The Ayurvedic autumn cleanse (panchakarma) clears the excess heat built up in the body over the summer. The cleansing allows a smooth transition between summer and fall, preventing sinus infections, colds, allergies, and flu. If excess heat is not cleared, as the cooler and drier air of autumn affects the body, internal inflammation becomes aggravated. The effect is like the wind blowing on a forest fire inside the body. We can visually see this process of heat building up in nature, as the heat of summer burns out the moisture in the trees, causing the breakdown of chlorophyll and turning the leaves to fiery colors.
This past summer was the hottest on record for the United States, so I am seeing more Pitta-type people than ever who have symptoms of excess heat in the body. More than any year so far in my practice, I am seeing Pitta-types manifesting extreme imbalance. When they cleanse and clear all this excess heat, these Pitta-types are becoming very nauseous as the body eliminates toxins. A good way to make the fall cleanse less harsh is to observe Pitta-balancing practices over the summer months, and during the autumn transition when the weather is still quite hot. These practices include:
-Avoid spending time in direct sun between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM. Medical experts recommend avoiding sun exposure during the hours between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the sun's rays are strongest. According to Ayurveda, this window if time is the Pitta time of day. Between 10 AM and 2 PM, the environment is hottest, we have the greatest likelihood of losing our temper, and our digestion is strongest. If you outdoors during the hottest part of the day, you should have a source of shade such as an umbrella, or at least wear sunblock to protect your skin and be in the water often to cool off.
-Wear sunblock, at least SPF 70, when spending extended time outdoors. Pitta types have very sensitive skin that is prone to sun damage.
-Cooling foods: Cool the body from the inside out by eating foods that are sweet, bitter, and astringent. Such foods include leafy greens, asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, celery, cabbage, summer squash, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and pears.
-Cooling drinks: Pitta types sweat more than any other type, and are most likely to suffer from heat stroke. Natural sources of electrolytes such as coconut water and cucumber water help to prevent heat exhaustion. Talk with your health practitioner if you experience chronic signs of salt imbalance from excessive sweating. These signs include: sudden drops in blood pressure accompanied by dizziness, weakness, hot flashes, and extreme cravings for salty foods.
-Avoid heavy physical activity during the Pitta time of day (10 AM - 2 PM), when our bodies do not need any extra heat being generated. It is best to exercise during the Kapha time of day (6 AM - 10 AM) or evening (6 PM - 10 PM).
-Eat the largest meal of the day during the Pitta time of day (10 AM - 2 PM). Digestion is strongest during this time of the day.
-Pitta-balancing lifestyle: Take to water and swim or wade whenever possible, avoid tendency to compulsively research personal health issues, practice being okay with letting someone else assume that you don't know something without correcting them, and build in leisure time to your schedule. Avoid workaholism.
Signs of Pitta imbalance include: trouble falling asleep at night, chemical sensitivity, jealousy, angry outbursts, sarcasm, impatience, irritability, low blood sugar, acne, skin rashes, heartburn, burning sensations, intolerance of heat, diarrhea, nausea. If you would like to address these issues from an Ayurvedic perspective I recommend scheduling a consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner. I can be reached at [email protected].
This past summer was the hottest on record for the United States, so I am seeing more Pitta-type people than ever who have symptoms of excess heat in the body. More than any year so far in my practice, I am seeing Pitta-types manifesting extreme imbalance. When they cleanse and clear all this excess heat, these Pitta-types are becoming very nauseous as the body eliminates toxins. A good way to make the fall cleanse less harsh is to observe Pitta-balancing practices over the summer months, and during the autumn transition when the weather is still quite hot. These practices include:
-Avoid spending time in direct sun between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM. Medical experts recommend avoiding sun exposure during the hours between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the sun's rays are strongest. According to Ayurveda, this window if time is the Pitta time of day. Between 10 AM and 2 PM, the environment is hottest, we have the greatest likelihood of losing our temper, and our digestion is strongest. If you outdoors during the hottest part of the day, you should have a source of shade such as an umbrella, or at least wear sunblock to protect your skin and be in the water often to cool off.
-Wear sunblock, at least SPF 70, when spending extended time outdoors. Pitta types have very sensitive skin that is prone to sun damage.
-Cooling foods: Cool the body from the inside out by eating foods that are sweet, bitter, and astringent. Such foods include leafy greens, asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, celery, cabbage, summer squash, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and pears.
-Cooling drinks: Pitta types sweat more than any other type, and are most likely to suffer from heat stroke. Natural sources of electrolytes such as coconut water and cucumber water help to prevent heat exhaustion. Talk with your health practitioner if you experience chronic signs of salt imbalance from excessive sweating. These signs include: sudden drops in blood pressure accompanied by dizziness, weakness, hot flashes, and extreme cravings for salty foods.
-Avoid heavy physical activity during the Pitta time of day (10 AM - 2 PM), when our bodies do not need any extra heat being generated. It is best to exercise during the Kapha time of day (6 AM - 10 AM) or evening (6 PM - 10 PM).
-Eat the largest meal of the day during the Pitta time of day (10 AM - 2 PM). Digestion is strongest during this time of the day.
-Pitta-balancing lifestyle: Take to water and swim or wade whenever possible, avoid tendency to compulsively research personal health issues, practice being okay with letting someone else assume that you don't know something without correcting them, and build in leisure time to your schedule. Avoid workaholism.
Signs of Pitta imbalance include: trouble falling asleep at night, chemical sensitivity, jealousy, angry outbursts, sarcasm, impatience, irritability, low blood sugar, acne, skin rashes, heartburn, burning sensations, intolerance of heat, diarrhea, nausea. If you would like to address these issues from an Ayurvedic perspective I recommend scheduling a consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner. I can be reached at [email protected].