June 15, 2017:
Its summertime and many people now want to escape the scorching heat of the summers to relieve themselves from the fierce sun. However, Ayurveda tells people to embrace the hottest season in purifying yourself.
Ayurveda teaches us to subdue the fire element known as Pitta in our body and treats summers as the most effective time to cleanse and purify the toxins of the body. Pitta in Ayurveda is associated with heat and is one of the factors that govern all activities of body, mind, and spirit. More specifically, Pitta regulates metabolism, digestion, and process of transformation in a body.
Manifestations of excess Pitta include heartburn, excessive body heat, and sweating, skin rashes, acne, excess stomach acidity, peptic ulcers, early graying hair, irritability, and anger.
The beauty and simplicity of Maharishi Ayurveda is that by holding to this constant source of imbalance, we can address or prevent a whole range of disorders in one stroke.
Knowing how to pacify these imbalances will make your summers more placid. Newsgram would like to with you some Ayurvedic tips to pacify "Pitta" – the heat.
It is strongly recommended to consume foods which do not aggravate pitta and have cooling properties, for eg: Watermelons, cherries, grapes, asparagus, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini. Iced water, carbonated beverages, and canned juices need to be avoided to prevent digestive disorders.
In addition to it, avoid foods with sour, spicy and salty taste such as yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk, sour oranges, grapefruit or pineapple.
When the monsoon sets on board, our immune system becomes weak and our body becomes more prone to viral disease. Hence, it is recommended to devour seasonal fruits like pomegranate, apples, banana, and mangoes – these can cause allergies and pimples, so keep caution while gulping the luscious fruit of the season.
Some of the best cooked foods are rice, oats, and barley with a zest of garlic or chili to boost your immune system. Including more turmeric and neem in your diet will help protect the body from infection and stimulates digestion. Ayurveda also advises reducing the salt intake salt intake by half to prevent fluid retention and thus allowing the lymphatic system to function efficiently.
Ayurveda strongly opposes excessive roaming in the sun. Although, those who can't avoid going out in the sun can try this– Crush a small white onion and place it on your head, under the cap or carry it in your pocket to prevents the sunstroke.
Swimming is a good option in hectic summers. One can avoid heavy exercise, early in the morning or after sunset when the mercury surge is at its minimal. A therapeutic landscape walk, close to nature can also lessen the aggravated heat in the body.
Ayurvedic therapies are rejuvenating for mind and body. Apply sandalwood and other refreshing herbal body oils and face packs, place rose water pads, cucumber over your eyes to get the cooling effect and beauty.
– by Naina Mishra of Newsgram. Twitter: @Nainamishr94