As the peak of summer approaches, we are entering the most depleting phase of the entire year according to Ayurveda. Right now, we are transitioning through Aadaan Kala, the six month period when the sun literally takes away moisture and energy from both the earth and our bodies. This cosmic absorption cycle spans from mid-January through mid-July, with Grishma (summer) season representing its most intense final phase from July through mid-September.
Mid July when the days start to become shorter, this cosmic absorption will begin to shift into Visarga Kala when the sun begins to give back nourishing energy. But first, we must navigate summer's challenging season when your strength reaches its yearly low point, and the fire element dominates the atmosphere.
Understanding this ancient wisdom can transform how you experience summer, turning a season of depletion into one of conscious self-care and vitality.
Why Summer Depletes Your Natural Strength
During Aadaan Kala, the sun's northward movement has been progressively absorbing moisture from the environment and your body. The intensity of the sun's rays during Grishma season is exceptionally high, causing the depletion of Kapha or moisture and cooling properties from the atmosphere. Think of it like a cosmic sponge gradually soaking up the earth's cooling capacity.
Your body responds predictably to this atmospheric change. Vata dosha accumulates from increasing dryness, Pitta dramatically rises from heat exposure, while Kapha decreases as your natural body fluids evaporate. The fire element becomes dominant during Grishma season, making it intensely hot and depleting energy from your body, leaving us feeling dull and tired.
Most challenging of all, our digestive fire weakens just when the external heat increases. During this period, Pitta Dosha increases immensely in the body, and the increased heat lowers your digestive strength. This creates the perfect storm for summer fatigue, digestive issues, and depleted immunity, making you more prone to dehydration, exhaustion, and feeling dry with a lack of energy.
This is not personal weakness but cosmic timing that affects everyone. The key is working with these natural rhythms rather than fighting them.
Your Summer Survival Strategy: Food as Medicine
Ayurveda recommends eating lighter foods that are easy to digest during summer because our digestive fire is naturally weaker. It is important to monitor your digestive fire daily and to only eat when feeling truly hungry.
Summer foods are cooling and focus on qualities that are madhura (sweet), laghu (light), and drava (liquid) in nature:
Traditional Summer Drinks Due to increased heat, your body demands more liquids. Consume plenty of water and prepare these traditional cooling beverages:
- Panaka: Freshly prepared fruit juices from juicy fruits like mango, grapes, and pomegranate with ginger, cardamom, and sugarcane
- Tender coconut water: Nature's perfect electrolyte replacement
- Mantha: A cooling liquid prepared by soaking raisins, figs, and dates in cold water for an hour, then blending
- Diluted Panaka syrup: Made from herbs and fruits including ananta (sarsaparilla), kamala (lotus), gulaba (rose), amra (mango), draksha (grapes), and jambhira (lemon)
The Power of Gulkand, prepared using rose petals and sugar, stands as an excellent Ayurvedic preparation prescribed to reduce excess heat and avoid its harmful effects. Take one to two teaspoons on an empty stomach. This traditional remedy reduces burning sensations in the body, eyes, palms, and soles, prevents giddiness due to heat, soothes itching, calms digestive disturbances, and balances stomach acid.
Nourishing Summer Foods:
- Basmati rice and mung dal for easily digestible protein
- Cucumber, watermelon, and other high water content vegetables and fruits
- Fresh leafy greens with bitter and astringent tastes
- Use ghee (clarified butter) for cooking to provide cooling, nourishing fats
Foods to Avoid Summer requires eliminating foods that increase heat and dryness:
- Deep fried, hot, spicy, salty, and sour items
- Smoothies (milk and fruits combined together)
- Yogurt and other fermented dairy
- Alcohol increases the qualities of heat and dryness which leads to debility
Lifestyle Adjustments That Make the Difference
Ayurveda recommends a lighter lifestyle with less activity to maintain normal energy and health during this season.
Morning and Daytime Practices To avoid feeling fatigued during summer, it is recommended to sleep for a short time during the day in a cool place. This becomes necessary because nighttime is shorter during summer and excess heat causes fatigue. Try to stay indoors or in the shade, avoiding exposure to direct sun as much as possible.
Begin your day with gentle movement before the sun becomes intense. Choose swimming, walking, or restorative yoga rather than strenuous exercise. Avoid exertion and intense physical activity during the hot summer season.
Cooling Body Care Rituals Apply Chandanadi Thailam all over your body, then take a cool to slightly warm water shower or bath. This traditional practice provides immediate cooling relief while nourishing your skin. Chanda or sandalwood helps reduce heat and soothes Pitta aggravation throughout your body.
Wear thin, light colored clothes made from natural fabrics that allow air circulation. Use flowery perfumes that are cooling in nature rather than heavy, warming scents. Wear cooling gems like pearls or moonstone.
Evening and Sleep Practices Spend time outdoors after sunset when temperatures drop. Practice cooling breathing techniques like Sheetali Pranayama, where you inhale through a curled tongue. Take cool showers or baths before bed to lower your body temperature naturally.
Create a sleeping environment that supports rest during warm nights. Sleep in well ventilated, cool spaces and consider placing a bowl of cool water near your bed to increase humidity.
Ancient Remedies for Modern Summer Challenges
Traditional Ayurvedic formulations offer profound support during this challenging season, working to counteract the specific imbalances that summer heat creates.
Managing Heat and Depletion: The Power of Rasayana
When summer's heat absorption cycle leaves you feeling drained, your body needs deep nourishment that works at the cellular level. Traditional Rasayana formulas offer exactly this support, designed specifically to rebuild what the season depletes.
Rasayana Healthy Aging Naturally provides comprehensive support during this challenging time. These time tested formulations work to:
- Restore natural energy without creating excess heat
- Support immune function when seasonal stress is highest
- Nourish deeper tissues that summer heat depletes
- Provide adaptogenic support for managing environmental stress
Take Rasayana formulas with cooling liquids like fresh coconut water ideally in the morning when your digestive fire is strong but before the day becomes too hot.
Sleep Support During Hot Nights: Chandanadi Thailam
Summer heat often disrupts sleep quality just when your body needs extra rest to recover from daily heat exposure. Hot nights, increased Pitta, and accumulated stress create a cycle of poor sleep and daytime fatigue that compounds summer depletion.
Chandanadi Thailam offers traditional cooling support for better sleep during challenging summer months. This classical oil blend:
- Provides natural cooling through sandalwood and other cooling herbs
- Calms excess Pitta that interferes with peaceful sleep
- Supports nervous system relaxation during high stress summer months
- Creates a cooling effect that lasts through the night
Apply gently to the soles of your feet, temples, and crown of the head before bedtime. The cooling herbs work through your skin to calm internal heat and promote deeper, more restorative sleep even on the warmest nights.
Understanding the Cosmic Transition Ahead
The encouraging news is that this intense heat period is temporary. Around mid-July, the cosmic cycle begins shifting into Visarga Kala, the release period when the sun starts giving back energy rather than taking it away. In tropical and sub-tropical climates, monsoons arrive, temperatures begin moderating, and your natural strength starts rebuilding.
This transition marks the end of Aadaan Kala and the beginning of a more nourishing six month period. However, the shift to cooler weather happens gradually, and it is important to continue supporting your body with a nourishing diet and lifestyle.
During this transitional time, pay attention to how your body responds to the changing cosmic rhythms. You may notice your appetite gradually returning, your energy slowly stabilizing, and your tolerance for activity increasing as the sun's depleting influence begins to wane.
The Art of Seasonal Self Care
Grishma Ritucharya teaches us that optimal health requires conscious alignment with natural cycles. Summer's challenges are cosmic rhythms to honor, not obstacles to overcome. The core principle is simple: during this depleting season, less is more. Eat lighter, move gentler, rest more, and stay cool consistently.
By embracing cooling nourishing foods, slowing down your routine, and using traditional remedies, you transform toward thriving during the summer season. This is the true art of Ayurvedic living: dancing gracefully with cosmic forces rather than losing your strength and energy at this time of depletion.
Consult an Ayurvedic Practitioner
If you are struggling with excess heat and fatigue this indicates a deeper Pitta imbalance. An Ayurvedic consultation offers complete personalization to your unique constitution and current state of imbalance.
If you would like to discover your unique constitution and receive personalized guidance, schedule an Ayurvedic Wellness Consultation today and begin your journey toward balanced health that works for your individual body and life.
As you navigate this final phase of Aadaan Kala, trust in the ancient wisdom that has guided countless generations through summer's challenges. Your conscious participation in these seasonal rhythms connects you to the deeper intelligence that sustains all life, creating health that extends far beyond the summer season itself.
References
Classical Ayurvedic Texts
- Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 6 (Tasya Shiteeya Adhyaya) - Seasonal regimens and Ritucharya principles
- Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 6 (Ritucharya Adhyaya) - Seasonal lifestyle and dietary guidelines
- Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 3 (Ritucharya Adhyaya) - Seasonal health practices and dosha management
- Ashtanga Sangraha, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 4 (Ritucharya Adhyaya) - Cosmic cycles and seasonal adaptation
Modern Sources and Interpretations
- "Ritucharya: Answer to lifestyle disorders." PMC - PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3361919/
- "Ayurveda Seasonal Regimen in Summer- Grishma Ritucharya." RISA - Ramaiah Institute of Ayurveda. https://ramaiahayurveda.com/ayurveda-seasonal-regimen-in-summer-grishma-ritucharya/
