Ayurveda, Getting in Shape this Summer. . .

Ayurveda, the 6000-year-old ancient Mind-Body healing system of India is literally translated as "The Science of Life and Longevity." Ayurveda offers not only cures for diseases that have already manifested but also actually prevents such occurrences by balancing the body and getting it in sync with what nature requires of it. The basic premise of Ayurveda is uniqueness. Each individual is unique, each food item that we put into our mouth is unique in the way it affects us, and so is the season we are in, Summer; unique, in how it affects us and what it requires of us to get into shape.

A visit with an Ayurvedic consultant will reveal your unique prakruti (mind-body constitution) which will reveal you as being Fire dominant (pitta), Air and Space dominant (Vata) or Earth and Water dominant (Kapha). Man is a microcosm of the macrocosm. Hence, the Five great elements representing the universe combine to create the three great governing principles (doshas) which have to be kept in proper balance so as to enjoy good physical and mental heal.

According to Ayurveda, Summer, is a Pitta season, and, is a time of heightened metabolic activity. Pitta conditions like sun burn, hot flashes, exhaustion, acne, and diarrhea may occur. Ayurveda recommends not only following dosha specific diets and regimens but also in general staying cool, eating light, naturally sweet, liquid, and well cooked meals. Wearing more cotton or silk in light shades; embalming with sandal wood, jasmine, khus and rose fragrances and oils, wearing jade, pearl, sandalwood jewelry and walks in cooling moonlight are highly recommended. Sandal wood oil is especially recommended as It cools and calms the entire body and mind . A few drops applied to the third eye "Ajna" relieve heat and thirst, and is good for fever or over exposure to the Sun. Yoga exercises like Moon Salutation, Fish, Camel, etc, are helpful. Ayurveda cautions against diets that are excessively sour, salty, pungent, or hot.

Ayurvedic formulas like Triphala Guggulu will help shed that excess weight and Brahmi will help keep your cool as you go about the process of being "cool" this Summer. Another good general herb for the Summer would be Amalaki or "Dhatri", the nurse, as it is like a nurse. Amalaki is tridoshic and therefore balances all three doshas. In Summer it is especially relevant as it is a "rasayana", tonic, for pitta, and, one of the strongest re juvenative in Ayurveda. Amalaki improves appetite and digestion, cleanses intestines, regulates blood sugar, improves hair and skin texture and is a natural stress buster.

For a fresh, spotless skin this summer, mash 6 boiled plums, add a teaspoon of Almond oil and apply as pack. Strawberries work great too. And those oily, sweaty limp hair, bring to life with this quick hair conditioner. Mix together 1egg, 2 tablespoons castor oil, 1 tsp vinegar and 1 tsp glycerin. Beat well and massage into hair. Presto shiny, soft, manageable hair.

In Ayurveda, getting in shape for Summer not only involves looking great and feeling great, but also, involves re- establishing inner harmony and continually adjusting with the external natural cycles. According to Ayurveda begins at the junction that occurs before the seasons because it is at this time that the doshas are quick to fall out of balance. Most of the body's inner cleansing and healing takes place during the seasonal junctions. Ayurveda recommends the five fold detoxification process (Panchkarma) at this time to revitalize and replenish the body and the mind.

Have a great Summer.

Blessings and Good Health to all our readers.