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It is summer time and the sun is
shining, the weather is warm and the beach is inviting.
From the Ayurvedic perspective, this is the time of
pitta which in Sanskrit means to heat or burn. Pitta
energy is governed by the elements of fire and water.
These qualities can be described as hot,
sharp, bright, liquid, slightly oily, sour and pungent.
Ayurveda, the traditional medical system from India,
uses the five elements of space, air, fire, water and
earth to describe everything. These elements combine to
make up the three specific body –mind constitutions or
doshas. The doshas consist of Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Vata is made up of space and air. Kapha, is made up of
water and earth and Pitta of fire and water.
Ayurvedic philosophy is based on the idea that like
increases like. Using this information we can bring
balance to our life. With each person’s unique dosha
combination, it is important to pay attention to the
rhythm of nature. For those that have more of a fiery
nature, summer weather can be aggravating. Pitta
aggravation shows itself as dehydration, irritable,
impatient, skin inflammations and acidic stomach.
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Here are some helpful tips for balancing Pitta in the
summer months.
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Eat early before the sun gets
too hot. With the added heat of the summer, our
digestion is weaker that in the cooler months. Have
dinner, when the sun goes down.
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Stay hydrated with water,
coconut water, and fruit juice. In addition, drink
liquids that will help replace electrolytes that
have been lost through sweating.
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Avoid or reduce the amount of
hot, spicy and salty foods as well as alcohol or
eating while emotionally charged.
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Enjoy foods that are sweet,
bitter and astringent such as yogurt, cucumbers,
apples, pears, watermelon, leafy greens, broccoli
and asparagus.
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Avoid sun exposure between 10
am -3 pm. If not, wear cool cotton or silk in light
colors to reflect the sun’s light.
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Take walks barefoot on green
grass or along the beach where the ocean laps at
your feet.
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Don’t work out in
the heat but exercise in the early morning or
evening.
Adapted from
Everyday Ayurveda by Vasat Lad
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July Special
Please join us to
celebrate our Grand Opening!
At our Open House!
July 21, 2007
9 am – 5pm
We will have sample
treatments, snacks and refreshments and 10% off
any product or
service purchased that day!
Please visit our website for
directions to our
office.
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