The summer heat has been intense this year. Through the wisdom of Ayurveda, which is the science of life and the sister science to yoga, we have the power to keep our minds and bodies balanced all year long.
In Ayurvedic teaching the world consists of the five elements space/ether, air, fire, water, and earth. These forms of energy join in holistic functional principles and determine everything: from the characteristics of a rock to those of plants, animals, and humans. A dynamic equilibrium prevails between the elements. This adapts to the body’s needs and functions, which are constantly changing.
It is also dependent on external influences: the seasons affect the human state, as does the time of day and a person’s age. The five elements combine in pairs to form the three bodily humours /constitutions called doshas: Vata (space and air), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (water and earth). The doshas are types of energy: they are present in every cell of the body and are responsible for the processes which take place there. Doshas form the foundation for all life. They also are quite prone to become out of balance. Luckily, we have the tools to bring more homeostasis into the body with our lifestyle choices, daily routines, and the food we ingest.
If we have a Pitta constitution or are not living a lifestyle conducive to the change of seasons, we risk our Pitta running high, leading to a less pleasurable summer experience as we become overheated and risk increasing a sense of irritation or agitation as well.
Pitta is governed by the elements of fire and water and is responsible for the body’s metabolism and digestion. Pitta also plays a vital role in maintaining body heat and temperature. All the doshas in Ayurveda have different qualities unique to that specific Dosha. Pitta’s qualities are hot, sharp, light, pungent, liquid, and mobile. Doshas become imbalanced by the change of seasons and from engaging in activities, lifestyle choices, and eating foods that have the same qualities. We must understand the signs of imbalanced Pitta so that we can adjust our lifestyle choices to create more harmony and balance in the body.
Imbalanced Pitta results from too much heat in the body, which can accumulate much easier in the summer season. Some Pitta imbalance symptoms can include acid reflux, red skin or rosacea, loose stools, inflammation, excessive anger, or irritation, and burning eyes. These symptoms can make it challenging to enjoy the sunshine, but fortunately, you can find relief easily and naturally with the proper knowledge and lifestyle changes.
In Ayurveda, Doshas are balanced by implementing more of the opposite qualities of that Dosha in your daily choices. This can include movement, lifestyle, food, herbs, and spices. Prioritizing cool, heavy, slow, dry, grounding, stabilizing, and dense qualities can help balance excess Pitta and leave you feeling more calm, cool, and collected on both a physical level and an emotional level.
To balance Pitta, engage in slow, cooling, and mindful exercises. Slow and gentle yoga such as restorative or Yin yoga, and walks in nature as well as swimming or being near a body of water are great for balancing excess Pitta.
Another great way to balance Pitta is to create space in your schedule. Try taking on less and leaving more time to rest and relax. Downtime can feel difficult to a Pitta dominant personality AND because summer is typically busy and full, but it is imperative to keep your mind and body healthy and balanced. Meditation and cooling pranayama (breathing practices) like Sheetali/ Shitali and Nadi Shodhana are also great ways to calm excess Pitta. See the link below that will guide you through Sheetali breath. Vasant Lad, one of my teachers and a world renowned Ayurvedic medical provider and practitioner leads this short and informative practice.
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