Embracing Pitta Season: Ayurvedic Self-Care for Summer Balance

As the days grow longer and the sun climbs higher in the sky, we enter what Ayurveda calls Pitta season—the summer months marked by heat, intensity, and transformation. Rooted in the ancient Indian system of natural healing, Ayurveda teaches that our bodies are influenced by the rhythms of nature. Recognizing and adapting to these seasonal shifts helps us stay balanced and vital year-round.

What is Pitta Season?

In Ayurveda, there are three primary doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—which govern our physical and mental constitution. Pitta dosha is composed of the fire and water elements and is responsible for metabolism, digestion, and transformation in the body and mind. It governs qualities such as heat, sharpness, oiliness, and intensity.

Pitta season typically spans late spring through summer (roughly June - September, depending on your climate). During this time, the environment reflects Pitta’s hot and fiery qualities, making it easy for this dosha to become aggravated—even in people who don’t identify as Pitta-dominant.

Signs of Pitta Imbalance

When Pitta is in excess, it can show up in the body and mind as:

  • Irritability or anger

  • Skin inflammation, rashes, or acne

  • Acid reflux or indigestion

  • Excessive sweating

  • Red, bloodshot eyes

  • Impatience and a tendency to overwork

Staying cool—both physically and emotionally—is key to navigating Pitta season with grace.

Pitta-Soothing Self-Care Tips

Here are some practical ways to stay cool, calm, and collected during the summer months:

1. Favor Cooling Foods

Pitta thrives on light, cooling, and hydrating foods. Focus on:

  • Sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes (think cucumbers, melons, leafy greens, coconut water)

  • Fresh fruits like watermelon, pears, and berries

  • Grains like basmati rice, oats, and quinoa

  • Cooling herbs and spices: mint, coriander, fennel, cilantro

Avoid:

  • Spicy, sour, salty, and fried foods

  • Excessive caffeine or alcohol

  • Fermented foods like yogurt, vinegar, and pickles

2. Stay Hydrated

Sip cool (not ice-cold) water throughout the day. Herbal infusions like rose, hibiscus, or mint tea can be refreshing and Pitta-pacifying.

3. Avoid Overexposure to Heat

Try to stay out of direct sun during peak hours (10am–2pm). If you're active or exercising, do it in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler.

4. Dress in Light, Natural Fabrics

Wear breathable clothing in colors that reflect heat—white, light blue, greens, or pastels. These are also calming to the Pitta mind.

5. Practice Cooling Yoga and Breathwork

Gentle yoga, especially poses that open the side body and release heat (like triangle pose or twists), are great during summer. Avoid overly vigorous routines.

Try Sheetali Pranayama, a cooling breath technique:

  • Curl your tongue (or breathe through pursed lips if you can't curl your tongue)

  • Inhale slowly through the curled tongue

  • Close the mouth and exhale through the nose
    Repeat for a few minutes to feel calm and cool.

6. Create a Soothing Nighttime Routine

Pitta types can be prone to burning the candle at both ends. Wind down with calming rituals:

  • Take a lukewarm bath with rose or sandalwood essential oils

  • Apply coconut oil to the soles of your feet or scalp

  • Go to bed before 10pm to avoid the second wind Pitta surge

7. Cultivate Emotional Coolness

Pitta energy brings drive and ambition—but it can also trigger frustration or criticism. Balance this with practices that promote ease:

  • Meditation, journaling, or time in nature

  • Creative expression without pressure

  • Laughter and meaningful connection

Pitta season invites us to slow down, soften, and embrace the sweetness of life. By aligning our daily habits with the rhythm of the summer months, we nourish both body and mind—preventing burnout and staying grounded in the midst of heat and intensity.

Let your summer be filled with peace, refreshment, and renewal.

Carrie Klaus