10 Ayurveda Tips for The Dog Days of Summer

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Summer’s heat sometimes called the “dog days of summer”, can make us feel depleted both physically and emotionally. The science of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, provides many tips that can help keep us from going off the rails in this intense season. Read on to get the beneficial Ayurveda tips for you to defeat that extra dose of summer heat and retain your vitality.

10 Ayurveda Tips for The Dog Days of Summer - The Holistic Highway - Ayurveda

1. Embrace Cooling Foods

Eating cooling foods can prove to be one of the Ayurveda tips for summer and you should consider this option. Focus on fruits such as watermelon, cucumbers and leafy greens with lots of lettuce. These foods are hydrating by nature and tend to balance out the Pitta dosha which can have a natural heat influence on our body.

2. Stay Hydrated with Ayurvedic Drinks

If you are outside and active on these dog days of summer, hydration is key. On the other hand, Ayurveda does not recommend drinking ice cold water because it can put off your digestive fire — Agni. Consume room temperature beverages or very chilled (cold — not ice cold) drinks like herbal teas, coconut water, or infused water with mint and cucumber.

3. Practice Pranayama to Cool Down

Pranayama Breathing Exercises —These are the basics of yoga practices and also one of the first guidelines given by Ayurveda. To cool the body and calm the mind, practice Sitali or Sitkari pranayama. With these very basic breathing techniques, you can practice anywhere and get lots of immediate relief from the summer heat.

4. Wear Light and Breathable Fabrics

Ayurveda recommends that during hot weather, you wear loose clothes with natural fibers such as cotton or linen. It has the ideal summer fabric that allows your skin to breathe and prevent overheating, keeping you comfortable throughout the day.

5. Add Cooling Herbs and Spices

Cooling herbs and spices such as fennel, coriander, and mint are good to include in your diet during summer and will keep you calm. Incorporating these spices not only tastes good but also cools the body from the inside and aids digestion.

6. Adjust Your Daily Routine (Dinacharya)

The first rule of Ayurveda — work with the season in your daily routine. In Summer, even the morning sun is quite strong so it’s better to get up early before sunrise and do some cool air-based activity like walking or yoga in an open environment. This change sets your body rhythm more in continuity with the natural surroundings.

7. Use Cooling Oils for Massage (Abhyanga)

To pacify Pitta dosha, self-massaging with cooling oils (such as coconut oil or sandalwood) can help to cool the skin down. It calms your body and leaves behind a cool feel all through the day if you use it before bathing or showering.

8. Avoid Overexertion

A major Ayurveda tip for the dog days of summer is not to engage in too much physical activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Overwork results in also exhaustion can rise Pitta. Rather get some moderate exercise in during the cooler hours of early morning or evening.

9. Prioritize Relaxation

Summer can be a season of high-energy and bustling activity, but combining this with enough rest is important. Get rest and take time during the day for recovery. The most vital aspect of this rest is the balance in all three doshas which Ayurveda preaches.

10. Stay Indoors During Peak Heat Hours

Lastly, one of the best and easiest Ayurveda tips for summer is to stay inside during peak heat hours – typically between 10 AM and 3 PM. For example, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen will protect your skin if you have to be outside.