Summer Imbalance -- The Season of Pitta

I am still reading Absolute Beauty by Dr. Pratima Raichur and loving it! Ayurveda just makes so much sense to me. The more I learn the more "A ha!" moments I have.

For instance, dosha significance and imbalance. You can read more here about doshas. Pitta energy is increased in the summer (heat, fire) so it stands to reason that Pitta-types may become imbalanced during the hot season. My daughter is a Pitta and she has been more irritable, mood-swingy, out of sorts this whole summer. On the other hand, I (a Vata-type) live for summer. I am happier, more at ease and definitely more comfortable when it is warm out and can seem to handle much hotter temps than anyone else in my family.

So, now that we know that, what can we do about it? Well, like I reported via Dr. Raichur our diet is the easiest and most physical thing to change, so start there. Pitta’s require cold, moist, heavy foods for balance. Healthy sweets, milk (but not sour yogurt), fresh fruits and veg, and whole grains among them – and avoid hot, spicy, dry foods.

Pitta is strong-willed and fiery by nature so excessive activity and high tempers (and temperatures) will only exacerbate the imbalance. Pittas operate at their best under calm, compassionate, loving conditions. This may be easier said than done, as it is not in most of our nature to be super patient and loving toward someone who is irritable and grumpy. But trust me, if you can find it in you to pull this off, it really works.

Today I came across a great article on the subject by Monica Bloom. Check it out.

My intention with Absolute Beauty was to do a review once I’d completed the entire book, but this isn’t that kind of book.  Absolute Beauty is more of a guide for life, not just another way of achieving a beautiful complexion (though that is included in the book). I can read an entire chapter for the second or third time and get more out of it with each reading. So….I will most likely be posting here several times on this book, and Ayurveda, as I learn more. It truly is fascinating and a totally different way of looking at life and taking care of yourself.