Q: With the intense heat of summer shifting toward the cooler, vata-dominant season, many of us may feel imbalanced—either with excess heat (pitta) or dryness and restlessness (vata). How can Ayurveda guide our yoga practice in August to bring balance to our doshas? Could you suggest specific asanas or Ayurvedic practices to reduce pitta or vata imbalances that are common during this time?
– T. Mitchell, Windsor
A – In August, Ayurveda suggests practices that soothe pitta and balance vata. Cooling asanas such as Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana) and Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani) can reduce heat and restlessness. For vata, grounding poses like Mountain Pose (Tadasana) and Child’s Pose are supportive.
In diet, opt for cooling foods like cucumbers and coconut water for pitta, and grounding, warming foods such as root vegetables for vata. Herbal teas like peppermint and chamomile are also helpful in maintaining doshic balance during this time.
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