Beat the Heat Like a Yogi
Anyone else thinking about the next heatwave? Even if you have been blessed with an internal thermostat that keeps you naturally cool, it is impossible not to notice that our summers are becoming increasingly unpredictable and extreme.
Summer is ruled by the element of fire, which can fuel our creativity and can help us burn through any residual stagnation from the spring. When in balance, fire is all about transformation. Our digestive fire (Agni) turns food into energy. The quality of fire can inspire us to take healthy risks, such as trying new hobbies. Many of us take summer vacations as a way to to connect with friends and family or explore unknown territory.
Especially after a long year of hunkering down, this summer especially can feel like a celebration. But even when we’re having fun, our bodies will let us know if the fire gets out of control. Too much fire in our bodies can lead to irritability, agitation and outright anger. When the temperatures rise and we are unable to cool down, we might suffer from skin rashes, migraines and heat-related conditions, such as heat stroke.
When we look to Ayurveda (the ancient sister science of Yoga) for guidance on how to maintain balance when there is too much fire, we learn about the importance of integrating naturally cooling practices into our daily life. While this might seem intuitive, it can be challenging to shift our habits.
Have you been running a little warm lately? You might want to consider modulating your temperature with some of the following practices:
Shift your yoga movement (and any exercise) to earlier in the morning. Especially for anyone who loves powerful and vigorous movement, your body will appreciate if you add in some yin yoga or restorative practices. Both of these styles of yoga emphasize stillness by holding poses for a longer time and being closer to the ground.
Practice breathing techniques that are calming and cooling, such as deep belly breathing or sitali breath. If you find that you are overheated, taking one of these breathing patterns can have an immediate impact. To practice sitali, find a comfortable seat and roll your tongue creating a straw or tube like shape. Stick the rolled tongue out between the lips and breathe in slowly through the tube. (If you are unable to roll the tongue, purse your lips into a small O shape.) As you breathe in, slowly expand your chest and abdomen. Before exhaling, release the tongue shape, draw it in as you close the mouth and breathe out through the nose. Repeat at least 5 rounds (and up to 26 rounds if it feels comfortableI.
Give yourself lots of exposure to water. Take a swim or cool shower. Fill a spray bottle with water or rosewater and mist yourself throughout the day. Carry a water bottle wherever you go. On especially hot days, make sure to drink more than you usually do.
Walk barefoot on the cool earth. Especially in the early morning, you can tiptoe through the dewy grass, soil or sand. Meditate outside and observe any wildlife.
Explore the practice of Yoga Nidra or take an afternoon nap. On especially hot days, you might have to take a cold shower first or place a cool and wet washcloth around your neck.
Eat plenty of foods with naturally cooling qualities, like watermelon, cucumbers and coconut. Stay tuned for more on this in the next blog post.
If you want more guidance, join me on Wednesdays at 11am ET for holistic yoga practices designed to keep you calm, cool and collected.
Happy Summer!
xo Kika