Summer Lovin'

Here is a letter to the editor that I recently sent to the Kaweah Commonwealth in response to an editorial about keeping cool in Three Rivers in the Summertime.

Dear Editor,

In response to your invitation for suggestions:

The ancient wisdom tradition of Ayurveda actually has a lot to say about keeping cool. Arising in one of the hottest climates in the world, this traditional Indian medical system is rooted in humoric theory- basically the idea that each of us have different proportions of the 5 elements in our constitution. As summertime is the natural time of year for the fire element to predominate, people with the most fire in their constitution can start to exhibit the negative aspects of fire more intensely. Anger, frustration, headaches, acidic digestion, infection, acne, and other conditions of inflammation may arise among many others. For someone with a very fiery constitution summertime can feel more like purgatory than a time of rest, relaxation, and play. The good news is that with a little extra attention and planning we can all move through a summer in Three Rivers feeling more temperate and refreshed. The key lies in using the cooling and soothing aspects of nature to support us.

A cooling summertime diet should be filled predominantly with fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and organic dairy. Cucumbers, melons, peaches, nectarines, grapes, and berries are all at their best this time of year for good reason. These juicy, watery and cooling fruits are among the best at keeping the body feeling cool and light. Lettuces, asparagus, and artichokes also inspire our inner coolness. Purifying the liver with bitter greens is a good practice for springtime in preparation for summer, but if you haven’t done it, begin adding a bit of arugula or dandelion greens to your salad. Avoiding pungent (ie. chilies, peppers, ginger, onion, garlic…) and overly sour tastes as well as all fried foods, processed salty foods, and canned tomato products also helps to decrease our internal heat. Coffee and caffeine in general are best minimized this time of year as both tend to increase acid in the body and in turn, heat. (So enjoy a fresh fruit smoothie, herbal tea, chai, mango lassi, or fresh sparkling lemonade at Nectar instead!)

A few other time-tested techniques for staying cool include: drinking fresh coconut water (the liquid inside of a young coconut); drinking more water in general; using cooling aromatherapy by taking time to smell the roses, lavender, jasmine or a bit of sandalwood oil; massaging coconut oil into the scalp or soles of the feet; keeping the body and especially the head out of direct mid-day sun; and of course taking a daily dip in the river.

If you still cannot seem to beat the feeling that your insides are melting it is time to come and see your local Yoga & Ayurveda Therapist (me!). Following a lifestyle program that addresses your particular tendency towards imbalance can have lasting healing effects that support your health year round.

The effect of incorporating even a few of these techniques into your daily routine can be profound. Remember, summertime is the best time of year to “chill out” and engage in activities that renew your spirit and put your mind at ease. This is one of the best ways to stay balanced this season.

In Love & Service,
Radiantfire