Seasonal Guide: Summer

We have been experiencing severe heat with a fair amount of humidity for past few weeks in Texas. Some very general guidelines based on principles of Ayurveda can help us all to better cope up with this extreme weather.As happens in the nature, the heat pumps out the water content of the body. Hence plenty of fluids are necessary to the body. Those can be taken in the form of plain water, fruit juices (better if made fresh at home). A simple combination of water, salt and sugar provides a good alternative to a ready made energy drink. Again is it important to take just enough fluids and not too much more that your body needs. Too much fluid can hamper the digestive power and subsequently the appetite. It is a good idea to process water with a few grains of cumin and coriander seeds by boiling these together. The processed water works really well to satisfy the thirst and keep the skin cooler. If you are peeing 7-8 times a day (or the no of times you would normally do in spring/fall) and you are not seeing dark yellowing coloration of urine, you are probably drinking enough. Eating fresh vegetable such as cabbage, tomatoes, or fresh fruits such as apple, orange, peach, nectarine, watermelon, cantaloupe also helps to keep the water content of the body maintained.

Ayurveda recommends eating less spicy, less hot food during summer. Food that is easy to digest is advisable. One should eat fresh fruits, and vegetable, mild and milk derivatives such as buttermilk, butter. Food items such as carrots, squash, cucumber, cabbage should be consumed. Alcohol intake should be kept to minimum in this weather.

We all know to keep ourselves off the sun whenever possible during summer time. I am sure most of us know about use of sunscreen to protect the skin. If you still need to go out during the day and if you are prone to sun-burns, here is an easy solution. Take a cotton pad and soak it in milk. Apply that pad over your eyes or sun-burned skin. You can also use this as a protective measure before you go out for water activities. This helps keep it cool and moist, reduces the burning sensation and later helps rejuvenation of the harmed skin cells.  


For more information and services, visit Ojal Ayurveda

Introduction to Ayurveda I

Ayurveda - The Science of Life

Ayurved is the Sanskrit term for the ancient Indian medical system, which is practiced all over the world as a complementary or alternative health care. The word Ayurveda itself consists of two parts 'Ayu' and 'Veda'. Veda comes from 'vid' which means to understand or to know. Thus Ayurved is something that can be used to know or to understand 'Ayu'. The second word 'Ayu' literally means life. According to ancient Indian philosophical sciences 'Ayu' means synergy of four factors body, mind, soul and senses. It is easy to infer that 'Ayu' is a pleasant state of the body and the mind. To achieve and maintain this state of well being is the primary purpose of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is a time-tested medical system which originated about 5000 years ago. It has its own theory of health, illnesses, the causes of illness and remedies to those illnesses. It basically emphasizes on living in harmony with the nature.

How can Ayurveda help you?

Today our day-to-day life is a lot more stressful than it was in the ancient times. Our lifestyle has diverted away from nature because of industrialization and technological advances along with our need to cope up with these factors. A large number of physical and psychological disorders have been emerging, many of which are currently incurable. Ayurveda has a lot to offer in these situations.

First of all, Ayurveda considers each individual unique, with a specific constitution of body, mind and soul. Based on the constitution, Ayurveda provides specific guidelines about activities such as diet, sleeping, daily routine, seasonal regime and exercise. This helps to keep a good balance of body constituents (The Doshas namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha), which ultimately helps prevention of sickness. For ongoing health problems Ayurveda offers extremely personalized and thorough health management which includes plant-based herbal medications that are free of chemicals, nutritional supplements, detoxification therapies (panchakarma), exercise regimen and a healthy daily and seasonal routine. Often these health plans can be successfully combined with yoga and pranayama techniques.

The factors such as age (whether an infant or an elderly person), special conditions such as pregnancy and postpartum period are no bar to Ayurvedic health management. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a branch of National Institute of Health (NIH) also recognizes Ayurveda as one of the oldest medical systems. NCCAM has published article on principles and significance of Ayurveda