Summer’s Calling! Get Ready With Ayurveda
Summer might bring you those long-awaited leisure days — perfect for lakeside brunch picnics or pool parties! You’re probably spending your vacation soaking in beach sunsets, playing in the sand, and snacking on chilled treats. It’s also the season for colorful coolers and irresistible ice creams
But with all the fun, summer can also leave you feeling drained. Short naps between tasks and sipping cold water might seem refreshing, but are you really taking care of your health the right way? Could your sudden habits be affecting your well-being without you even realizing it?
This is where Ayurveda steps in! Let’s turn up your health game this summer with mindful, balanced routines inspired by Ayurvedic wisdom.
According to Ayurveda, the science of life, one can enhance his/her strength if they follow seasonal regimens well. This practice has always helped to keep up the body equilibrium to normal levels since very ancient times; After all Ayurveda is praised as the ancient medical science and so it has gained many derogatory followers as well.
तस्याशिताद्यादाहाराद्वलं वर्णश्च वर्धते । यस्यर्तुसात्म्यं विदितं चेष्टाहारव्यपाश्रयम् ॥ ३ ॥
(Charaka.Sutra. sth)
It says that the strength and gloss of a person is always maintained and enhanced when diet and regimen for every season is practiced accordingly. Here, the gloss includes your peaceful mind and happiness; Who doesn’t want that, right? So, stop by and read through your path to good health.
Why Do We Need To Be Careful in The Summer?
तत्र रविर्भाभिराददानो जगतः स्नेहं वायवस्तीव्ररूक्षाश्चोपशोषयन्तः शिशिरवसन्तग्रीष्मेषु यथाक्रमं
रौक्ष्यमुत्पादयन्तो रूक्षान् रसांस्तिक्तकषाय कटुकांश्चाभिवर्धयन्तो नृणां दौर्बल्यमावहन्ति ॥ ६ ॥
(Charaka.Sutra.sth)
The summer season falls under the period of dehydration, known as Adana Kala. During this time, your body can become dehydrated due to several factors beyond just exposure to the sun. One surprising factor is the sharp, dry wind, which increases atmospheric dryness and draws moisture from the body. Additionally, the dominance of the three Rasas (tastes)—bitter, astringent, and pungent—also contributes to dehydration and internal dryness.
In Grishma Ritu (summer season), these tastes reflect the qualities of Vayu (air) and Agni (fire) Mahabhutas (elements). This season is characterized by a gradual weakening of Kapha dosha and a progressive increase in Vata dosha.
For many, summer brings an increase in skin-related issues such as acne, rashes, and sunburns—often leading to visits to dermatologists or Ayurvedic physicians. More severe conditions like jaundice and chickenpox also tend to be more common during this time. These health concerns are largely due to the intense heat and reduced moisture levels in the environment.
What Are The Regimes Included To Cope Up With Summer?
Seasonal routines often start with thoughts of food—and in Ayurveda, any discussion about food is incomplete without mentioning Agni. Representing the body’s metabolic fire, Agni is vital to numerous physiological processes and is considered a metaphor for overall metabolism. Among its various forms, Jatharagni—the digestive fire—is the most significant, as it is regarded as the root of all other types of Agni within the body.
In Ayurvedic science, Agni holds a revered place, seen as an essential factor for maintaining both physical and mental balance. While there are 13 types of Agni, Jatharagni is primarily categorized into four types:
- Vishama – irregular
- Tikshna – intense
- Manda – sluggish
- Sama – balanced
Understanding the nature of one’s Agni, especially during Grishma Ritu (summer season), helps in planning a diet that aligns with its current state. In summer, Jatharagni is typically in a Manda (sluggish) state.
What causes Agni to become Manda during Grishma Ritu?
There are two practical explanations
- Seasonal progression : Summer follows Vasanta Ritu (spring), during which Kapha undergoes liquefaction and vitiation. This imbalance may clog the Srotas (body channels), thereby hampering the function of Agni.
- Energy depletion : Summer is naturally an energy-draining season. The intense heat leads to overall physical fatigue and weakness, which in turn diminishes the digestive fire.
Therefore, as emphasized in Ayurvedic texts, it is crucial to adopt a diet that supports a Manda Agni. Such a diet should be light, easy to digest, cooling, and designed to gradually restore Agni to its optimal functioning.
मयूखैर्जगतः स्नेहं ग्रीष्मे पेपीयते रविः । स्वादु शीतं द्रवं स्त्रिग्धमन्नपानं तदा हितम् ॥ २७ ॥
(Charaka.Sutra.sth)
Sweet, cool liquids and nourishing (unctuous) foods are ideal for the summer season. To stay protected from seasonal illnesses, your diet should include cooling and hydrating items. Recommended foods include
- Cold groats with sugar
- Meat from animals or birds of arid regions (lighter and less fatty)
- Ghee and milk paired with easily digestible grains like white rice
- Buffalo milk mixed with sugar, served cool, is a soothing dessert option
In the evening, avoid raw vegetable salads; opt for lightly steamed vegetables instead, as they’re gentler on digestion.
It is best to avoid red meat during this season. If alcohol is consumed, it should be diluted with plenty of water or, preferably, avoided altogether. Excessive or undiluted intake may lead to health issues such as edema, burning sensations, or even fainting.
Foods to Avoid in Summer:
- Salty
- Sour
- Pungent (spicy)
- Hot (in temperature or potency)
लवणाम्लकटूष्णानि व्यायामं च विवर्जयेत् ॥ २९
(Charaka.Sutra.sth)
According to Ayurveda, if you consistently follow seasonal routines, you may either skip physical exercise during summer or limit it to gentle, minimal movements. The focus shifts to keeping the body cool and conserving energy. A refreshing bath with cool water is recommended to balance internal heat.
During the day, it’s ideal to rest or take a nap in a cool or air-conditioned room. At night, sleeping in naturally cooled spaces, preferably under moonlight or in well-ventilated areas, supports restful sleep. For individuals with Vata or Pitta dominance, an afternoon nap during summer is especially beneficial.
Wearing loose, breathable clothing made of light fabrics helps regulate body temperature. When going outdoors, don’t forget essentials like sunglasses or an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun’s intense rays.
Ayurveda also encourages you to embrace the beauty of summer—its blooming flowers, fresh fruits, chirping birds, lush gardens, and flowing streams. Being mindful and appreciative of nature’s charm can have a calming effect on the mind and help counter fatigue caused by the heat.
It is also advised to avoid frequent sexual activity during this season, as it may deplete your energy reserves.
The sun, considered a source of life in Ayurveda, makes early morning walks particularly beneficial—offering gentle exposure to nourishing sunlight. By following Ayurvedic summer practices—eating cooling foods, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced routine—you can enjoy a healthy, disease-free season.
Wishing you a calm, cool, and healthy summer!
