REFUGE. YOGA MASSAGE AUYRVEDA.
Salutations to Summer
Pitta is in its glory. When it gets really hot and humid, do you notice how tempers can flare, road rage increases and some people get downright cranky? This is pitta in excess and not only do our emotions heat up but we can also be more prone to ulcers, heartburn, acid reflux, skin eruptions and rashes, low blood sugar and sleep problems.It is time to cool the mind, body and spirit. As digestive fire is weaker now we want to focus on foods that are sweet, bitter and astringent in taste and are cold, heavy and oily in nature. Salads, smoothies and fresh fruit are sure winners. Move toward whole foods rather than processed. Support your local farmers market for the freshest greens, veggies and fruit. Eat less foods that taste pungent (spicy), sour and salty and are of hot, light and dry natures. Limit spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine and hot beverages and replace with cooling herb teas like mint, dandelion or hibiscus.Surround yourself with soothing and sweet smells, music, places and people. Resist the urge to control and surrender to what is and BREATHE! Engage in moderate exercise that includes yoga, swimming and biking but be careful to avoid the hot part of the day when performing your activities. Summer is the only time according to ayurveda, when it is OK to nap during the day! The goal is to stay cool and hydrated.
By keeping pitta in balance we can let our inner light shine with initiative, clear thinking and speaking, creative ability, strong athletic ability, passion and warmth.To protect yourself from overexposure to sun, consider switching from conventional sunscreens to those with natural mineral based ingredients. Remember, the skin is our largest organ -what goes on it goes inside us! Condition your skin with coconut and neem oils to help it stay healthy and supple.
In mid August begin to reduce the amounts of raw salads and move toward cooked veggies, as vata is increasing and we want to protect ourselves from the seasonal colds that abound in the fall.
Check out the fall cleanse workshops and help yourself stay healthy and happy!
