Summer begins-Week 1

Summer begins this week which makes for a lot of heat (Pitta), great for digestion and energy but easily overproduced, leading to toxic conditions.  Shubhra Krishan, says, "If you let your inner heat spiral out of control, you expose yourself to a whole range of 'burning' issues, such as acid reflux, ulcers, sunburn, rashes, impatience, frustration, anger, and anxiety," 

Here are some ways to help you stay in balance:

Ayurveda/Food

The Ayurvedic tastes of sweet, bitter and astringent all reduce Pitta.  Balance that heat with light cooling foods such as organic milk, mint and coriander herbal teas, and sweet fruits in season such as pears, apricots, grapes, plums, watermelon and sweet berries. Cold soups, such as cucumber soup, and salads are also good (but avoid salads at supper time when lightly cooked foods are best). Avoid dark meats, tomato, garlic, onions, salty, spicy and sour tastes.

Pranayama/Breath

The shitali breath is cooling and helps relieve nervousness, thirst and can actually help alleviate discomfort from headaches and fever.  Here's how you do it:
1.  Roll your tongue into a taco (this is hereditary so if you can't then either make a small "o" with your lips or do this breath through closed teeth.
2.  Sit with a long, tall spine
3.  Inhale through the tongue (lips or teeth) to a count of seven.
4.  Close your mouth and exhale through the nose
5.  Repeat no more than 10 times

Asana/Poses

Forwards bends help dispel excess heat.  Here is Lion's pose.

Here's the pose we've been working on: One-winged Crow (bakasana variation).  Keep up the hard work.  You guys make me proud.