Ayurvedic Summer Tips for Ritucharya: Seasonal Regimen According to Ayurveda

Outmaneuver this warmth with Ayurveda

Do you want to Enjoy this azyre sky ,lengthier days with scorchy sun and stay refreshed ?

You can Find ways to subdue this sizzle by Cooling down with Ayurveda

So in this blog lets dive ways to do things naturally to stay cool from the intensity of swelter sun

With no regards to personal inclination towards vata and kapha dosha ,summer always domains pitta dosha , Where heat is the authority .To beat this season ,its vital to consider the decisions we take to maintain the balance and embrace the warmth of this summer

Ritu charya (seasonal routine ) is one of the fundamental principles of ayurveda whre our dietary choices ,habits and routines should flow with the seasons .A straight forward but a potent principle to maintain good health.

Exploring pitta and its relationship with summer

Pitta comes from the element of fire and water .It not only governs physiological process like digestion and metabolism bu also mental functions like decision making ,analytical thinking and discernment

In a balanced state of pitta ,one cna think clear ,communicate effectively and can have a sense of purpose

Excess pitta can led to tendencies towards irritability .To balance this dosha ,one has to adopt practices that encourages coolness ,relaxation which can give harmony inside and outside his soul

So pitta dosha exactly mimics signs of extreme heat

The concept of like increase like guides the approach to maintain the balance in body and mind .When there is excess pitta ,introducing qualities that are opposite to pitta can help to maintain the equilibrium

Indicators of pitta aggravation

· Skin disruptions – Skin can be red ,inflamed ,acne

· Increased inflammation in joints

· Digestive disturbances – like acid reflux , acid reflux, gastric or peptic ulcers, heartburn with nausea or discomfort if missing meals, loose stools, or frequent bowel movements.

· Excess warmth

· Reddish eyes

· Intensive thirst

· Sharp verbal expressions

· High irritation

So now What do we do in summer to stay brighter, happy and healthier?

In summer, our Agni is naturally low and therefore we must favour lighter foods and smaller meals that are easy to digest.

Choose foods that are primarily sweet in taste mixed with some bitter, and astringent foods.

Pitta is most pacified by the sweet taste and to combat the heat and dryness of summer add foods that are cooling and a little unctuous.

Indulge in variety of fruits like watermelon, peaches, plums, mangoes, grapes, pears, avocado and berries, Cherries, Coconut, Cranberries, Grapes,Pomegranates and Prunes.

Incorporate vegetables like cucumber, sweet potato, celery, green leafy vegetables, cabbage, asparagus in your meal

Grains and Legumes to favour: Barley, Basmati Rice, Wheat, Adzuki beans, Black beans, Mung beans, Soybeans and Split peas

Oils to favour are coconut oil, olive oil and Sunflower oil.

Spices and garnishes ideal for summer: Basil, Cardamom, Coriander, Fennel, Lime, Mint and Parsley, Dill

Enjoy freshly prepared food served in 1 hour of cooking

Savour refreshing drinks like Buttermilk, tender coconut water, fruit juices and traditional drinks like juice (Sharbat) prepared from Indian gooseberry, kokum

Incorporate herbal teas like mind tea which provides relaxation and endurance

Opt for a diet consisting of sweet, light to digest, liquid form, milk and ghee

Dress in a lightweight and thin clothes

Seek refuge in cooler places

Its recommended to take a day nap for relaxation

Incorporate sandal fragrance perfume regularly

Take a leisure troll in the evening near the beach or river or in the gardens.

Take refreshing water bath twice a day (room temperature water).

During nights spend time in some open place like balcony or terrace or ground or garden.

What should we avoid , add or reduce from our body to frame a positive lifestyle in summer season ?

Steer clear of foods which are known to increase the internal heat like spicy oily fast and fried foods Reduce intake of acidic and dehydrating beverages like coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks, which contain caffeine and acids

Substitute Solid foods which are heavy to digest

Avoid exposure to sun and wind.

Avoid too much exercises and exertion.

Its not advisable to consume Leftover food as it contains harmful bacteria.

Its recommended to limit use of refrigerated food as it may make you feel cool initially but later aggravate pitta

Avoid aerated and processed drinks .

To keep the body cool, use, use coconut oil or a Pitta pacifying cooling oil to the body, as part of your daily routine (Dina Charya) abhyanga before you shower.

Mild and cooling form of exercising such as swimming, Yoga, meditation, and walking (especially evenings) are the best form of exercising.

Rub some Bhringraj oil (our Health Hair Oil) or coconut oil on your scalp and the soles of your feet for cooling before bedtime. Keep windows ajar or open to circulate and cool the air before sleeping. Add a few drops of Sandalwood oil on your pillow for inducing deep calm sleep.

Sandalwood, Jasmine and Lavender are cooling essential oils for fragrance or use a Rosewater spritzer to keep cool during the day.

Panchakarma During Summer

· Abhyangam with Medicated oils which has cooling properties followed by mild Swedanam ( Staem ), to open up the skin pores. This procedure not only nourishes the skin but also helps to maintain the temp of the body.

· Basti karma-(Therapeutic Enema) is highly recommended in Summer season (Greeshma Rutu) to make balance in Vata Dosha and promote well being

· Treatments like Shirodhara helps in relaxing and controlling aggravated Vata Dosha

· Netra Dhara and Netra Tarpanam provides Cooling and relaxing effect to eyes which are mainly affected due to increased temperature levels.

Sweet lassi – a beloved choice for your soothing sips

Mix 1 part of homemade yogurt with 4 parts waters, blend till its creamy. Add ¼ teaspoon of roasted cumin and coriander seeds powder and some fresh finely chopped coriander.

For a sweet flavoured Lassi add 2 tablespoons cane sugar

Your Herbal companions for this summer

Some of the common herbs for calming and cooling Pitta related issues are:

· Herbs like Neem, Manjista and Sariva, which work on the Liver and cool the blood, Also supports peri menopausal hot flushes.

· Brahmi are ideal for cooling the Pitta mind and keep it calm and focused when there is irritability and frustration.

· Guduchi is ideal for boosting immune system and pacifying hay fever symptoms such as red itchy eyes. It also aide’s digestion, supports inflammation in the joints and body and is a good tonic for both Vata and Pitta.

· Holy Basil (Tulsi ):Revered for its sacred significance, Tulsi is also prized for its cooling properties. Ayurvedic Tulsi chamomile tea, infused with a hint of honey, offers a refreshing way to stay hydrated and revitalised

· Ginger :Despite being commonly associated with warmth, ginger can help cool the body by inducing sweating. Enjoy a glass of chilled ginger-infused lemonade for a zesty and refreshing treat on hot summer days.
Coriander (cilantro):Coriander makes a great addition to soups, sauces, and salads. Fresh Cilantro juice is said to be a great remedy for allergies, inflammation, urinary tract infections, sore throat, and skin related issues when taken internally. For rashes, itchy skin, or burns, you could grind fresh leaves into a paste and apply it directly to the skin for cooling, calming relief.
Mint :It also has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and nerve-calming effects. When applied to the skin as an herbal infused oil, salve or cream, Peppermint creates a stimulating and cooling sensation due to menthol, one of the terpenes found inside the plant. For that reason, it can be effective in easing muscle and joint pain, or tension due to stress, when applied topically.
Consider making a fresh Mint iced tea to drink throughout the day to help keep cool during hot spells.
Rose petals :Rose water (hydrosol) or make your own, and spray it generously onto your skin on hot days to help stay cool and refreshed. Keep it in the fridge for added coolness!
Hibiscus :The qualities of Hibiscus are astringent, sweet and cooling, making it a perfect herb to cool you off in the summer heat.
Ushira :You can chill out drining water infused with ushira roots
Aloe :Application of aloe gel refreshenes you up
Cardomum :Cardamom is a sweet spice that supports healthy digestion by countering an unsettled stomach and relieving indigestion, and also supports healthy circulation. It promotes nutrient absorption, freshens breath, calms hiccups, and can help soothe the respiratory tract by supporting healthy mucus levels in the body, promoting clear breathing.
Fennel :Fennel has cooling properties that enkindle agni, aiding healthy digestion and preventing stagnation in the GI tract. .Fennel helps relieve gas and indigestion and boost the metabolism. It also calms and soothes the nerves and muscles.
Chandana :Ayurveda considers Sandalwood to be bitter, sweet and astringent in taste Due to these qualities, it is said to have a calming, cooling and awakening effect on the body and mind.
Amla :Bursting with Vitamin C and antioxidants, Amla is known for its immune-boosting properties. Ayurvedic Amla+ginger juice or dried Amla powder can be incorporated into your diet for a refreshing energy Yasti :Licorice is a cooling herb with a sweet flavor and heavy, unctuous qualities that tone the male reproductive system, strengthen the kidneys, and nourish the nervous system. Licorice is also used to support the health of the lungs and respiratory tract, ease digestion, and boost memory and concentration

What is the summer season regimen in Ayurveda?

You have to primary focus on keeping your pitta balanced by staying cool ,relaxing and grounding your energy

What should we eat in summer as per Ayurveda?

Steer clear pitta aggravating foods

Go for greens .Choose leafy green, spinach with bitter and astringent flavor

Hydrate plenty with coconut water

Include cucumber ,melon and berries

Avoid refrigerated and reheated foods

What are the summer therapies in Ayurveda?

Ayurveda therapies like takradhara (Dhara with medicated buttermilk) .ksheera dhara (With medicated milk ) .sirodhara (with medicated oil) ,abhyangam with oils having cooling potencies ,pinda swedanam and virechanam would be suggested therapies in ayurveda for summer

What is the summer season according to Ayurveda?

Summer is pitta dominant season of the year

What should we eat in summer in Ayurveda?

This is the best time to include sweet ,bitter and astringent ,cool and watery foods

You can add fresh fruits ,vegetables ,milk, ghee etc

What are the seasonal regimen of Ayurveda?

A year consists of six seasons

Shisira – winter

Vasantha – spring

Grishma – summer in uttarayana and

Varsha – monsoon

Sharath – autumn

Hemanta – late autumn in dakshinayana

The regimens to be followed in each seasons are well explained in ayurveda for mental and physical well being

What tastes for summer Ayurveda?

You can go for sweet ,bitter and astringent taste and avoid pungent ,sour and salty foods

What should we eat in summer Ayurveda?

Fruits such as apples, berries, cherries, coconut, grapes, limes, mangoes, melons, pears, pineapples, plums, and pomegranates should be consumed during summer.

Beet Greens, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, green beans, lettuce, okra, potatoes, and zucchini are some vegetables that are beneficial during the season.

Favourable grains for summer are Barley, rice, Basmati, and wheat.

What foods should be avoided in summer Ayurveda?

Avoid too much garlic ,onion ,spicy ,oily ,processed, canned and sour foods

What to eat to reduce heat in body Ayurveda?

You can add watery vegetable and fruits like melons ,gourd varieties ,ghee ,apples ,sweet berries ,grapes ,leafy green ,cucumber ,melons

What Ayurveda says about summer season?

Its pttha season .Look for adopting a life style which involves exact opposite qualiies to create a balance

What is the Ayurvedic treatment for summer season?

What are the traditional therapies of Ayurveda?

Ayurveda system of medicine includes panchakarma – which is traditional to our native

What are the seasonal changes in Ayurveda?

A year consists of six seasons, namely, Shishira (winter), Vasanta (spring), and Grishma (summer) in Uttarayan and Varsha (monsoon), Sharata (autumn), and Hemanta (late autumn) in Dakshinayana

What is the season for Ayurvedic treatment?

The best time for treatment is Malayalam month of karkidakam which is considered to be best for rejuvenating qualities (july and august)

What is the seasonal clock in Ayurveda?

Vata – afternoon , very early morning /during fall and early winter /later stages of life

Pitta – mid day .mid night /season of summer /middle of life

Kapha time – early mornings and early evenings /late winter ,late spring /life of childhood

What is the daily cycle of Ayurveda?

Daily Dosha cycle

Vata – 2 am till 6 am /2 pm till 6 pm

Pitha 10 am till 2 pm /10 am to 2 am

Kapha – 6 am to 10 am /6 pm to 10 pm

Ayurvedic wellness advice?

One has to indulge in abhyangam ,proper diet and life style changes and sound sleep and follow proper dinacharya and ritucharya

Moisturize Daily

You can use daily moisturizers like aloe vera gel ,oat meal ,fruit mask like papaya ,rose petals ,coconut oil, ghee, orange peels ,sandal paste ,cream of milk ,lotus petals

And some of the ayurvedic face masks like eladi choornam, kadambari lepam for daily application

Adjust Your Bedtime Routine

Sleep plays one of the vital role in maintaining your skin care .Have a adequate sleep and hydrate sufficiently

Ritucharya - Ayurveda Daily Routine

Ritu –season

Charya – regime

In ayurveda we have principles related with living ones life according to the flow of season which we name It as ritucharya

Human energy differs from each season to season ,one who is particular in following the regimens explained can lead a healthy life

6 seasons according to Ayurveda

A year consists of six seasons

Shisira – winter
Vasantha – spring
Grishma – summer in uttarayana and
Varsha – monsoon
Sharath – autumn
Hemanta – late autumn in dakshinayana

The regimens to be followed in each seasons are well explained in ayurveda for mental and physical well being

Pitta Season Diet

Emapaize sweet foods like sweet fruits, most grains, squashes, root vegetables, milk, ghee, and fresh yogurt.

Bitter foods which can tone the skin and muscles, benefit the blood, relieve burning and itching sensations, satisfy thirst, balance the appetite, support digestion, and help to absorb moisture, sweat, and excess pitta.

Astringent foods which can curb pitta’s tendency to spread, tone bodily tissues, prevent bleeding disorders, thwart diarrhea, and also absorb excess sweat and fluid.

Minimize

Pungent foods which cause excess thirst, burning sensations, dizziness, and excess heat (especially in the intestinal tract).

Sour foods which can increase thirst, disturb the blood, create heat in the muscles, and give rise to burning sensations in the throat, chest, or heart. It can even promote sour feelings like jealousy or envy.

Salty foods which can disturb the blood’s balance, impede the sense organs, increase heat, aggravate the skin, and lead to grey hair, wrinkles, and excess thirst. It can also intensify our desire for stronger flavors, which can provoke pitta even further.

Uttarayana and its effect

This motion of the Sun shifting from south to north in a celestial sphere is called Uttarayana (the Sun is moving towards north).

Once the Sun reaches north, it begins moving south and is called Dakshinayana – the Sun is moving towards south.

This causes seasons which are dependent on equinoxes and solstices.

According to hindu scriptures Uttarayana is considered highly auspicious, as it marks the increasing duration of daylight and is associated with positive energy and spiritual growth.