Summer is the season where there is a severe heat conditions all over. The scorching sun sucks the water contain of the body leading to dehydration. However Ayurveda, the ancient science of health has given us a detail routine to prevent us from this summer heat. Let’s glance through this season from an Ayurvedic view.
This season is known as ‘Greeshma Rutu’ according to Ayurveda.
Mid-April to mid-June (approximately) is considered as Grishma (summer) season. Environment is prevalent with intense heat and unhealthy wind. The river-bodies are dried and the plants appear lifeless.
The predominant Rasa is Katu (pungent)and Mahabhuta are Agni and Vayu.
The strength of the person become less, deposition of Vata Dosha occurs, but the vitiated Kapha Dosha is pacified during this season. Agni of the person will remain in mild state.
Diet Regimen
Foods which are light to digest—those having Madhura (sweet), Snigdha (unctuous), Sheeta (cold), and Drava (liquid) Guna, such as rice, lentil, etc, are to be taken. Drinking plenty of water and other liquids, such as cold water, buttermilk, fruit juices, mango juice, is to be practiced. At bedtime milk with sugar candy is to be taken. Fruits such Water melon, musk melon, cucumber, grapes are beneficial to overcome the heat in the wheather.
Lavana (Salty) food with Katu (pungent and spicy) and Amla (sour) taste and Ushna (hot potency) foods are to be avoided.
Alcoholic Beverages are not recommended during the summer season.
Life style
- Staying in cool places, applying sandal wood and other aromatic pastes over the body, adorning with flowers.
- Wearing light Cotton clothes and dresses
- Sleeping at day time is helpful. In all the other season sleeping during time is not allowed in Ayurvedic routine. However in summer season the nights are smaller and days are longer that is why sleeping during day time is good.
- During night one can enjoy the cooled moonrays with breeze.
- Excessive exercise or hardwork is to be avoided.
- Too much sexual indulgence and alcoholic preparations are prohibited.
Some common health problems in summer season
- Sunburn and skin protection: Sunburn is another common summer health problem that can cause pain, redness, and peeling of the skin.
- Heat-related diseases: They are among the most common summer health problems. Heat exhaustion or heat stroke can result from these diseases.
- Water-borne diseases: Most common summer health problems that can be acquired from drinking contaminated water due to shortage of water and also by swimming in dirty water are water-borne illnesses.
- Food Poisoning: Food poisoning is a typical summer health hazard that can be caused by eating contaminated food.
- Burning in Urination: This is a very common problem that people face in summers.
Some useful health tips
- Avoid going outside immediately after sitting in Air conditioned rooms/halls. Also avoid entering A.C halls immediately after coming from outside.
- Avoid eating outside food and food that is kept for too long time.
- Add neem leaves in bathing water to avoid skin infections.
- Consume seasonal fruits that have lots of water content in it.
- Try and stay indoors during peak hours of sun that is between 12 am to 5 pm.
- Avoid milkshakes and curds. If you like to eat curd then add some amount of candy sugar to it ( mishri)
- Having buttermilk is beneficial in summers.
- Add pinch of ginger or ghee to mango pulp before consuming it
- Wear light colored, cotton loose clothes
- Apply shatdhaut ghrut ( hundred time washed ghee), aloe vera gel/ cream, cucumber gel
- Use caps, hats, umbrella
- Cook rice by using fresh rice grains(nava dhanya)
- Salad – white onion +pinch of salt +pinch of black pepper +thick buttermilk
- Coolant water – Soak coriander seeds ( Dhaniya), Cummin seeds (jeera) , fennel seeds ( Saunf) and crystal sugar in glass of water and keep it overnight. Drink this one cup of this water empty stomach in the morning, afternoon and evening helps to keep heat in check.
Ayurvedic Therapies to Strengthen Body ,Mind and Soul in summers
Take Ayurvedic therapies which keep our body and mind cool.
- Shirodhara
- Takradhara
- Ksheerdhara
- Jaladhara
- Lepanam
- Abhyanganam(With Pittashamak Aromatic Oils )
Conclusion
Summer is the season when there is a intense heat outside and the body’s strength is diminished however by following the proper routine and including right food in the diet person can prevent various health problem during this season.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
