Positivity is all around. The Sun is out (or trying to be) and as we return to the people, activities and lives we love, our hearts fill with the joy of a new day and all that summer has to bring. 

Summer is the Ayurvedic Season of Pitta. Today we look at being able to balance this fiery energy so we don’t burn out. Our botanical expert Fawz gives us an update on what we can find in nature to calm and connect us to this season.  

There is also lots happening at the Studios. We have five amazing workshops to offer you (with more to come!). A new Beginner’s Course in Catford with Minica. This might be just what you need to help you back to your mat after a break from practice. 
It is also nearly time to wish Lydia well as she heads off on Maternity for a few months.
We have lined up some amazing teachers to step into her classes. 

Finally, our annual membership offer also ends on Sunday with only a few left so it’s your last chance to sign up for the cheaper price of £702. See below for info.

AYURVEDA 
PITTA SUMMER WELLBEING GUIDE 

The winds of change are regularly upon us, the seasons consistently roll from one into another.

Ayurvedic medicine recognises that this has a profound effect on our health and recommends many helpful suggestions for how we can adapt our lifestyle to stay balanced in each season. Each individual is unique with an equally unique dosha balance, so remember to read the other doshas and see which resonate.

The pitta dosha embodies the principles of passion and metabolism and is brimming with vitality. It handles all potential energy within the body, controlling digestion, metabolism and the overall production of cellular energy. The pitta dosha is made up of fire and water elements, a bit like a raging volcano. Its primary activity within the body and mind is that of transformation, the force for all metabolic activity.

What are the signs of an increase in pitta?

Pitta is the dosha most affected by the Summer season because this is the season with the highest levels of heat and therefore fire. It can be very easy for pitta to run out of control on a hot sunny day.

When a pitta becomes out of balance they suffer from characteristically ‘hot’ conditions such as heartburn, high blood pressure, fevers and skin rashes. You may also notice a change in their temperament, becoming more irritated, angry and frustrated in the ‘heat of the moment’. The key is to keep them cool and calm.

How can you help balance pitta in Summer?

Balancing pitta is all about keeping cool, calm and collected. It’s important to help the body clear excess levels of heat through efficient detoxification practices. Keeping a strong pitta cool in the summer can be a challenge, so it’s equally important to introduce calming and balancing practices such as mindfulness or yoga to stop the flames spreading out of control.

Diet for pitta in Summer

Foods with a sweet, bitter and drying taste are generally considered to be more cooling in their nature. Pitta constitutions are also the only dosha that can efficiently digest raw or cold foods, so foodstuffs such as salad are perfect for the fiery pitta during the warm summer months.

Avoid foods that generate heat such as spicy, salty and sour foods. Keeping yourself topped up with cooling liquids such as aloe vera juice, rose waters and cool herbal teas including herbs such as peppermint are perfect.

Daily Summer rituals for pitta

• Begin and end the day with a cooling massage of the feet with an oil such as sesame or virgin coconut oil. This will help draw the heat down and out of the body.

• Why not try making a herbal tea and then allowing it to cool and drinking it as a long, cooling and refreshing drink during the day.

• Keep your food cool, light and fresh and try to stay spice free.

Summer herbal heroes for pitta

Perfect pitta herbs are those that are typically cool in nature and also help to detoxify the liver. Many of the natural algae’s and grasses such as chlorella, spirulina and wheatgrass are excellent detoxifiers that will help cleanse the body of excess heat.

SUMMER FORAGING 

We’re officially in summer but the weather has been so changeable that you may have noticed the plant life around you has gone a bit jungle. Gardens, parks and country paths and hedgerows have exploded with foliage and flowers thanks to the heavy rains alternating with sun drenched days. But the good news is there is more to pick from your garden or forage outdoors.

So here’s some inspiration to help you connect with nature and the season:

Lime blossom – honey scented flowers that you can use for a calming tea or add to a bath. In many European it’s a traditional bedtime drink for children. 

Elderflowers – there are still some elderflowers to be had and made into cordial, fritters or even cakes. The best taste of summer. 

Honeysuckle – this is trailing wild at the moment and the scent as you walk past is heavenly. Pick the flower and suck on the sweet nectar or turn into a cordial. Or make flower water face toner.

Nettles and plantains – both are good for allergies and you can make them into balms for skin rash or insect bites. As a tea combined with elderflowers, it’s great if you get hayfever.

Lavender – more of a homegrown forage, my lavender path is bursting with flowers and buzzing with bees. Another one to calm and relax – as tea or a bath. I also make biscuits and lavender infused sugar. 

Happy foraging!  Fawz xx

Disclaimer: always use a guidebook to identify plants correctly, follow foraging etiquette & if you have medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding check with your doctor first.