From an Ayurvedic perspective, the qualities of Summer (as we recognise it in the west anyway) are hot, intense, sharp, humid, transforming, bright, dynamic, and fiery. These qualities are also some characteristics of the ayurvedic Pitta dosha.
Pitta energy is hot, intense, sharp and fiery, and emotionally, a person holding pitta qualities can also present as irritable, dominant, able to get tasks completed efficiently, work as a good leader, but can also succumb to their short temper easily. Predominantly pitta people usually have light blonde or red hair, pale skin that burns easily in the sun, strong hunger pangs and strong digestion, and a love for spicy foods, intense experiences and challenging physical exercises. We all have some pita energy within us, and different seasons, weather fronts, times of day, foods, social interactions, and environmental changes can either increase or decrease the amount of pitta energy present at any one time.
If you’ve been feeling ‘hot and bothered’ recently, more irritable than usual, or perhaps particularly focussed and able to complete tasks quickly, you may have a higher than usual level of pitta energy within you right now. (Whilst our unique mind / body 
signature or prakriti – meaning ‘nature’ – stays the same throughout life, our everyday self can of course feel different from moment to moment – this is known as your vikruti – your current state).
Want to know hot to cool off when you’re feeling hot-headed? Want to calm irritability and inflammation? Want to know how to work with the elements of nature throughout the Summer to stay balanced and well? Below you’ll find a few specific articles I’ve written for other websites and online magazines on how to use ancient ayurvedic wisdom (along with a few holistic herbal recipes) on a modern Summer’s day.
Ayurveda Inspired Summer Self Care
10 Ways To Cool The Pitta Dosha
Mitochondria-Enhancing Summer Meal
Supplemental Summer: Getting More From Good Weather
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MY APPROACH TO AYURVEDA AND HOLISTIC HEALTH? CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO A PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH MYSELF AND ELLEN CARR FROM Being Change.
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