Ritu, the season classified by different features, expresses the various effects on the body as well as the environment. Ayurveda has always emphasized maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle to prevent diseases.
Generally, mid-May to mid-July is considered as Grishma (summertime). The climate becomes prevalent with intensive heat while the dried river bodies and the plants appear lifeless. The dominant Rasa is Katu (pungent), and Mahabhuta is Agni and Vayu. Agni of the body will remain in a mild state, and lead to skin infection.
During summer, our innate strength and immunity are at their lowest. An unhealthy lifestyle leads to a lot of diseases. The onset of these diseases are insidious, delayed development, which is difficult to cure, so summer healthy lifestyle and diet are essential during this season to prevent illnesses and infections.
Following are Some Symptoms Associated with Imbalanced Pitta
- Swelling: parts of the body might swell, become red and hurt due to imbalance doshas and reduced Agni.
- Pyrexia: Increased body temperature due to pitta predominance developed due to infections and other foreign substances.
- Excess Perspiration: The body starts secreting excess sweat from the sweat glands to cool the body, which is good for internal mechanisms, but excess sweat can lead to skin problems and affect personal hygiene.
- Rashes: Rash or irritated skin is often seen in summer season in people with asthma and the ones who are allergic to certain substances.
- Burning sensations: A lot of individuals suffer from burning sensations in the body, especially in the feet due to imbalance pitta.
- Loose Bowels: A condition in which faeces are frequently discharged from the body in liquid form due to ama (formed because of diminished Agni).
Treating these imbalances involves calming or pacifying the pitta dosha in the body. Ideally, equilibrium of 3 doshas should always be maintained. That helps to maintain bodily health and keep the individual away from diseases and other ailments.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Summer Season Diseases
Below mentioned are some Ayurveda guidelines and treatment for summer season diseases.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle for Summer
- Staying in cool places
- Applying sandal wood, agaru (agar wood) and other aromatic pastes over the body
- One should wear pearls as it acts as coolant.
- Brushing with powders of cooling herbs like mint and neem or alternatively massaging gums these powders helps in keeping oral health.
- Adorning with flowers, wearing light dresses
- Sleeping at day time is helpful especially if you are a vata or pitta type.
- During night one can sleep on roof to enjoy the cooled moon rays with breeze
- Avoid Excessive exercise or hard work. Do minimal exercises such as walking with bare foot on a cool lawn, Eye exercises.
- Too much sexual indulgence and alcoholic preparations are prohibited.
- Go to bed early (before 11 pm). Before going to bed it is good to massage soles with coconut oil and wash your face with organic rose water.
- Use umbrella or hat that help people prevent heat stroke
Diet Regimen
- Indulge in foods which are light to digest—those having Madhura (sweet), Sheeta (cold), Snigdha (unctuous), and Drava (liquid) Guna, such as rice, lentil, etc, are to be taken.
- Mantha – mashed fruit mix, with water and sugar candy is beneficial to beat the heat problems.
- Drinking plenty of water and other liquids, such as buttermilk, cold water, fruit juices, meat soups, mango juice, churned curd with pepper, is to be adapted.
- Cold water kept in mud pot along with flowers of patala and karpura (camphor) should be used for drinking.
- Lavana and food with Katu (pungent) and Amla (sour) taste and Ushna (warm) foods are to be avoided.
- Avoid excess salt, sour and spicy foods. These all increases pitta in the body and an increase in heat will contribute to the accumulation of Pitta and is therefore undesirable.
Herbs to Maintain Heat
- Pudina (mint): Mint helps in digestion without raising body heat and making a tea with mint leaves can help induce sweating to reduce body temperature. One can also soak mint leaves in cold water for an hour and have throughout the day.
- Chamomile: Great for the skin and scalp as well, it also soothes inflammation, rashes caused due to strong UV rays of the sun.
- Yastimadhu: it helps to normalize pitta due to its cooling quality and the enzymes present in it also generate macrophages, lymphocytes that protect the body from microbes, allergens and pollutants.
Conclusion:
Summer –because of the heat, the long days of bright sun, the sharp intensity, and the transformative nature, this season is called as pitta season. Above mentioned seasonal routine is aimed at diet and lifestyle habits that will help prevent the over-accumulation of summer qualities that plays an important role in development of disease. Ayurveda considers summer as a time of dehydration. Following Ayurvedic principles to pacify Pitta Dosha will help you to enjoy this season in the best of health and spirit. To get your Doshas checked, consult our experienced team of online Ayurvedic Doctors now! Book an appointment at Total Ayurveda Care.