleasant smell can make the mind happy. Taking occasional showers with cool water, application of sandalwood paste, etc helps in reducing the body heat. Do things that are pleasing to your mind and make sure that you don’t exert yourself.
Beating Summer with Yoga and Exercises:
Mild exercises and stretches are advised in summer. It is not the season for vigorous exercises. The seasonal heat itself is draining the body’s strength, hence we have to make sure that we do not contribute to it. Rather than Surya namaskara, Chandra Namaskar can be preferred and if someone is doing Surya namaskar, they can do it in the early morning hours. Among pranayama, try to avoid kapalbhati, bhastrika, bramari, etc as this produces internal body heat. One can practice cooling pranayamas like sheethali, sheetkari, nadishuddi, etc. Anger management through meditation is helpful. Rather than brisk walks, short strolls on the lawns are preferable. Try to limit yourselves to basic stretches.
At Agni Ayurvedic Village, we strictly follow the seasonal calendar and make sure that our ayurvedic therapies are scheduled according to the season. In summer we strictly adhere to greeshma ritucharya as advised by our Ayurvedacharyas. Cooling therapies like Takahara (medicated buttermilk therapy), Shastika shali pinda sweda (rice potli), ksheeradhara (medicated milk therapy), Kashaya Dhara (medicated decoction treatment), Shirodhara, etc are the major therapies we promote in summer as per the patient analysis. We make sure that our guests enjoy the summer with our cooling lepam, facials, hair packs, etc. The lush green surroundings of Agni Ayurvedic Village with our mango orchards, water lilies, swimming pool, etc is an added therapy for our summer guests.