How to cool down in the heatwave

I’m writing this as we are back in a heatwave. It’s already hot this morning. And it is also Full Moon.

Last nights moon swim

Actually, the Full Moon is a good reminder of more lunar and cooling practices here in the summer. Especially with the heatwaves.

In Ayurveda we often talk about pairs of Gunas. Or principles... like hot+cold, dry+moist, rough+smooth... So the guna of summer is hot, the dosha that increases in the summer sun and heat is Pitta.

So we don't want to add extra heat on top of heat. Then we will burn out and dry out. We see this in Nature: 

The sun (fire element like Pitta) is burning, and now it's very dry, the grass is yellow or actually gone completely. There are talks of drought. Too much Pitta can dry us out. 

We even have wildfires. Too much pitta... it causes burnout.

So as much as the radiant sun is wonderful, life-giving, clarity, focus, and in the right amount activating, energising and inspiring - it is also devastating in excess.

This is where the Lunar practices come in. To soothe, cool down, to replenish, rejuvenate, to calm. Associated with the water element as well for flow, intuition, juiciness and creativity.

We have cooling breath or Sheetali Pranayama in yoga. We can adjust our practice for the seasons, the weather, the time of day - and the lunar cycle.

Again, this is what I teach in the Ayurveda: The Sister Science of Yoga Online Course this Autumn and what inspires my yoga classes.

Yoga to cool down in the heatwave

Soothing, slow, relaxed. Restorative poses. With the intention of allowing the Nectar, Amrit or Soma, of the moon to replenish, nourish and restore every tissue, cell and part of our Being.

Even more flowy but meditative Moon Salutations, Chandra Namaskar, as an honouring of the moon and her phases.

Allowing your practice to be meditative.

I like poses that feel open and spacious like half moon pose, gate pose, reclined cobblers/Goddess pose, shavasana…

supported reclined Goddess/Cobblers pose

Cooling breath and pranayama for the heatwave

There is a specific cooling breath, Sheetali pranayama, which is perfect for now. Even Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, can be soothing and balancing.

Cool down with ayurveda in the heatwave

In ayurveda we adjust to the seasons, and the weather. Being mindful of your own constitution, prakrti, and your current state, vikruti, you can implement cooling tools into your routine and diet.

Here are some cooling recommendations:

• Ghee:

is like the Full Moon nectar. It’s nourishing, cooling, sweet and golden - like the moon! Cook with it, add it too food, put it on your skin. Its fantastic for mosquito bites, and skin irritations, and sunburn too.

You can even get specialised ghee based skin care. I am addicted to Osi Oils Sacred Organic Ayurveda Face & Eye Cream. It is so nourishing and soothing on the skin. And when I went away (with no anti-itch/mosquito bit cream this worked a treat).

• Coconut oil:

Another soothing cooling cupboard essential. Like ghee you can use it on the skin and in your food. Usually, here in the UK, it’s solid until you warm it up (on the pan or in your hands) but now in the heatwave it might be solid.

I also use this on Alfie for his paws and nose. Plus it’s fine if he licks it off as its a pretty healthy snack!

• Rose:

Rose in all its forms is highly recommended for pitta (or heat). Not only is it cooling in nature, soothing and sweet. But the fragrance reminds us to connect to the love and sweetness in our heart - rather than being hot-headed, fiery or controlling. It’s almost spiritual - the rose in our hearts… And I think most people feel the soothing qualities when we inhale it.

So anything rose is just lovely in summer.

• Literally smell the roses - when you pass a rose bush. Or invest in the essential oil (rose absolute or rose otto) and inhale, add to your skin oil or lotion.

• Drink rose tea - warm or cool

• In Ayurveda, there is a rose jam (you can get it here from Earthen Ayurveda - discount code added) you can add to toast or simply just enjoy!

• Use body oil infused with rose, such as my current favourite Summer Rose Body Oil from Earthen Ayurveda

• Rose hydrolate or Rose water is another way you can add some rose. Spray on the skin or wipe using cotton wool.

• Aloe vera

Aloe vera is beautiful and healing. Some can be ingested (think aloe vera juice), the gel can be applied on the skin. It is great for anything pitta - except loose bowels, as it can actually aid bowel movements. I like the Fushi brand here.

You can find it in various forms in most health food shops. And even in aftersun products where it can cool (sun) burn.

• Ayurvedic clothes?

I love my PJ (anytime) top from TryKind. I choose it because it says on the website: “nourishing indigo plant dyed cotton PJs that use herbs to relieve pains, itching and can relax your nervous system.” And could actually be quite cooling when you experience hot flushes (hello perimenopause). I don’t actually sleep in it. I wear it anytime!

I’d also love to try their underwear at some point.

top from TryKind ayurvedic clothes

So keep the mind and body cool and calm. Replenish, soothe, rejuvenate with how you think, how you move, breathe, and what you put in and on your body.

Because body, breath, mind and energy are all connected.

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