In the grand tapestry of Ayurveda, the sister science of Yoga is a radiant thread, weaving through the fabric of holistic health and wellness. Both sciences harmonize to nurture the body, mind, and spirit, syncing with the rhythms of nature. As we delve into the scorching embrace of summer, Ayurveda whispers the wisdom of balance, especially for the fiery Pitta dosha. Let us embark on a journey through cooling asanas, a sanctuary amidst the sweltering heat, inviting harmony and tranquility into our being.
WHAT IS PITTA DOSHA?
In the intricate web of Ayurveda, doshas are the elemental forces that govern our physical and mental constitution. Pitta dosha, infused with the essence of fire, embodies qualities of heat, intensity, and sharpness. As the sun ascends higher in the summer sky, Pitta reigns supreme, mirroring the external world’s fiery dance. Pitta season heralds vitality and action, yet its fervent flames can easily tip the delicate balance within.
WHAT IS IMBALANCED PITTA DOSHA?
When Pitta surges unchecked, its luminous brilliance dims into a blaze of imbalance. Symptoms manifest both in body and mind, igniting a conflagration of intensity, irritability, and inflammation. From fiery tempers to smoldering skin, the signs of excess Pitta herald a call to restore equilibrium, temper the flames, and reclaim serenity.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF YOGA IN PITTA-PACIFYING?
Yoga, as the embodiment of mindfulness in motion, emerges as a potent elixir in the quest for Pitta equilibrium. Embracing the wisdom of Ayurveda, our practice becomes a sacred ritual, a dance of elemental energies. Through deliberate intention and gentle movements, we invite coolness and calmness into our being, soothing the fiery whispers of Pitta imbalance. [Lodhi et al., 2021]
TRY THESE PITTA PACIFYING PRODUCTS:
HOW DO YOU PRACTICE COOLING ASANAS?
Each asana, a celestial constellation in the vast cosmos of yoga, holds the potential to pacify Pitta’s fervor. With mindful breath and graceful transitions, we journey through a sanctuary of cooling postures, offering solace to the agitated flames within. [Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2020]
Depending on the type of exercise, 70 to 100 percent of the metabolism is released as heat and needs to be dissipated to maintain body heat balance.
[National Academies Press (US); 1993]
7 PITTA-PACIFYING YOGA ASANAS
1
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
- STEPS: From a kneeling position, lower your hips towards your heels, extending your arms forward and resting your forehead on the mat. Allow your breath to deepen, finding a sense of grounding and surrender.
- DURATION: Remain in this pose for 5 breaths, allowing tension to melt away with each exhalation.
BENEFITS: Balasana provides a gentle stretch to the spine and hips while calming the mind. It offers a moment of rest and rejuvenation, ideal for soothing Pitta’s fiery energy.
2
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
- STEPS: Lie on your back, bending your knees and placing your feet hip-width apart. Inhale as you lift your hips towards the sky, pressing into your feet and engaging your glutes.
- DURATION: Hold the pose for 5 breaths or more, feeling the chest and heart open as tension releases from the body.
BENEFITS: Bridge Pose offers a gentle backbend, relieving tension from the spine and chest. It invites a sense of openness and ease, cooling Pitta’s intensity.
3
Anjaneyasana (Crescent Lunge Pose)
- STEPS: From a standing position, step one foot forward into a lunge, ensuring your front knee is aligned over your ankle. Inhale as you reach your arms overhead, lengthening through the spine.
- DURATION: Hold the pose for several breaths, feeling a stretch along the front of the body as you sink deeper into the lunge.
BENEFITS: Crescent Lunge Pose opens the hips and heart, fostering balance and resilience. It encourages a sense of expansiveness and release, pacifying Pitta’s fiery nature.
4
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
- STEPS: Lie on your stomach, bending your knees and reaching back to grasp your ankles or feet. Inhale as you lift your chest and thighs off the mat, kicking your feet into your hands.
- DURATION: Hold the pose for at least 5 breaths, feeling a gentle stretch along the front of the body.
BENEFITS: Bow Pose stimulates digestion and invigorates the body, releasing tension from the chest and abdomen. It encourages a sense of vitality and renewal, counteracting Pitta’s excess heat.
5
Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold Pose)
- STEPS: Sit on the mat with your legs extended in front of you. Inhale to lengthen the spine, then exhale as you hinge at the hips, folding forward from the waist.
- DURATION: Hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute, surrendering to the stretch with each breath.
BENEFITS: Seated Forward Fold Pose calms the mind and stretches the spine, offering relief from tension and stress. It encourages a sense of surrender and introspection, cooling Pitta’s fiery energy.
6
Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose)
- STEPS: Sit on the mat with your legs extended in front of you, bending one knee and crossing it over the opposite thigh. Inhale to lengthen the spine, then exhale to twist gently to the side.
- DURATION: Hold the pose for several breaths, feeling a gentle release in the spine and abdomen.
BENEFITS: Half Lord of the Fishes Pose improves digestion and relieves tension from the spine. It encourages a sense of detoxification and renewal, balancing Pitta’s fiery nature.
7
Parsva Sukhasana (Seated Side Bend Pose)
- STEPS: Sit comfortably on the mat with your legs crossed. Inhale as you reach one arm overhead, then exhale to lean gently to the side, feeling a stretch along the torso.
- DURATION: Hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute on each side, breathing deeply into the stretch.
BENEFITS: Seated Side Bend Pose releases tension from the spine and shoulders, promoting relaxation and ease. It encourages a sense of openness and flow, soothing Pitta’s intensity.
Did you know?
Savasana, commonly performed at the end of a yoga session, is hailed as the most relaxing pose. Serving as a calming cool-down, it essentially entails meditation in a supine position, allowing us to connect with our inner selves while our bodies unwind in restful repose.
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Corpse Pose (Savasana)
- STEPS: Lie on your back with arms and legs extended, allowing the body to relax completely.
- DURATION: Stay in this pose for 5 to 15 minutes to promote deep relaxation.
BENEFITS: Corpse Pose induces deep relaxation, allowing individuals to let go of physical and mental tension while fostering a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
In the sanctuary of these cooling asanas, we find solace amidst the flames of summer. With each breath, we kindle the sacred flame of balance, honoring the wisdom of Ayurveda and yoga. May our practice be a sanctuary of serenity, guiding us toward harmony and wholeness amidst the dance of the elements.
