The Tea on Health - August

And just like that, it was August. I hope all of you are having a relaxing, enjoyable summer. Summer is pitta season were digestion strength is low, so sweet, juicy fruits and vegetables are a wonderful way to nourish our bodies. It’s a time to relax in cool water, take a short nap mid-day and practice restorative yoga to keep us grounded.

For those of you who struggle through the summer season due to pitta aggravation, which can appear like skin redness, inflammation, constant sweating, burning eyes, acid reflux, diarrhea, and anger; there are Ayurvedic suggestions to beat the heat.

Herbs: There are several herbs that can be used as a tea to keep the body cool during the warmest days. These herbs can ward off hot flashes or reduce inflammation for an irritated digestive tract.

Diet: A pitta reducing diet will eliminate or reduce sharp, pungent tastes that can increase heat. So reduce the alcohol or switch to ciders and beers, eliminate the jalapeños or dial it back to salsa. Try and avoid excessive coffee or spice that would irritate the already warm situation.

Treatments: Medicated body treatments, like Shirodhara that promote relaxation and calmness with warm oil dripping or abhyanga, which reduces tension and toxins by long body strokes, can have an incredible impact on reducing anger and tension in the mind and body.

Yoga: Yoga is a sister science of Ayurveda and one of the best things for our body to maintain circulation, flexibility, and balance. It’s also a great way to relax and reduce emotional turmoil.

There is a wonderful summer read called Inner Engineering A Yogi’s Guide to Joy by Sadhguru. There is a story inside of the Greek Philosopher Aristotle having a discussion on the beach with Heraclitus, another great philosopher. Immediately Aristotle realizes leading a life with only logic is ridiculous.

We have been trained to work hard, do our homework, save our money, and sacrifice for many things in life. This is good information, but we must also realize the planet is spinning, the galaxies are fine, the cosmos is great, but we can have a ruined day by one nasty thought in our heads. Do not live only in a psychological space that doesn’t connect you with reality. Take care of your body, nourish your health, and spend time with your family and friends. We are a mere speck of dust on this planet, but can find so much depth in feeling alive and present and nourished with wonderful foods, treatments, friendships, and love.

As an Ayurvedic practitioner I offer treatments in Brownsville at 620 Oak Street or in Albany at 430 SW Washington Street. Treatments are affordable and deliver quick results for most clients. Herbs can be purchased for as little as $10 and are sourced from certified organic sustainable farms. Treatments range from $45 to $85 for 1-2 hour treatments and most clients will only need 1-3 treatments to feel a marked difference in their life. I also teach restorative kundalini yoga in both locations by appointment starting at $15 for an hour session.

For the month of August I’m offering a $45 abhyanga, which is similar to a massage, but significant for reducing anxiety and tension, and a gentle encouragement for the lymphatic system to detox. This is a 60 minute treatment (normally $60). Please call or text 310-614-3669 to schedule.

Have a safe, healthy, and happy rest of summer!