The Best Ayurvedic Summer tips to balance your Dosha

Ayurveda concentrates on maintaining equilibrium between the three doshas, for a healthy life. Dosha is a Sanskrit term, which translates as “that which can cause problems”, meaning a “fault” or “defect”. In Ayurveda, it refers to three categories or types of substances that are present in a person’s body and mind. The three doshas are Vata (Wind), Pitta (bile) and Kapha (phlegm). Ayurveda also describes how the quantities and qualities of these three doshas fluctuate in the body according to the seasons. These fluctuations thereby determine changing conditions of growth, aging, health and disease. The best way to a healthy life is to balance the Doshas. Consult an Ayurvedic physician or hospital, to know the prominent Dosha present in your body.

Itoozhi Ayurveda suggests some tips for Summer time, to balance your dosha, and live a healthy life.

Vata Dosha
For those with a prominent vata dosha, summer is a time to soak up the sunshine. Enjoy the heat, and focus your attention on staying grounded and well-hydrated. However, the key is to not get over exposed to summer’s dry, sharp heat. As far as consuming food, those with Vata dosha may stay away from spicy dishes and to exercise moderation with ice cold beverages and frozen foods. You should also cut back on broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower to avoid overtaxing the digestive system. They should eat more of root vegetables and cooked warm stews. It is important to pay attention to subtle signs of increased dryness, like gas, bloating, constipation, or dry skin.

Pitta Dosha
People with a dominant pitta dosha naturally run hot, thanks to a fire constitution. So a pitta’s main focus during the summer is to keep cool. A great way to balance pitta during the summer months is via cooling food choices, which can help extinguish some of that fire from the inside out. Eat more of coriander, cilantro, lime, mint, shredded coconut and avocados. You should also consume cucumber, asparagus, watermelon, red lentils, mung beans, and aloe vera juice. Basically, these foods are water-based, which will help bring down the fire in your constitution. Foods to avoid include spicy foods, acidic foods, and fermented foods. Activities like water sports and yoga can help cool down those with Pitta dosha in summer.

Kapha Dosha
Those with Kapha dosha really enjoy the summers. Fresh fruits and veggies, especially apples, cherries, berries, and pomegranate are great for kapha in the summer. Grains such as quinoa, basmati rice, and beans are also great for kapha during the summer. Frozen foods or sugary beverages many aggravate a kapha person and cause the feeling of heaviness and lethargy. Hence, avoid these during summers. Furthermore, minimizing consumption of coconut, avocado, and pasta will also help. These heavy foods can further aggravate kapha’s Earth and water elements. Such an aggravation can lead to congestion, excess mucus, heaviness and laziness. Starting the day with a jog, bike ride, or vinyasa yoga can help those with kapha dosha stay active and healthy.

Itoozhi Ayurveda is among the leading Traditional Ayurvedic hospitals in Kerala, specializing in lifestyle disorders, eye treatments and ENT care.