As the blazing heat of summer envelops the Indian subcontinent, finding respite becomes paramount. With temperatures soaring above normal in many regions, the scorching sun poses significant health challenges. Amidst this sweltering environment, ancient practices of Yoga and Ayurveda offer invaluable wisdom to help maintain coolness and well-being.
Understanding the Heat
Summer is described as the ‘adana kala’, or the period when the sun depletes our energy. Therefore without proper and vigilant care, it can bring not only a rise in temperature but also an array of health risks like heatstroke, dehydration etc. Basic precautions such as staying hydrated, seeking shade during peak hours, and shielding oneself from harmful UV rays are essential.
Ayurveda and Yoga prescribe lighter diet and lifestyle regimens during this time.
Food and Lifestyle Practices
1. Light, Fresh Nutrition:
According to Ayurveda, summer is the time when one’s digestive fire is weak. So we need to consume freshly cooked, easily digestible food that has a good amount of ghee added to aid digestion.
Processed, spicy and oily food must be avoided.
Diluted pure cow’s milk can be consumed.
Opt for refreshing choices such as seasonal fruit juices, tender coconut water to which a pinch of powdered cardamom can be added.
Summer fruits like mangoes and locally grown varieties not only offer hydration but also help cool the body. Ayurveda advises us to soak ripe mangoes in water before consuming them. It is also a good idea to have diluted warm milk half hour after eating mangoes.
Rice gruel cooked with green gram and laced with ghee is highly nourishing and easy to digest. Season it only with pepper, turmeric powder and salt.
2. Early Routines:
Regular oiling of the body is advised.
Commence your day early to accomplish tasks before the midday heat peaks.
Retreat indoors during the hottest hours.
According to Ayurveda, light sleep during the day is allowed only in the summers.
Exercise regimens should be very light during summer.
3. Apparel Choice:
Dressing in lightweight, light-colored, loose and airy cotton fabrics facilitates temperature regulation, ensuring comfort during hot spells.
4. Most importantly, Stay hydrated. Consume water that is infused with cooling herbs like “ushir or vetiver”, mint leaves etc.
(Ayurveda reference text : Ashtanga Sangraha – Sutrasthana)
“Yoga is a blessing, spiritually as well as living in this world”
Sri M
Asana and Pranayama Practices
1. Gentle Asanas: Avoid strenuous yoga poses that can exacerbate body heat. Opt instead for restorative postures such as Balasana (Child’s Pose), Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose), and Vrikshasana (Tree Pose). Embrace simple stretches like Anandbalasana (Happy Baby Pose) and Viparita Karni (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose) for relaxation.
2. Cooling Pranayama: Incorporate pranayama techniques specifically designed to cool the body. Practices like Sheetali (Cooling Breath) and Seethkari (Hissing Breath) are particularly effective. Additionally, Chandra Viloma and Chandra Bhedana pranayama contribute to maintaining internal coolness. Anuloma Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing) promotes relaxation and balance.
3. Embrace Stillness: Dedicate ample time to pranayama and meditation sessions, allowing the mind and body to unwind and remain centered amidst the summer heat.
By combining the ancient wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda with modern lifestyle adjustments, one can manage the sweltering summer months with grace and vitality.
Embrace these practices to stay cool, hydrated, and rejuvenated, nurturing holistic well-being even amidst the hottest days.
However, immediately consult a medical practitioner for extreme health conditions due to excessive heat.
All the programs offered at ArogyaM and Bharat Yogavidya Kendra are rooted in ancient wisdom and yet applicable to the current times.
We strive to make them accessible and applicable to all, ensuring that the benefits of these profound practices reach every individual, enriching lives with balance, health, and inner harmony.
