yurveda is one of the oldest systems
of medicine; originating in India, it
dates back more than ;,;;; years.
The term “ayurveda” combines the
Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (
knowledge), and is also translated as the “science
of life.” Ayurveda uses a holistic approach
with an emphasis on preventive health care
to promote physical, mental, emotional and
spiritual health through balance in one’s
diet, lifestyle and routines. Recognized as a
complementary health approach in the
United States, ayurvedic medicine can be
used in conjunction with Western medicine
to help strengthen the immune system.
The qualities of summer are hot, sharp
and penetrating. In ayurveda, summer is
referred to as the season of pitta. Pitta (com-
prising fire and water elements) is one of the
three doshas, or bio-energies, in ayurveda
that govern body-mind constitution, food,
times of day and seasonal changes. The pitta
qualities in all of us regulate metabolism and
digestion, and these can easily get over-
heated during summer, often appearing in
the form of sunburn, exhaustion, acne or
irritability. These can be more or less pro-
nounced, depending on a person’s dosha.
This is why some love the summer heat,
while others prefer an air-conditioned room.
You achieve optimal health when you
learn to live in harmony with your environment. No matter what your dosha is, it is
important to make mindful changes to keep
the fire element in balance during the heat
of summer.
Summer steps
There are simple things you can do
to balance fiery pitta to enjoy summer.
Stay hydrated. Enjoy room-temperature
or cool water infused with lime or mint
leaves. According to ayurveda, iced or refrigerated water inhibits secretion of digestive
enzymes, affecting gut health. Choose fresh
coconut water, which is naturally cooling, to
replenish the electrolytes and minerals easily
lost in the summer heat.
Choose body-cooling foods. Part of
staying healthy in ayurveda lies in digestion
and gut health. We often hear “You are what
you eat,” but ayurveda teaches “You are what
P
H
O
TO
S
:
S
A
P
N
A
P
U
N
J
A
B
I
;
G
U
P
TA
Life
knowledge
Following ayurveda’s holistic
approach to optimum health
in the summer
by SAPNA PUNJABI;GUPTA
A
COSTCO
CONNECTION
Costco carries a
variety of ingredients to support
an ayurvedic diet,
including fresh fruits,
vegetables, spices,
beans, grains, broths
and more.
Sapna Punjabi-Gupta
( bespiced.com) is
a Dallas-based registered dietitian and
ayurvedic wellness
expert.
