Cool as a Cucumber: Ayurvedic Remedies to Keep Your Summer Serene.
6 Ayurvedic Techniques to beat the heat.
The summer heat sets in-- the dog days of summer aren’t far behind. This means it’s time find some shade and rest in the cool green grass. At the peak of the season there is a need to replenish what has been depleted and seek protection from the fiery nature of the sun. As temperatures soar, patience gets short and frustration gets high. It’s kinda hard to be calm and peaceful when you’re uncomfortable and agitated.
The pitta dosha, the element of fire, needs earth and water to cool things off. A balancing of the elements within, replenishes not only the body, but heart and mind as well. Ayurveda offers simple and relatable tips that will help you beat the heat and keep your cool. Adding some of these recommendations to your routine will bring smooth sailing through the rest of these summer days.
Water … your BFF:
In the summer heat, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Make it a priority to get your 8-10 glasses of water a day. To calculate the amount of water best for you, divide the amount you weigh in half. Generally, that number (half of what you weigh) is the amount of ounces you should drink to maintain hydration.
Opt for a glass of water with cucumber or mint rather than iced coffee. Caffeine adds to dehydration. Try a watermelon cooler for a real treat!
Swim, take cool showers, play in some water.
Cooling diet:
Keep your meals light and easy to digest. Eat smaller meals throughout the day, rather than a big banquet-style dinner.
Use cooling herbs to balance any meal: mint, cilantro, coriander, fennel. It’s no accident that tacos come with lime and cilantro. They cool the palette to balance out the spice.
Enjoy juicy veggies and fruits like melons, peaches, cucumbers, and squash.
Rest and Rejuvenate:
YAY NAPS! While naps are not often recommended, summer is one exception. You can take a catnap in a cool dark room in the early afternoon. Wait at least an hour after eating. Summer can zap you, while rest rejuvenates. Keep it short, but feel free to indulge.
Even though the sun sets later, be careful not to burn the candle at both ends. Be mindful of nighttime activities to avoid getting a second wind at 10 pm. Try to stay reasonable and consistent about your bedtime.
Take a rest break for the eyes in the middle of the day for 10 minutes. Cover your eyes with a cool wet washcloth or use cold cucumber slices for a soothing experience.
Moon bathing:
Bask in the cooling and calming energies of the moon. Spend some time outside in the moonlight to soothe your senses. Try a moon gazing meditation.
Go camping and sleep under the stars.
It’s best to avoid overexertion in the heat of the day instead take moonlight walks. Walking after dinner can aid in digestion. Being away from artificial light can increase melatonin and prepare you for a good night’s rest.
A simple moon gazing meditation:
A simple moon gazing meditation:
Find a cozy safe spot outside where you can see the moon clearly, or if you can't go outside, a window with a moon view works too.
Get away from as much artificial light as possible.
Close your eyes, take a slow and deep breath in through your nose for 6 seconds, then release it slowly.
Imagine the moonlight flowing over your body with each exhale, easing any tension and softening any worry.
Gaze at the moon. Take in its beauty, the colors, and any interesting details you notice.
Let your thoughts come and go without getting caught up in any one story. Instead, just observe, without worry or wonder.
Continue for 5-10 minutes
For more advanced practitioners, try Tratak. Relax your gaze and stare at the moon without blinking.
As your eyes water, gently close them and visualize the moon's image between your eyebrows.
Bathe in the light of the moon’s clear calm presence! Be at peace. Sweet dreams.
Chill out your yoga practice:
Summertime calls for a refreshing yoga routine. Since the theme is calming and cooling, we may benefit from a yin or restorative practice to allow for longer pauses in each pose. Imagine the connective tissues, like your fascia, as “vents” throughout the body. As you hold these postures, create space to release bound up tension and let heat flow out.
Triangle, Wide-Angle Forward Fold, and Happy Baby are your allies in releasing that pent-up fire. Any asana that widens the legs from the midline and opens the solar plexus are cooling for the system. Hip openers and supine poses for the win!
If you're all about a vigorous yoga practice, now is the time to chill out. If you have the need for speed, hold an intention of ease. Soften as you move and allow for a shorter more spontaneous flow. Be sure to practice at the coolest time of the day, sunrise and sunset. Wear light, loose, and breathable fabrics for comfort.
Summer Self-care: Tending the fire
Soak the feet before bedtime in cool water. Apply sesame oil to the soles of your feet and use a marma stick to gently massage.
Before showering, give yourself an Abhyanga oil massage with coconut oil. Coconut oil has cooling and nourishing properties to soothe skin after the intensity of the summer sun.
Put the lime in the coconut. Add essential oils with cooling properties to any diffusers or massage oil: Lime, mint, rose, jasmine, and sandalwood.
Relax into the beauty of summer by incorporating these techniques throughout your day. Stay hydrated, savor cooling foods, take time to rest, and bathe in the calming moonlight. Let your yoga practice flow with ease, and pamper yourself with essential oils to keep your inner fire in check. Dive into the cooling power of these Ayurvedic self-care rituals and enjoy the downdog days of summer.
