Ayurveda-Inspired Self-care for Summer

As the days grow warmer and longer, summer brings its own rhythm and requirements—for our bodies, minds, and skin.

Summer or Grishma Ritu is characterized by the scorching heat of the sun. According to Ayurveda, our bodies are affected by these changes of season. The body is weakened by excess perspiration which leads to loss of fluids from the body. Due to the intense heat and dryness, Pitta increases and Vata begins to accumulate (especially toward the end of Grishma). This can lead to inflammation, skin sensitivity, fatigue, irritability and a proneness to headaches. The digestion becomes weak leading to a slow accumulation of Vata (Sanchaya). And skin diseases also take place in the form of skin inflammation, sensitivity, breakouts, and sun damage.

The Ayurvedic Solution

Ayurveda is holistic and balancing. Outward-in and inward-out. According to Ayurveda, if our lifestyles (Dinacharya) are aligned with nature and one’s body’s needs, we can remain in good health and avoid disease of all sorts.

As per the Grishma Ritucharya (or Rutucharya), the Summer Daily Routine, the following aspects need to be maintained for the summer season –  

A.  Waking up and sleep schedules

Early to bed and early to rise is always the best mantra. With days that start early, waking up early is much easier during the summers.

But with days also being super long and nights short, if you feel you are not getting adequate sleep, a short nap when the temperatures are blazing outside, a short siesta is acceptable to re-energize you. An ideal night routine would be a refreshing shower, donning cool loose night clothes and giving yourself a relaxing foot massage before tucking yourself into bed for a good night’s sleep.

Try one of these options for the night foot massage:

-       The Parama Naturals’ Lavender-Turmeric Hand and Body Oil, a balanced formulation with deep-penetrating sesame and cooling coconut oils and relaxing lavender, for simply a restful sleep during the hot weather

-       The Parama Naturals' Zingiber Body Oil , with anti-inflammatory Ginger and Turmeric for tired feet or people with stiffness or aches or those likely to wake up early for a run

-       The Parama Naturals’ Nourishing or Fortifying Hair Oil (yes on your feet too), if your feet feel very hot, because Bhringaraj and Coconut in this oil is very cooling, and Triphala is detoxifying.

B.  Exercise light and in cool hours

Waking up early helps one to be able to fit in the daily exercise routine in the cooler hours of the morning. Make sure that during the hot summer months, when the body is also stressed with the heat, the exercise schedule is light and not too strenuous, but is adequate to maintain a good metabolism. This will help prevent the body from heating too much, which can sometimes lead to headaches, and maintain homeostasis. Remember to hydrate yourself well before, during and after the workout.

Try this:

If the body is stiff from a night under the fan, or air-conditioning or sleep deprivation, apply a few drops of Parama Naturals Zingiber Body Oil on the stiff joints and muscles like back, knees, shoulder before you start the workout.

C.  Dress light and comfortably

Loose clothing made with cool, light fabrics like cotton, linen, bamboo are ideal for the summer. They allow the skin to breathe and also absorb sweat, thus keeping the body temperature in check. Try to wear light coloured clothes that cover most of the body to avoid sun exposure and prevent getting sun-burnt, while keeping the body cool at the same time.

D.  Food and Water

With the blazing sun and rising temperatures, the body sweats more and we tend to get dehydrated. Sometimes, the sweat evaporates at a faster level than it even gets produced, which can be deceptive, and will leave us feeling weak and tired. One needs to drink up lots of water to not only rehydrate but also to flush out toxins. Good rehydrating and nourishing drinks include buttermilk (chhaas), coconut water, lemonade, fresh fruit juices, water-intensive seasonal fruits like watermelons. Traditional cooling beverages also include sattu (with roasted chick pea flour and water), sweet drinks made with raw mangoes (panna), kokum and khus (vetiver). Avoid hot drinks and also ice-cold water or fizzy drinks, because they can disturb the digestive system and aggravate the body heat levels. Water from an earthen pot (matka or surahi) is the best temperature to drink water.

During Summer, since the digestive system is weak, Ayurveda recommends light, easy-to-digest meals that are freshly prepared with digestive spices and herbs. Water-intensive vegetables like gourds are perfect for summer. There are many varieties like bottle gourd (lauki,  dudhi, pushanikay), pumpkin (kaddu, bhopla, pushanikay), ash gourd (kohalaa, petha, pushanikay), ivy gourd (kundru, tindli, kovakai), bitter gourd (karela, karale, pagarakai), ridge gourd (turai), etc. Cooling salads or seasonal fruits with digestive spices or light dressings are also good to have.

E.   Self-care Routine with Abhyanga (oil application) and Snana (bathing)

Ayurveda recommends oil application even in Summer, because it serves multiple benefits -

• -       Balances the aggravated Pitta dosha
  A cooling Abhyanga with lavender and turmeric-infused coconut oil helps soothe the skin, pacify Pitta and prevent Vata from going out of balance.
• -       Replenishes moisture lost through heat and sweat
  Sweating during summer leads to dehydration of the skin. Daily oil massage helps replenish and lock in natural moisture, keeping the skin supple and preventing dryness or peeling.
• -       Calms the nervous system
  Abhyanga, especially with cooling oils like lavender, turmeric or sandalwood-infused sesame oil, has a grounding and calming effect on both the body and mind.
• -       Enhances circulation without overheating
  Gentle massage improves blood flow and lymphatic drainage, helping flush toxins. In summer, it should be done in the early morning (before 8 am) when the weather is cooler, and using oils that cool rather than stimulate.
• -       Acts as a natural barrier
  According to Ayurvedic classics like the Ashtanga Hridayam, Abhyanga protects the skin from external factors. In summer, this translates to shielding skin from UV damage, dust, pollution, and rashes.

The Parama Naturals range is ideal for the Grishma Ritucharya because of the following reasons -

• -       Balancing ingredients: Turmeric, lavender, sesame, coconut oil, kokum butter, aloe gel, rose water all work synergistically to cool and protect. In combination, they help tackle shitapitta and raktapitta, which are common during this season
• -       Non-greasy, fuss-free, quick-absorbing: Perfect for hot, humid climates, busy schedules.
• -       No pitta-aggravating chemicals or additives: Only what your skin and body needs, nothing it doesn’t.
• -       Safe for the whole family: From babies to elders, our products are designed with gentleness and effectiveness in mind.
• -       Travel-friendly sizes to carry along during your vacation too

How can we follow a simple routine even in our busy lives?
Here is a simplified routine, alongwith the recommended product from Parama Naturals,  which can be followed on a daily basis even when we are working, going to office, studying, leading a busy life at home or even travelling.

1. Begin the day early with exercise and meditation

Start your day early (before 6 am, when Kapha time still lingers) with a cooling, calming routine. An early morning walk or run, a gentle exercise routine, yoga, meditation, all combined for up to an hour.

Try This:

If the body is stiff from a night under the fan, or air-conditioning or sleep deprivation, apply a few drops of Parama Naturals Zingiber Body Oil on the stiff joints and muscles like back, knees, shoulder before you start the workout.

2. A cleansing nourishing and protecting routine

Summer mornings (preferably before 8am) are ideal for Abhyanga (oil massage) to nourish and detox the skin.

Try This:
- Parama Naturals Turmeric or Lavender-Turmeric Hand and Body Oil for Sensitive Skin – This lightweight oil calms irritation, balances Pitta, and protects against environmental stressors. Its non-staining turmeric blend is perfect for daily use even in hot weather.

-       If you have time, then massage yourself lightly approx. half an hour before a bath.

-       If short on time, apply on a moist body after bath like a moisturiser.

-Make your own massage oil - Add a few drops of the Parama Naturals Turmeric Essential Oil to any carrier oil of your choice (a combination of sesame and coconut oils is balancing, cooling yet circulation-boosting).

3. Cleanse gently, not aggressively

Avoid harsh soaps and frequent washing, which can aggravate dryness and inflammation. Use natural, pH-balanced cleansers.

Try This:
Parama Naturals Enriching Exfoliator Face & Body Scrub – Made with gentle exfoliants and nourishing herbs, this 2-in-1 natural cleanser clears sweat, dust, and excess oil without stripping the skin of moisture.

• -       Use just a pinch 2-3 times a week as a face cleanser. Though its suitable for use everyday, but over exfoliation should be avoided
• -       Use once a week as a nourishing face pack after mixing with rose water or milk.

Parama Naturals Turmeric Hand and Body Oil as a deep pore cleanser, gentle exfoliator and make-up remover

4. Hydrate and tone, moisturize and protect

Pitta skin benefits from soothing, cooling ingredients like rose, cucumber, aloe vera and non-comedogenic formulations. Keep your routine minimal and calming.

Try This:

• -       Parama Naturals Lavender-Turmeric All-day Lite Face Oil (Normal to Oily Skin) – A few drops go a long way to hydrate, repair, and cool the skin—without the greasy feel.
• -       A dollop of the soothing, calming, hydrating and rejuvenating Parama Naturals Lavender-Turmeric Aloe Gel Serum either by itself or added with a few drops of the Parama Naturals Turmeric All-Day Lite Face Oil, applied post face wash.
• -       A cool splash of Parama Naturals Rosewater-Turmeric Toning Mist post-cleansing. Keep it handy all day long for a refreshing cool-down with natural turmeric protection, anytime you feel like it.

5. Protect naturally from the sun and heat

Ayurveda recommends protective clothing, avoiding direct sun in peak hours, and using natural sun shields.

Try This:

• -       Parama Naturals Lavender-Turmeric Hand and Body Oil – Acts as a daily moisturizer and a natural protection against damage from sun and pollution, while calming summer rashes and reduce tanning. Best applied post shower on moist skin
•  Parama Naturals Fortifying Hair Oil – Apply a few drops in the roots on the scalp will keep the head feeling cool especially on a hot, dry day, whether indoors or out in the sun.  Best applied post shower when the hair is moist.

6. Protect your sensitive spots and intimate areas

With excessive sweat and increased proneness to inflamed skin and rashes, use gentle protection for sweat-prone areas which are hydrating, soothing but don’t clog pores.

Try This:

• -       Parama Naturals Solid Deo Butter – A natural non-comedogenic protection for sensitive areas like underarms, feet and skin folds to guard against rashes, skin inflammations and fungal infections. With natural odour protection too.

7. End the day with a skin-soothing ritual

Cooling down the body and skin at night, especially with calming oils, helps to wind down and improves repair and recovery.

Try This:

• -       Parama Naturals Lavender-Turmeric Overnight Face Oil or the Parama Naturals Aloe Vera Gel infused with turmeric and lavender oils.
• -       Parama Naturals Nourishing Hair Oil for the scalp to calm the nerves, cool the head after a hot day, keep the roots nourished and prevent hair from getting dry and frizzy.
• -       Parama Naturals Zingiber Body Oil for the soles of the feet and the nape of the neck– Especially helpful to ease tiredness, reduce heat fatigue, improve sleep and blood circulation.

Here’s to you living according to the season and enjoying the hot Summer too!

We invite you to experience the beauty of ancient traditions with the Parama Naturals range, as hope that you enjoy using them as much as we have enjoyed creating them.

Celebrate each and every day, the Parama Way