Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga, and we are big proponents of Ayurvedic wellness here at Planet Prana. An ancient holistic healing system, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of balance and harmony in all aspects of life. Its wisdom is rooted in understanding seasons, individual body types, and the five elements. What exists in nature also exists in our bodies. 

🏵️ Seasonal wellness with the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda

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🌎 The Big Picture: A fundamental principle in Ayurveda is that each individual possesses a unique combination of three doshas (body type): Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha (body type) consists of variations of the five elements ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth. The doshas govern various aspects of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

  • 💨 Vata dosha consists mainly of air + space. Vata’s qualities are dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile, and clear. Vata types are energetic, creative, and quick-thinking individuals. They tend to have a slender build, dry skin and hair. They are prone to health issues such as anxiety, insomnia, and digestive problems. To keep the Vata dosha in balance, eat warm and nourishing foods like soups, stews, cooked grains, root vegetables, and warming spices like ginger and cinnamon. Avoiding cold or raw foods can help prevent digestive disturbances. Incorporate self-care practices that promote relaxation and grounding, including meditation or yoga and gentle exercise like walking or swimming. Vata types should maintain a consistent routine as they are often prone to erratic schedules. Regular sleep patterns with enough restful hours benefit overall well-being for Vata types.
  • 🔥 Pitta dosha consists mainly of fire + water. Pitta’s qualities are hot, sharp, light, liquid, spreading, and oily. Pitta types are vibrant, energetic, and ambitious individuals. They have a strong metabolism and tend to have a medium build. Pitta types must maintain balance, as too much fire can lead to irritability, anger, or stress-related conditions. Pitta types should embrace cooling practices like meditation or spending time in nature. They should also choose foods that help balance heat, such as fresh fruits and vegetables while avoiding spicy or oily foods. Regular exercise is also crucial for managing excess energy. Overall, being a Pitta type means embracing your natural drive and determination while finding ways to channel your energy effectively to thrive physically and mentally. 
  • 💦 Kapha dosha consists mainly of water + earth. Kapha qualities are heavy, slow, cool, oily, smooth, dense, soft, stable, gross, and sticky. Kapha types are grounding and nurturing. They maintain a sense of stability and calmness. They have an inherent strength that allows them to weather life’s challenges gracefully. Their bodies are well-built and possess strong muscles. Excess of Kapha qualities can manifest as sluggishness or attachment. Kaphas should opt for light, spicy, and warm foods, which increase metabolism and help maintain their energy levels. Some great choices include ginger, turmeric, peppers, and cinnamon. Regular vigorous exercise and activities that get the body moving and the heart pumping can help maintain a healthy balance. Staying active and making mindful food choices will contribute to overall well-being for Kapha types. 
  • 👀 Discover your dosha by taking the dosha quiz at banyanbotanicals.com.

Why it matters❓During the summer months, the Pitta Dosha tends to get aggravated due to the intensifying heat, so it becomes essential to take conscious steps towards balancing this fiery energy within us. The Pitta dosha governs digestion, metabolism, and transformation in our body. When Pitta becomes imbalanced due to excessive heat, it can lead to various health issues such as skin irritations, acidity, anger, or inflammation. 

Seasonal wellness for late summer: To reduce excess heat, Ayurveda provides valuable insights on maintaining harmony during this fiery season. We can pacify the aggravated Pitta dosha by incorporating cooling practices and foods into our daily routine. 

  • Nature is so intelligent that it produces the right foods at the right time to promote balance in our bodies. The harvest brings forth a bounty of watery and cooling fruits and vegetables in August. 
  • This bounty is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to counterbalance the excess heat associated with the pitta (pit-tuh) dosha (doe-shuh). By incorporating these watery and cooling foods into our diet, such as melons, cucumbers, and fresh herbs like basil, mint and cilantro, we can support our body’s natural ability to cool down during this time of year. 
  • Explore ways to create a relaxing environment at home with calming essential oils and cooling colors. Take a dip in the pool or at local rivers and lakes. Avoid exercising outdoors in the midday sun. Morning and evening are the best times to do this.
  • Counterbalance the fiery energy by incorporating cooling and calming yoga poses into your routine. Avoid practicing in heated rooms and consider practicing in the morning or evening. If you are a Pitta type, avoid strong and vigorous yoga classes in the summer. Include meditation, yin, gentle, and restorative practices. 

Go Deeper 🔎

Cooling Summer Recipe: 15-MINUTE MELON SALAD WITH FETA

🍉This Melon Salad is perfect for cooling off on hot summer days! It’s a refreshing blend of ripe summer watermelon and cantaloupe tossed in a light, tangy citrus dressing. Red onion, feta cheese, and fresh basil add a burst of flavor.

Thank you for reading!

With care + kindness,
Jennifer 💫💖💫