The season of fire: 5 tips for getting through the season without creating an imbalance
Ayurveda, a thousand-year-old science that has its sources in India, uses the logic of the elements of nature to treat the imbalances causing discomfort and disease.
Ayurveda aims first and foremost at better understanding oneself and one's own needs, as well as prevention. The 5 elements of nature are space, air, fire, water and earth. We enter the season Pitta or fire and naturally, the sun is stronger and warms us. As North Americans, our summer is very short and it is normal to want to make the most of the long-awaited rays! Excess Pitta (fire), however, can cause inflammatory problems, gastric heartburn or reflux, loose stools or diarrhea, acne, etc. On a psychological level, too much fire will make you irritable, impatient, even angry.
Whatever your doshas (categories of elements most present in you), you must make sure not to accumulate an excess of Pitta. Excess Pitta will be drying for Vata types, melt mucous membranes for Kapha types creating congestion and other problems, and will be even more devastating for Pitta types who already have a strong fire element in them. In short, avoiding an excess of Pitta is good for everyone! Let's see how to enjoy the summer without accumulating excess heat.
1. Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 00 p.m.
Dermatologists have been saying for years that these hours of sun exposure are the most dangerous. These are also the times when you will accumulate the most fire.
2. Eat your big meal at noon
Pitta is the dosha that needs protein the most to be satisfied. In addition, your digestive fire is at its strongest at lunchtime and your food will be more easily digested and processed. Taking the time to eat a good, balanced lunch will help pacify Pitta.
3. Eat greenery
Aside from spinach, leafy green vegetables are excellent for the season. But do not abuse raw foods that will affect your digestive power. Prefer steamed or pan-fried greens.
4. Stay hydrated without freezing your digestive fire
Drink mostly water or freshly extracted juices. Coconut water is also excellent during the summer season. But watch out for the ice cubes! They kill the digestive fire. It is best to drink at room temperature or slightly cooler if the days are very hot.
5. Avoid strenuous exercise at lunchtime
It is best to exercise early in the morning before 10:00 a.m. or more moderate exercise after supper. Running or training during lunchtime during the summer will definitely raise your fire level!!
REFRESHING MELON DRINK RECIPE
(source: The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook, Kate O'Donnell)
Melon is hydrating, refreshing and delicious. However, it does not digest well with other foods. It is therefore best to drink this refreshing drink one hour before another meal or two hours after.
Ingredients:
4 cups pitted watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew melon
4 large mint or basil leaves
1 pinch of ginger powder (optional)
The juice of a lime
1/4 – 1/2 cup water
Basil or mint leaves and lime wedge to garnish
Place the melon, basil or mint leaves, ginger powder and lime juice in a blender. Add the water. Blend on high until the leaves are thoroughly crushed.
Serve in 4 glasses and garnish with basil or mint leaves and a lime wedge.
Good summer!
By Jessica Charron
