As we move into August, the hottest and most humid days of summer lie ahead. With several of our classes taking place outdoors, this presents a perfect time to talk about pitta dosha and how to balance it. Pitta is our sanskrit word of the month and its literal meaning is “that which cooks.” Dosha means that which goes out of balance. The concept of pitta comes from Ayurveda, the sister science to yoga that looks at health from a holistic perspective, and uses food and lifestyle practices as a means to well-being. With pitta being a combination of the fire and water elements, we can see how this time of year is governed by pitta dosha with the higher temperatures (fire) and excess humidity (water). The ancient yogis understood that the outer world is a reflection of what is happening on the inside. If there is an abundance of fire around us, it’s likely that the fire within has also increased. During pitta season we need to balance our inner fire so we don’t burn out. Here are three simple things that you can do to manage your inner fire and stay cool during August.
1. Eat Cooling Foods
Summer is a time to eat lots of juicy fruits that have the water content you need to keep your digestive fire in check. Bitter, leafy green vegetables are also great for pacifying pitta. If you eat foods that are in season, you’ll easily find those that are naturally cooling for your inner fire. Cooling foods include cucumbers, watermelon, mint, cilantro, arugula, chard, and coconut oil.
2. Sitali and Sitkari Breath
Sitali breath is a breathing technique that allows you to cool the breath as it enters the body. The effect of this practice not only cools down your physical body, but it also soothes the nervous system and calms the mind. There are a few different ways to practice Sitali breath.
The first way to do this breathing technique is by curling the tongue like a straw and breathing in. When the air passes along the tongue, it’s cooled as it enters your body. Exhale through the nose at a length that is equal to or longer than the inhalation.
Because curling the tongue like a straw is not a genetic trait that we all have, the same effect can be achieved with Sitkari breath. The tip of the tongue will curl towards the back of the throat, making a horizontal roll instead of a vertical one. As with Sitali breath, inhale allowing air to pass along the tongue and exhale slowly through the nostrils.
The last way to practice this cooling breath is to simply breath in through the nose and take a long, slow exhale through pursed lips like you’re blowing a big bubble. Do this throughout your practice or anytime during your day to keep your pitta under control.
3. Slow Down Your Practice
A fast and hot yoga practice will certainly heat you up from the inside out. This means increased pitta in your body. To keep the pitta from going out of balance, slower practices are ideal in hotter weather. Classes like yin yoga, restorative, gentle or slow flow can help you stay cool and calm in the height of pitta season.
Making these small changes in your practice and lifestyle will guide you toward greater balance and help you avoid overheating. As always, listen to your body and allow the rhythms of nature to inform your yoga practice.
With Care,
Mercedes