Reduce the Heat!
Ayurveda teaches us that like increases like. Pitta is hot, sharp, and light, like the penetrating heat of the midday sun. Thus the qualities of summer can increase Pitta dosha. Awareness of aggravating (and reducing factors) in our environment, diet, activity, and sensory impressions enable us to take positive action to remain in balance.
The three doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In Ayurveda, the doshas are sometimes referred to as imperfections, yet they serve to keep balance in life. Kapha provides structure, Vata enables movement, and Pitta digests and metabolizes.
The five elements are part of the foundational principles of the universe including our body and mind. Ether (space), air, water, earth and fire combine in various ways within our individual constitution. When water and fire elements combine and are prominent within us, we have a prominent Pitta dosha. Take the Dosha Quiz
Doshas function as energies and are fundamental to all life. When in balance, they contribute to the health of the individual. When doshas accumulate, the health of the individual is at risk of developing an unhealthy state of being.
Everything we take from our environment can increase or decrease the doshas. This includes our diet, sensory impressions, and even internal mental processes.
The three doshas are present in nature too. Doshas are expressed in time of day, climate, and life stage.
Doshas expand during seasonal changes, particularly in transition points occurring during spring and fall.
Summer is Pitta time and affects us all, whether Pitta is our dominant dosha or not. If you’re feeling the effects of Pitta expansion, you might express this as excess heat (anger) or sharpness (criticism), or feel burning (excess acid in the digestive system).
Tips to keep cool this summer
To reduce the effects of an aggravated Pitta dosha, use cooling remedies, removal of aggravating substances, and environmental adjustments. For example, favoring cooling foods like cucumber, using introspection and thinking before speaking, and spending time in nature near a moving body of water, if possible.
Other Pitta reducing actions include wearing cooling, natural-fiber clothes and avoiding hot and spicy foods. Include yoga postures that promote surrender such as forward bends, flowing movements done with gentle focus, and long savasana at the end of your practice.
Following a daily Ayurvedic routine (dinacharya) is essential for everyone throughout the year to keep your doshas balanced. Keeping a regular routine reduces the energetic output that is wasted when keeping an erratic schedule and helps your body and mind relax thus promoting healing and rejuvenation.
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