7 Ayurvedic Tips for Summer

7 Ayurvedic Tips for Summer

After a long, long winter and a cool spring, I think we are all ready for summer to bring on the heat! However, as the weather gets warmer, you may notice some subtle changes already taking place within you. You are not alone if you start to experience sudden breakouts or flared tempers.These are signs that you are feeling the effects of excess heat and we have a few Noble tips to help you stay cool, calm and balanced this summer.

The Ayurvedic tradition recognizes that each individual is a unique composition of elements that come together in three biological forces known as doshas. Each person's specific proportion of these forces are expressed throughout all levels of our being from emotions to skin. The three doshas are Vata (space & air), Pitta (water & fire) and Kapha (fire & earth). For those who are more of a Pitta type, the summer can be a time of imbalance. Pitta imbalance is often revealed in irritated skin in the form of heat rash or breakouts and emotionally as anger or frustration.

 Ayurveda teaches that like increases like. Pitta is characterized by heat, therefore anything that is hot will increase the proportion of this dosha. If you are experiencing any signs of Pitta excess try working a few of these practices into your daily routine:

1) Take a cool shower or bath in the morning. While most of us in the west cannot live without our steamy hot showers, those with Pitta imbalance will want to avoid this during the summer months. The cool temperature of the water will also help alleviate heat rash.

2) Avoid eating too many spicy, hot, salty and other heat inducing foods. Some include radish, raw onion, hot peppers and olives. Sour foods can also aggravate Pitta. This includes yogurt, tomatoes and vinegar. If you are experiencing extreme symptoms avoid these types of foods completely until balance is restored.

3) Eat more cold, cooling foods like broccoli, cilantro, cucumber and celery. A kale salad is also a great option.Try an icy cold, cucumber and grapefruit agua fresca. Peel and chop a cup of cucumber and juice half of a grapefruit. Blend with plenty of ice and your favorite natural sweetener (we like honey).

4) Use a facial mist or spray with cooling properties like rose and sandalwood. We love our Rose Revival Facial Mist, which is a pure hydrosol blend of rose and sandalwood. Rose extracts reduce inflammation and balances the skin and spirit. Sandalwood is cooling and grounding. Keep one in your bag to use throughout the day. Perfect product to take to the beach and pool. 

5) Yoga postures or asanas like shoulder stands and shavasana bring relief, as does walking and swimming.

6) Use oil instead of lotion on summer skin. Lotion contains high amounts of alcohol, which will further dry and aggravate your skin (and energy). Try using a pure oil that is blended with essential oils that have cooling properties. We recommend our Balancing After Shower Body Oil during the summer.

7) Know your limits. As tempting as it is to want to soak up the sun and beautiful weather as much as possible, pay attention to when your body needs a break. Feeling of irritated or exhausted is a sign that you need to head indoors and cool off. Drink or eat something cold, get your mist on and go into shavasana for a few minutes.

We would love to hear from you! Tell us if these tips have worked for you in the comments below.

If you have any questions or just want to chat wellness, send me an email at meditation@nobletherapies.com.

Winter Wellness Guide

   Winter can be mysterious, wonder-filled and difficult. Barren landscapes hide brilliant transformations taking place in nature. We are brought indoors and closer together. While the holidays provide a colorful, celebratory background, it is also a time of stress. The cold temperatures, dryness and lack of light make us prone to imbalances. Cold and flu season abounds and you might not feel motivated to get up and make the best of your day or even get up at all.

Noble Therapies is based in Chicago so we know the old man winter pretty well. He is like that person you know who is so blunt and harsh, you are not sure whether to be angry or laugh. However, once you get past the abruptness you discover sincerity, warmth and deep introspection. Learning how to adjust your body and routine to winter can dramatically change your experience.

Keeping your immunity and spirit up during this time is extremely important for turning winters negatives into positives. With a few Noble tips you can embrace the unique beauty and dynamics of the season instead of staying under the covers waiting for spring.

Staying warm

This seems like common sense right? Maybe you are like me and have barely gotten through many winters in thin (yet fashionable) jackets, no proper hat and rarely using gloves. This year we upgraded our jackets and stocked up on fluffy accessories. If you are the fence about splurging on new winter strength gear- do it. You will be sick less and be able to spend more time outside.

Change your diet

Winter is characterized by a cold and dry climate. According to the science of Ayurveda, eating foods of the same nature (i.e. cold salads and processed foods) will cause an imbalance. This is the time to go for warming soups and stews, steamed or roasted vegetables and a variety of spices (ginger, turmeric, cinnamon). Bulky and warm food will leave you feeling nourished and energized. Our digestive systems can also tolerate more butter and healthy oils at this time (winter bonus). You can also add more dark leafy greens and citrus fruits for immune support.

 

           Massage

Daily self-massage will not only increase your circulation, balance your nervous system and detox your lymphatic system it also does wonders for your dry winter skin. Grab your favorite body oil (we recommend our line of Amrit After Shower Body Oils) and check out our blog post for instructions for a 5-minute after shower body massage.

Move your body

Exercise will increase your circulation and boost your immunity and your mood. It is not easy to get motivated when its 17 degrees outside. If you are not into structured fitness, find fun ways to get moving indoors. Put on your favorite music and dance around the house for 20 minutes, bounce on a mini-trampoline or check out a yoga video online (we love Ashely Turner, Shiva Rea and Elena Brower). If it is not too cold, bundle up in that new winter coat and take a brief walk outside. A little movement will go a long way.

Meditation

There are less distractions and temptations pulling us outside so use this time to reflect and go within. Spend a few minutes (or more) each day sitting in silence and meditating. There are a ton of science-backed benefits to meditating ranging from relief from stress and anxiety, increasing focus and boosting immunity. For more information and a free guided meditation click here.

 

How do you get through the cold, dark days of winter? If you have anything to add to our list leave a comment below or email me directly at meditation@nobletherapies.com.

5 Minute After Shower Body Massage

Abhyanga (massage) has been a part of the Ayurvedic tradition for centuries. Abhyanga is not just seen as a treatment for relaxation, but as an integral part of healing therapies. It can heal and stimulate the skin, muscles, circulatory and nervous systems. Practicing abhyanga is a natural way to relieve pain and inflammation. It can also regulate the digestive system, help remove toxins from the body, increase vitality and concentration- and this is just the short list! With all of these incredible mind and body benefits, we can all use more massage in our lives. The best part is that you do not have to wait for your next spa appointment to get started. An after shower body massage is an easy way to incorporate this healing tradition into your daily routine. 

Directions:

 
Pat dry to leave skin still partially damp and sit comfortably on your towel. Taking a small amounts of oil into your palm, slowly massage your feet working your way up your legs towards the center of your body. Once you get to your abdomen, make clockwise circles around your belly-button with light pressure. Then start with your hands and move towards your shoulders. All strokes should be towards the center of your body. If you have coarse or dry hair, you can finish by using what oil is left on your hands and rubbing it into the ends of your hair.

Transition into Fall with Extra Self-Care

Summer is at its hottest just before it begins to transition into fall. As we begin to wind down the season, it is important to take time to recharge and refocus. Ayurveda teaches that our systems are more vulnerable during the change of seasons. Our Noble advice: soak in the last moments of the summer sun, eat a little healthier, get more rest, meditate more and take care of you!