DIET & LIFESTYLE
DISCOVER HOW TO HEAL
Written by John Immel, Bi-Annual Temperature SwingAfter six months of preparing for rising temperatures, your body suddenly switches gears mid July to prepare for the thermometer to plunge. Vata season starts the last week of July, when the first colder, drier air masses move in from the north. By August 1st, days are shorter and the angle of the noon time sun is considerably lower, causing temperatures to drop quickly. By the second week of August a thunderstorm will signal the definitive change in season as the temperature drops over ten degrees in just a few hours. Mornings will feel noticeably cooler. Late summer brings with it a certain stillness, the first sign of winter sleepiness.Since humans are a warm-blooded species, your body spends lots of energy defending itself against changes in temperature. It can take several months for your body to shift gears from the warm season to the cold season. The biannual shift in temperature is one reason why August & February are the two most difficult months of the year to stay healthy. In August, people with deficiency fluids or fats get sick. In February, people with excess fluids or fats get sick. Craving Sweets & CarbsA cool breeze beneath my bedroom window at four am wakes me up. I put on a pair of socks enjoying the crisp relief from the sweltering dog days of summer. Later on at lunchtime I notice my cravings for fresh green vegetable suddenly subsiding for mashed potatoes. A friend brings homemade zucchini bread for lunch. Autumn is approaching! Late Summer DrynessAfter a summer of sweating under the hot sun bodily fluids are at a minimum. Drier blood tends to create dehydration. The skin will feel parched and the bowels dry and constipated. Electrolyte imbalance, dry blood & constipation tends to make the mind anxious. Insomnia may ensue. Late summer is a critical time to replenish electrolytes & calm your mind well in advance of colder temperatures. Avoid drying, astringent or constipative foods. Instead, Vata types can drink water with lime and salt in the morning to combat dryness.Tired, Crampy MusclesHeat pushes blood to the surface of the skin, and into the arms and legs. As soon as the temperature starts to drop, the volume of blood in your arms and legs drops too, making your muscles feel tired. Electrolyte imbalance may cause some cramping in the first few weeks of August.Dry RashesMay rashes tend to be wet and weepy. Rashes in August tend to be dry and scaly. Daily oil massages will keep your skin and complexion smooth and supple for the transition to Autumn.Schedule ChangesTired muscles make the first week of August an ideal vacation week. As the season changes, so does the schedule. With kids returning back to school, parents and kids will be busy scrambling to adjust to a new routine. Give yourself special treats like time off to enjoy the transition in seasons and prepare for the busy year ahead.Diet for AugustAvoid Favor The mid-day sun is still very hot. Cool, sour fruits like grapes, or wild apples (grocery store apples aren't tart enough) can help purge residual heat from summer.Click here to see a Late Summer Ayurvedic Diet full of tasty Vata pacifying recipes Lifestyle for August
Herbs for August
Back to Home Remedies for the Fall READ MORE ON THIS TOPIC
BROWSE SIMILAR ARTICLES BY TOPIC
About the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language. STUDY AYURVEDA
Questions, Comments & Impressions of 'home remedies for august / late summer'?Is there something else you'd like to know about 'home remedies for august / late summer'? (5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 29 likes Sign in to review this article
Joseph, I stumbled upon" August" and I want to thank you for bringing it together.
I have a kind of hit and miss relationship with ayurveda having first experienced it's power many years ago. You made it come alive again with your clear,calm suggestions.
Namaste
this was a wonderful video, John. Thank you SOMUCH
-Larissa
What about in a warmer climate state. We do not feel much cooking in August at all.. In fact it feels hotter than July. Are the recommendations still the same?
The recommendations are generally for late summer. As late summer approaches we naturally start drying out. Raw foods are generally astringent, so you will want to be sure they are well oiled or lightly steamed.
|
SAVE ARTICLE
On MeWe
On Pinterest
On Facebook
On Twitter
On WhatsApp
On Email
BOOKS BY JOYFUL BELLY
Get Ayurveda's approach to food cravings & emotional eating for balanced weight and health.
Join Joyful Belly.
Want our top Ayurvedic recipes and health tips?Subscribe to our free newsletter!