The Ayurvedic Summertime Survival Guide: It’s All About Pitta

By Dr. Puja Shah

Well hello, summer! The season of warm sunshine, verdant growth, and boundless energy is great for outdoor activities and connecting with nature, but it’s also a chaotic one for the Pitta Dosha – do you know why?

As the temperature rises and the days become longer, the fiery qualities of Pitta – heat, intensity, and transformation – become more pronounced in our environment and within ourselves.

The impact this has on your body and mind is significant: which is why sustaining the balance of Pitta within you is crucial if you want to thrive, stay cool, and preserve your health all through the summer.

Let’s start with the 6 telltale signs your Pitta Dosha is out of balance in the summer

1. Digestive issues:

Pitta governs digestion, and the increased heat of summer can exacerbate digestive issues like heartburn, acidity, and inflammation.

2. Emotional balance:

Pitta’s intensity can affect your emotions, leading to irritability, anger, and impatience.

3. Skin health

The heat can cause skin problems such as rashes, acne, and sunburn.

4. Inflammation:

You may notice inflammation in your joints, or in your stomach in the form of gastritis.

5. Eye health:

Pitta imbalances can cause redness, burning, and sensitivity in your eyes.

6. Dehydration

You can experience excessive sweating, and in more extreme cases, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Easy lifestyle tips for cooling down your Pitta Dosha and your body

Cooling diet: To balance Pitta, it’s essential to incorporate cooling, hydrating, and soothing foods into your diet. Opt for sweet, juicy fruits like watermelon, cucumbers, and leafy greens. Fresh dairy products like milk and yogurt can also help soothe Pitta.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and coconut water to stay hydrated and flush out toxins.

Clothing: Wear light, breathable fabrics in soothing colors like white, blue, and green to stay cool and comfortable.

Exercise: Engage in moderate, cooling exercises such as swimming, walking in nature, or gentle yoga. Avoid intense workouts during peak heat hours to prevent overheating.

Rest and Relaxation: Ensure adequate rest and practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness to calm the mind and reduce Pitta’s intensity.

Skincare: Use natural, cooling skincare products like aloe vera gel, rose water, and sandalwood paste to prevent and soothe heat-related skin issues.

Personal growth: Pitta in the summer embodies dynamic and transformative energy, making it the perfect time to set goals, embrace change, and practice mindfulness and reflection.

To be continued! Our Ayurvedic Summertime Survival Guide resumes next week with a deep dive into the best food, herbs, and recipes for a balanced Pitta all season long.

About Dr. Puja Shah, Editor-in-Chief of The Natural Law

Dr. Puja Shah is an award-winning author whose 93 year old grandmother swore by Ayurvedic remedies and practiced yoga into her last days. And so while her education includes 9 years of medical training as a dentist, 3 teaching qualifications in yoga, and dozens of courses in meditation, it’s no wonder that she always goes back to Ayurveda. Puja harnesses Ayurveda regularly with her children and husband Amish Shah, Founder of The Natural Law.

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