10 Ayurveda tips to beat heat wave and stay cool | health

For Delhi and surrounding areas, there is no respite from the scorching summer heat for the next few days amid persistent heat wave conditions. As the mercury climbs to 45 degrees and above, our body has to work hard to maintain the right temperature. According to Ayurveda, Greeshma Ritu can take a severe toll on the body with dryness, dehydration, sweating and extreme heat. It also weakens immunity and increases Pitta dosha, which usually helps regulate hormones and emotions. (Also Read | Heatwave Superfood: Drink Torani or Rice Water to Keep Your Body Cool, Hydrated; Know How)

Ayurveda suggests that during this season you have water infused with fennel seeds, coriander seeds or mint leaves and eat pitta-soothing foods like melons and cucumbers. Practicing Sheetali Pranayama can also help cool the body, while massaging with coconut oil and sandalwood paste can soothe the skin.

Ayurveda tips to cope with the summer heat

Dr. Sachin (BAMS), Medical Advisor at Rasayanam shares 10 Ayurvedic tips to stay cool during heat wave:

1. Stay hydrated with Ayurvedic drinks: Drink plenty of water infused with herbs such as fennel seeds, coriander seeds or mint leaves. You can also drink buttermilk (lassi), aam panna, bael (stone apple) juice or coconut water to stay cool and hydrated.

2. Include pitta-soothing foods: Eat foods that soothe Pitta dosha, such as sweet, bitter and astringent tastes. Examples include cucumbers, melons, leafy greens, asparagus and zucchini.

3. Use cooling spices: Include cooling spices like fennel, coriander and mint in your meals. These spices help reduce body heat and can be added to food or consumed as tea.

4. Application of aloe vera: Apply fresh aloe vera gel on your skin. Aloe vera has natural cooling properties that soothe and refresh the body when applied topically.

5. Practice Pranayama: Engage in the Sheetali (cooling) breathing technique. Roll your tongue into a tube, inhale through your mouth, hold your breath for a few seconds, and then exhale through your nose. This helps in cooling the body. Anulom Vilom, also known as alternate nasal breathing, gently calms the mind by balancing the body’s energies, promoting a sense of inner freshness and calm.

Similarly, Chandrabhedi Pranayama, or left nostril breathing, helps dissipate excess heat from the body, inducing a soothing sensation that permeates the body and soul. Incorporating these age-old techniques into your daily routine not only provides physical respite from the summer sun, but also promotes mental clarity and emotional balance, ensuring a harmonious and refreshing experience even on the hottest days.

6. Massage with coconut oil: Perform an Abhyanga (self-massage) with coconut oil. Coconut oil has cooling properties and massaging it into the skin can help reduce body heat.

7. Use sandalwood paste: Apply a paste made of sandalwood powder and rose water on the forehead and chest. Sandalwood has cooling and soothing effects on the body.

8. Consume amla (Indian plantain): Amla is known for its cooling properties and is rich in vitamin C. You can consume it fresh, as a juice, or in powder form mixed with water.

9. Wear cooling crystals: Wearing cooling gemstones like moonstone or pearl can help balance Pitta and keep the body cool. It is believed that these stones have a cooling effect on the body.

10. Avoid peak hours of the sun: According to Ayurveda, avoiding the sun during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm) can help prevent overheating. Stay indoors or in shaded areas during these times.