Typical summer in Sacramento: it’s hot.

Hot weather + hot sweaty vinyasa = a system waaaay out of balance.

Throw an ice cold drink on it and you have an Ayurvedic nightmare!

Ayurveda, the “science of life,” is India’s traditional, natural system of medicine that has roots over 5,000 years old. According to this system there are 3 main constitutions, or doshas, in the body: air (vata), fire (pitta) and earth (kapha). By maintaining balance among these three elements we can greatly influence and improve our overall well being.

The doshas are constantly moving in dynamic balance through all things on all levels: the physical body, emotions, our environment, our habits, and can be characterized by the elements that rule them.

Excessive Pitta/fire can be characterized by heat, anger, passion, excessive sweating, acne, rashes, ulcers, jealousy and hormonal imbalances (among other things). Sounds fun!

When it comes to our yoga, we can balance that natural excess of summer heat (and increased Pitta/fire) with cooling practices like gentle, restorative yoga. Though this might not be our first inclination, balancing excess helps the body’s systems function properly which keeps things running smoothly…. metabolism, elimination, sleep and focus.

When we are aching for a more physical practice, best to do it in the early morning when we’re a little cooler inside and out.

Interested in some other Ayurvedic tips? Found some good food ones here. Also love a simple spray bottle with a little rose essential oil. An easy and effective hot-flash spritz!

Do you have any stay cool essentials? If so, please share!