Ayurvedic Guide To Summer

Featuring Dr. Nisha, @ayurveda.la

https://ayurvedichealthcenter.wordpress.com

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.

As the gentle coolness of spring gives way to the radiant heat of summer, nature undergoes a subtle but powerful shift.

"Rutu Sandhi is the interseasonal period, the transition from one season to the next. These changes directly influence our Prakruti, our body constitution. As we go from the Kapha (cool) predominant seasons to the Pitta (heat) predominant summer, we need to make mindful adjustments to our diet and lifestyle." - Dr. Nisha

According to Ayurveda, these seasonal transitions significantly influence our Prakruti (natural constitution) and Doshas (the energies of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). As we move from Kapha-dominant spring to the Pitta-dominant summer, we need to adjust our habits to maintain balance—especially for those prone to Pitta imbalances like inflammation, irritability, or digestive distress.

Let’s explore how we can mindfully support the body and mind through this seasonal shift:

1. Stay Hydrated the Right Way

Hydration is crucial during this time, but how you hydrate matters. Ice-cold drinks may seem tempting, but in Ayurveda, they can dampen digestive fire (Agni), especially during transitional periods when digestion is naturally a bit sluggish.

Instead, sip on room temperature or warm water throughout the day. Add a few mint leaves or fennel seeds for a refreshing twist. Coconut water is a seasonal superstar—it naturally cools the body and replenishes electrolytes without disrupting Agni.

"Staying hydrated with warm to room temperature water. Avoid ice cold water/drinks as they can slow down the already sluggish digestion. Coconut water is the best for summers." - Dr. Nisha

Tip: Try leaving water overnight in the Kansa Cup to aid with digestion

2. Eat to Pacify Pitta

Summer invites us to simplify and lighten our diet. Pitta is hot, sharp, and intense by nature, so our foods should be cooling, hydrating, and calming.

"Avoid spicy, acidic foods as much as possible. Consuming cooling foods help pacify pitta, including cucumbers, raisins, melons, coconut, leafy greens, etc. Try to avoid citrus fruits as well." - Dr. Nisha

Include:

Cucumbers, melons, sweet grapes, raisins
Leafy greens like spinach or kale
Grains like rice and barley
Coconut in all forms (oil, water, flakes)

Reduce:

Spicy, salty, and sour foods
Onions, garlic, ginger, chilis (all heating)
Fermented foods and vinegar
Citrus fruits (they increase internal heat)

3. Choose Cooked and Gentle Meals

Although raw foods may seem ideal for summer, lightly cooked, warm meals with ghee are still optimal for digestion. Ghee, in particular, nourishes the tissues, soothes internal inflammation, and supports Agni without aggravating Pitta.

Cumin and coriander are especially supportive during this time—they balance all three Doshas and enhance digestion without adding heat.

"Warm cooked meals with ghee are the best, as they're easier to digest. Go easy on heating veggies like garlic, ginger, onions and chilis. Use spices like cumin and coriander as they are dosha balancing as well as aid digestion." - Dr. Nisha

4. Cool Your Beverages and Mind

Summer can leave us overstimulated, especially with increased caffeine and alcohol consumption. But both these substances aggravate Pitta and can lead to dehydration, mood swings, and skin irritation.

Try replacing them with:

Cooling herbal teas: jasmine, rose, saffron, licorice, or fennel
Infused waters: rose petals, mint, or cucumber
Aloe vera juice: a Pitta-soothing tonic when taken in moderation

5. Support Mental Calm

Summer’s fiery energy doesn’t just affect the body—it can also stir up emotions like frustration or impatience. Now is the time to lean into soothing practices that ground and cool the mind.

"Mentally staying calm is really important as the heat can easily irritate pitta. Go for a swim, a nice walk or hike in the morning, or practice yoga and meditation to help cool your mind. Slow and deep breathing help regulate the nervous system." - Dr. Nisha

Try:

Early morning walks or nature hikes
Swimming or gentle yoga
Meditation or pranayama (especially sheetali or alternate nostril breathing)
Journaling or mindful rest during the hottest parts of the day

Remember: mental heat is as real as physical heat. Slowing down is a form of healing.

Tip: Wind down in the evening with the clean-burning Jasmine Ritual Candle

6. Abhyanga: The Cooling Power of Coconut Oil Massage

If your skin feels hot to the touch or you're experiencing heat-related symptoms like rashes, redness, or irritability, try a self-massage (Abhyanga) with cooling coconut oil.

This not only nourishes the skin and calms the nervous system but also helps draw excess heat out of the body. Try this before your evening shower or post-sun exposure.

7. Align with the Sun’s Rhythm

Afternoons are when Pitta peaks, so strenuous activities during this time can easily cause burnout or overheating. Instead, plan your workouts for early mornings or after sunset.

Also, while saunas are great for Kapha season, they can overheat and dehydrate the body during summer. Use them sparingly, if at all.

Final Thoughts: Live in Flow with Nature

Rutu Sandhi reminds us that nothing in nature stays fixed—and neither should our routines. By gently transitioning our habits alongside the seasons, we cultivate resilience, clarity, and radiance both inside and out.

Let this seasonal shift be an invitation to slow down, cool off, and return to the simplicity of self-care. After all, Ayurveda teaches that balance isn’t found in extremes—it’s found in rhythm.