Lifestyle Changes to Balance Pitta Dosha During Summer

Summer in Australia brings long, sunny days and vibrant energy, making it a great time to enjoy the outdoors. However, the heat can also aggravate Pitta dosha in our bodies. According to Ayurveda, Pitta is associated with the fire and water elements and governs digestion, metabolism, and transformation. During summer, the increase in heat can lead to imbalances in Pitta, causing issues like irritability, skin rashes, acidity, and excessive sweating. Fortunately, with the right lifestyle changes, you can easily balance Pitta and maintain your health and vitality throughout the season.

Understanding Pitta Dosha

Pitta symbolises elements of fire and water in the body and the main functions of pitta in the body are digestion, metabolism and transformation. Pitta is in balance and then you are focused, energetic and confident. Nevertheless, Pitta can be worsened by the extreme heat in the summer season resulting in too much fire in the body. This may be in the form of irritability, inflammation, digestive complications, skin rashes among others.

The typical Pitta imbalances are:

Ø  Skin rashes or inflammation

Ø  Heartburn or acidity

Ø  Excessive sweating

Ø  Anger or frustration

Ø  Digestive disturbances

It is significant to balance Pitta in summer to ensure that your health is under control. Now, we are going to discuss the changes in lifestyle that can be done to keep Pitta in check during the warm months.

1. Hydrate with Cool, Refreshing Beverages

Being hydrated is one of the best ways to cool down Pitta in summer. Drinks are not equal, cooling and hydrating beverages are priority to Pitta types.

What to Drink:

Coconut water: Coconut water is a natural cooler that assists in eliminating excess heat in the body and is a good fluid to drink.

Herbal teas: Use herbal teas that are soothing, such as peppermint, chamomile or rose to relax the body and mind.

Fresh fruit juices: Fresh fruit juices should not be acidic like citrus. Rather, use hydrating fruits such as watermelon, cucumber and coconut to cool down.

Drink caffeinated and alcoholic drinks should be avoided because they can cause heat and Pitta imbalance.

2. Eat Pitta-Balancing Foods

Food is an effective Ayurvedic remedy to doshas. Summer requires the preference of cooling and hydrating foodstuffs that soothe the hot temper of Pitta.

Pitta Balancing Foods:

Sweet juicy fruits: Apples, pears, melons, grapes and peaches are good options to pacify Pitta.

Green vegetables and salads: Lettuce, cucumbers, zucchinis and spinach are ideal in cooling the body.

Dairy products: Full-fat milk, yogurt and ghee are regarded as cooling and can help to balance Pitta.

Whole grains: Barley, oats, and rice aid in balancing and Pitta not being aggravated.

Foods to Avoid:

Hot peppers: Garlic, onions, and all other foods that bring spiciness to your meals should be avoided.

Fried or greasy foods: Fried or greasy foods can interfere with the digestive system and raise Pitta.

Caffeinated beverages: Pitta types can be irritable and restless when taking caffeinated beverages such as coffee and caffeinated teas.

Although these food guidelines are grounded on the Ayurvedic traditions, people with particular medical history or allergies are advised to consult a healthcare provider prior to changing their diet.

3. Establish a Regular Sleep Routine

Pitta types can become overly focused and driven, especially during the summer. This can lead to stress and difficulty unwinding at night. Getting enough rest is essential for maintaining balance and reducing stress.

Sleep Tips:

Have a schedule: Attempt to get to sleep and get up at the same time each day in order to establish a consistent sleeping habit.

Make the room cool: Have a cool and comfortable bedroom. Light bedding and fan should be used in case of need to circulate air.

Pre-sleep relaxation: Before going to sleep, perform activities that help one relax, such as reading or stretching.

Balance of Pitta is essential in having enough rest. Sleep deprivation may lead to the state of imbalance and worsen stress.

4. Engage in Cooling Physical Activities

Exercise is vital for health, but in the summer, it’s important to choose cooling, relaxing activities that don’t overheat the body.

Cooling Exercise Ideas:

Swimming: Swimming in cool water is the best to balance the Pitta and to ensure complete exercise in the body.

Walking: You can take a leisurely walk in the morning or evening when the weather is cooler and you do not have to overheat.

Yoga: Restorative yoga or Hatha yoga are good practices that help to relax the body and mind. Pay attention to deep breathing and stretching.

Tai Chi or Pilates: These are low impact exercises that help in keeping the body balanced and flexible without producing excess heat.

Avoid intense exercise during peak sun hours, typically from midday to early afternoon. Early morning or evening workouts are ideal for maintaining Pitta balance.

5. Practice Stress-Relieving Techniques

Excess Pitta can affect not only the body but also the mind, leading to stress, anxiety, and frustration. Stress-relief techniques can help calm both the body and the mind.

Stress-Relief Practices:

Meditation: Meditation assists in calming the mind and eliminating stress. Pitta types are especially prone to the relaxation and mindfulness guided meditations.

Breathing exercises: Deep breathing exercises like pranayama, cool the body and the mind. The best method of Pitta is the Sitali, or breathing in with the mouth, and out with the nose.

Journaling: This can be done by writing about what you feel and think, and it can be used to release frustration and anger, which are typical symptoms of Pitta imbalance.

6. Incorporate Cooling Essential Oils

Essential oils are a natural way to reduce excess heat in the body and balance Pitta dosha. They can be used in aromatherapy, applied to the skin (when diluted), or added to a diffuser.

Cooling Essential Oils to Try:

Peppermint: Peppermint oil has a cooling and refreshing effect which is useful in calming the body and the mind.

Lavender: Lavender is ideal in relaxing the mind and enabling you to relax at night.

Rose: Rose essential oil is soothing and cooling and is therefore perfect to use on the skin as well as the mind.

Essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil and should be applied to skin and a patch test should be done to check any allergies. Essential oils are to be applied with caution particularly to individuals with respiratory problems or sensitivities.

7. Create a Calm and Cool Environment

Your environment can also impact Pitta balance. Creating a cool and calm space is essential to counteract the summer heat and maintain harmony.

Environment Tips:

Use light, breathable fabrics: Cotton and linen are ideal fabrics for keeping your environment cool and comfortable.

Avoid harsh lighting: Dim lighting in the evening and use natural sunlight during the day to create a calming atmosphere.

Incorporate soothing colours: Colours like blue, green, and white have a cooling effect on the mind and body.

By ensuring that your home and workspace support Pitta balance, you can prevent the heat from overwhelming you.

8. Stay Cool and Protected from the Sun

While it’s essential to enjoy the outdoors, protecting yourself from the harsh Australian sun is critical during the summer. Overexposure to the sun can aggravate Pitta, leading to conditions like sunburn, skin rashes, and dehydration.

Sun Protection Tips:

Wear protective clothes: Light breathable clothing that covers the skin can help you avoid getting sunburned.

Wear natural sunscreen: To ensure that your skin is not exposed to harmful UV rays, use a natural sunscreen of 30 or more.

Stay in the shade: The sun is most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. attempt to stay in the shade during these periods.

You can enjoy the summer by being cool and shaded under the sun and maintaining your Pitta dosha at balance.

Conclusion: Embrace the Summer with a Balanced Pitta

These are some of the basic lifestyle modifications that will help you strike a balance to Pitta dosha in the hot Australian summer. It is important to remember that the secret of remaining in harmony is to keep yourself cool, calm and grounded without overheating both your body and mind. The summer season can be taken to the fullest with the right practices so that your Pitta dosha remains perfectly balanced.

Disclaimer: The suggestions provided are based on Ayurvedic principles. If you have specific medical concerns, including digestive issues or skin conditions, it’s recommended that you consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.