Summer is Pitta Season

Summer is in full force and that means it is Pitta season! – HOT, OILY, PUNGENT, SHARP, SPICY

Earlier this year I wrote a blog introducing you to your Doshas (qualities and characteristics), Intro to Ayurveda and your Doshas — ShaktiShiva Massage & Yoga (katieschlieppwellness.com). Today I will talk about Pitta more in depth as summer is the season of Pitta. Pitta energy consists of qualities like hot, oily, mobile, and unpleasant odor; summer means heat, travel, and fair food – you can see why summer and Pitta are combined.

Pitta energy, in general, is quite beneficial to have. Those dominant in Pitta are able to digest things (food, experiences, challenges, thoughts) easily, see clearly, understand and discriminate with an open mind, and have a healthy relationship with hunger/thirst (food and knowledge). Who wouldn’t want those qualities?

But if you recall, too much of one Dosha can turn toxic, so dominant Pittas in the middle of summer can very easily aggravate the Pitta Dosha. Do you ever notice during summer your face breaks out more, heartburn increases, you’re easily irritable and impatient, crave oily foods, don’t sleep well, and become overly critical of others? These are all symptoms of overstimulated Pitta. Doesn’t sound very pleasant, does it? Don’t worry, there are things you can do to counterbalance your extra Pitta energy and keep these symptoms at bay.

To reduce Pitta you must move towards more Vata-like qualities: cooling, expanding, soothing actions, foods, and thoughts.

Foods

• Bitter, light, cooling, green

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Salads with melon and cucumbers

• Mint and cilantro herbs

• AVOID: hot, spicy foods, red meat, alcohol

Actions

• Calmer work environment

• Less competitive/goal-oriented focus

• Exercise at dawn/dust

• Utilize yoga poses that have legs apart

• AVOID: excessive demands on yourself and others (deadlines)

Thoughts

• Find perspective

• See the larger purpose

• Serve the greater good

• Keep an open mind

• AVOID: responding to stress with anger, frustration, resentment

Of course, avoiding the heat should not deter one from enjoying summer (I mean no red meat, alcohol or oily foods???? Come on now!). Being out in nature is a great way to get grounded. “Enjoy the season. Being surrounded by green plants is healing-walking on the grass with bare feet can be very grounding, especially if you tend to get too scattered,” suggests Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. Being near water, of course, is also suggested—swimming is a great way to cool the body (as are regular baths and showers).

Ultimately, the most important thing to remember about the summer is to have fun and stay mindful. The days are longer and usually booked with activities. Enjoy all that the season has to offer, but also observe your habits. Notice how you react to the heat, to the energy created and generated by the season. Celebrate it, but make sure to also get enough rest and take time for self-nourishment. Happy summer!