Summer falls from the month of April to September in UAE. The scorching heat of the sun drains off the energy from our bodies. Summer leads to a rise in temperature, increased dryness, and heat in the atmosphere which drastically affects the water content in the body. water loss is mainly seen through perspiration, which causes dehydration both internally and externally.
Ayurveda explains the regime to be followed during Greeshma rthu (summer season) to maintain the health and wellbeing of our body, mind, and soul. According to Ayurveda, our body consists of three elements or doshas- vata, pitta and kapha. We need to balance the pitta(hotness) regardless of our constitution. Our digestive fire is naturally low during hot weather and we often experience a decrease in appetite. We should respect this change by eating in moderation. We feel thirstier and the intake of cold drinks should not douse the digestive fire even though we find it refreshing and satisfying during or after meals. During this season, the kapha dosha decreases due to the heat and dryness thereby vata dosha increases consequently, resulting to various health issues.
Here are few guidelines recommended by Ayurveda that should be followed during the summers to keep yourself healthy.
1.Take a sweet, light, and liquid diet: Due to the increased demand for water, our digestive may get affected reducing its capacity to digest heavy food. The sweet taste will pacify the vata dosha. Adding ghee to the diet is indicated as it pacify both vata and pitta.
2.Drink plenty of water in the form of panaka, mantah, or water from the mud pot (buttermilk with the pinch of salt, tender coconut water, sugarcane juice, various fruit juices) cools down the body. Milk intake is also good in this season.
3.Avoid spicy, oily, fast, and fried foods. cut down the intake of drinks like coffee, tea or carbonated drinks that might cause dehydration.
4.Wearing thin and light cotton clothes are advised.
5.Try to stay indoors in a cool place, avoid exposure to the sun.
6.Day sleep is advised during the summer.
7.Avoid too much exercise and exertion.
8.External application (Lepas) made from herbs like Amla, Sandalwood, Sariva, neem, and Aloevera can hydrate your skin and make it soft. Applying henna to your hair and scalp nourishes the hair and works as a natural conditioner. Herbs like maka, brahmi, and musta are cooling in nature, and applying the paste on the scalp and hair, hydrates and improves its texture. Applying lepas on the body and taking a cold water bath is preferably advised to remain hydrated and moisturized during the summer.
