Ayurvedic Tips to Stay Cool and Beat the Summer Heat

It's hot out there right now, and unless you find that you never need to leave the house, there's just no avoiding the heat. Existing in the South during the summer can be a challenge, especially if like me you are prone to overheating and generally dislike the sensation of melting into one's own shoes. The spicy weather can cause pitta to accumulate, and pitta out of balance can lead to inflammation in the body, skin ailments, feelings of frustration and irritability, and indigestions, just to name a few. Some people thrive in this weather, and to them I tip my hat. Regardless of whether you are like me and run from one air conditioned space to another, or you are one of those folks who feel their best during the hot weather, we can all benefit from incorporating some ancient Ayurvedic wisdom into these scorching days to make sure we're staying healthy and refreshed, balancing our internal heat, and supporting our natural cooling mechanisms.

Stay hydrated

The number one thing we can do to stay healthy and keep our doshas in balance in this heat is to make sure we're staying hydrated, using cool beverages to cool your body from within. Try infusing your water with cucumber, melon, mint, rose water, and other cooling agents. But be cautioned, Ayurveda warns that over-consuming iced or icy cold beverages can actually hinder digestion and cool your digestive fire, so try opting for cool or room temperature beverages, and avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks as they can increase dehydration.

Eat Light and Cooling Foods

Heavy, oily, or spicy foods can increase internal heat and make you feel sluggish. Instead, choose foods that are naturally cooling and easy to digest like fresh fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, and coconut water. Opt for leafy greens such as spinach and cilantro. Check your local farmers market for other fresh, seasonal foods that are cooling in nature such as berries, fennel, green beans, melons, and zucchini. Incorporate cooling spices into your cooking as well, such as turmeric, cardamom, and coriander. Try to avoid hot foods from both a temperature and spice perspective.

Apply Cooling Oils and Lotions

Ayurveda suggests using natural oils to cool the skin and calm the nervous system. Applying coconut oil or sandalwood-based lotions can provide a soothing effect. Gently massage the oil onto your skin, especially on pulse points like wrists and temples, to feel refreshed.

Practice Gentle Yoga and Pranayama Techniques

Physical activity is important, but during summer, keep it light and avoid intense workouts in the heat. Practice in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. Try incorporating gentle, grounding yoga practices into your routine such as Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra. Perhaps swap out heat-building Surya Namaskar (sun salutes) with calming Chandra Namaskar (moon salutes), and incorporate plenty of forward bends and twists.

Pranayama can also assist in these scorching times, so consider adding some of these techniques into your practice:

• Śītalī Pranayama (Cooling Breath): Roll the tongue and inhale/exhale through the rolled tongue

• Dirga Swastham (3-Part Breath): Exhale completely and begin the inhale by bringing one third of the breath into the belly, one third into the chest, and the final third all the way to the top of the throat. Exhale in reverse order.

• Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): You can take Vishnu mudra with the right hand or simply use the first finger and thumb. Close the right nostril, inhale through the left. Close the left nostril, exhale through the right. Inhale through the right nostril. Close the right nostril, exhale through the left. That is one full cycle.

  
  

Take Cooling Baths or Showers

A lukewarm or cool bath can lower your body temperature and refresh your skin. Add natural ingredients like rose water or sandalwood powder to your bath for extra cooling benefits. Avoid very cold water as it can shock the system and cause imbalance.

Wear Light and Breathable Clothing

Choose loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibers like cotton or linen. These materials allow your skin to breathe and help sweat evaporate, which naturally cools the body. Light colors reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption.