Ayurvedic Summer Practices for Holistic Well-Being During National Wellness Month
As the sun graces us with its warmth during these summer months, National Wellness Month provides the perfect opportunity to explore holistic practices that harmonize the mind, body, and emotions. Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating from India, offers timeless wisdom to enhance our overall well-being during this vibrant season. In this blog, we delve into Ayurvedic practices tailored for the summer, helping you maintain balance and vitality in mind, body, and emotions.
Ayurveda, which translates to "the science of life," which emphasizes the interconnectedness between the body, mind, and spirit. It categorizes individuals into three primary bioenergies of nature called the doshas. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which represent the elements of air, fire, and earth, respectively have their own energies that regulate us and nature. During the summer, the Pitta dosha tends to be dominant due to the increased heat, making it important to focus on practices that pacify this fiery energy.
Here are some ways to balance the mind, body and your emotional well being during this time according to Ayurveda.
Mind:
Meditation and Breathwork: Engage in regular meditation to cool and calm the mind. Focusing on your breath helps in reducing stress and cultivating mental clarity. Sheetali pranayama, a cooling breathing technique, involves inhaling through the curled tongue and exhaling through the nose, effectively lowering body temperature and calming the mind. Join The Breath Series or Presence: Guided Meditation to support you on the go this summer.
Mindful Practices: Spend time in nature, practicing mindfulness while observing the beauty of the summer season. This helps in grounding your energy and fostering a sense of gratitude.
Body:
Dietary Choices: Opt for cooling and hydrating foods that balance the fiery Pitta energy. Incorporate sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes. Enjoy juicy fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and coconut, while limiting spicy and overly salty foods.
Stay Hydrated: Sip on room temperature or cool water infused with mint or cucumber to prevent dehydration. Coconut water and herbal teas like chamomile or mint are also excellent choices.
Daily Abhyanga (Self-Massage): Begin your day with a gentle self-massage using cooling oils like coconut or sunflower oil. This nourishes the skin, enhances circulation, and calms the nervous system.
Exercise Mindfully: Engage in moderate exercise during the cooler parts of the day. Yoga asanas like forward bends, gentle twists, and moon salutations help in cooling the body and soothing the mind.
Emotions:
Emotional Detox: Reflect and release any pent-up emotions. Engage in journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or seeking professional support to let go of emotional baggage.
Practice Gratitude: Create a gratitude journal to acknowledge the positive aspects of your life. Expressing gratitude helps uplift your mood and shift your focus towards joy.
Aromatherapy: Use cooling and soothing essential oils like lavender, rose, or sandalwood to create a calming atmosphere in your living spaces.
Digital Detox: Pitta is regulated through the sense of vision - when we overuse this with excessive scrolling; we increase the heat in mind and body. This is important because it can heighten emotions and interrupt proper rest.
As National Wellness Month encourages us to prioritize our well-being, Ayurveda's ancient practices provide a holistic roadmap for nurturing our mind, body, and emotions during the summer. By embracing cooling foods, calming practices, and mindful self-care, we can gracefully navigate the season's intensity and create a harmonious state of being. Remember, wellness is a journey, and these Ayurvedic principles serve as your guide to a balanced and vibrant life!
