No doubt about it. Pitta, dosha, derived from Fire element is raging this summer. Pitta season is characterized by the warmest temperatures of the year - coinciding with Summer.
How Pitta dominant your individual nature is (see our webpage, “What is Ayurveda,” http://www.ayubwc.com/ayurveda.html if you are still not sure) and also how you cope with the extreme temperature might affect how oppressive the recent heat wave has been to both your bodily comfort and also your mood.
Things that may exacerbate or indicate rising Pitta levels in the body/mind:
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Eating too much spicy or acidic food, or drinking dehydrating alcoholic beverages. Remedy: Choose light crisp vegetables and salads, juicy fruits, and cooling, rehydrating drinks instead
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Burning, drying or irritating skin. Remedy: Enjoy an Ayurvedic massage, for relaxation but also to soothe the skin - we can use a pitta-friendly oil to rehydrate and protect tender skin this summer. If you are Pitta dominant and prone to sensitive skin, wearing appropriate cover-up clothing/hats is always wise when enjoying the beach or the pool or your own garden.
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Getting caught up in projects (personal or work-related) or being sucked in to “road rage” mentality while traveling. Remedy: Take breaks often to calm potentially escalating intensity. A two to three minute breath-centered meditation can be used throughout the day. Spend time in the water (be it a pool, the ocean or a bath at home) Aromatherapy is often very effective in cooling the mind/temper. Try Rose Oil or Lavender in a bath, lotion or misting spray.
Whether this is your favorite time of year or your least, take some time to enjoy the activities you cherish with the ones you love this summer.
About the Author: Karie Wik, LMBT, CYT, is an ayurvedic practioner at the Ayurvedic Bodywork Center in Raleigh
