The Ayurvedic Understanding of Summer
Summer, known as Grishma Ritu in Ayurveda, is a season dominated by intense heat and dryness. The sun draws moisture from the earth and from the human body, leading to a state of gradual depletion.
This results in:
Depletion of Rasa Dhatu, reducing internal hydration
Aggravation of Vata, leading to dryness, roughness and sensitivity
Accumulation of Pitta, creating heat and inflammation
This is the fundamental reason why dryness increases even in a season of heat.
Why Skin Suffers During Summer
The skin, or Twacha, is closely connected to Rasa and Rakta Dhatu. When hydration reduces and heat rises, the skin becomes the first organ to reflect this imbalance.
During summer:
Increased Pitta leads to redness, rashes and pigmentation
Aggravated Vata leads to dryness, flakiness and premature ageing
Loss of fluids weakens the skin’s natural resilience
As a result, conditions such as heat rashes, tanning, sensitivity and dryness become common.
Aggravation of Chronic Skin Conditions
Summer also intensifies chronic skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema. These are not merely surface-level conditions but reflect deeper imbalances involving doshas, Rakta Dhatu and accumulation of Ama.
Psoriasis (Kitibha or Eka Kushta)
Psoriasis is primarily a disorder of Vata and Kapha.
It presents as:
- Thickened, raised patches with scaling
- Excessive dryness and roughness
- Cracking of skin, especially on elbows, knees, scalp and soles
- A persistent and recurring nature
Ayurvedic understanding
Vata causes dryness and degeneration, while Kapha leads to thickening and stagnation. When associated with impure Rakta, the skin loses its natural balance and texture.
Eczema (Vicharchika)
Eczema is primarily a disorder of Pitta and Kapha, often linked to impaired digestion.
It presents as:
- Redness, inflammation and intense itching
- Sensitivity to external substances
- Oozing or sticky lesions in certain cases
- Recurrent flare-ups
Ayurvedic understanding
Pitta causes heat and inflammation, while Kapha contributes to moisture and heaviness. When digestion is weak, toxins accumulate and manifest through the skin.
Understanding the Difference
Psoriasis reflects dryness and scaling due to Vata dominance.
Eczema reflects inflammation and irritation due to Pitta involvement.
Both require correction at the root level, not just external management.
The Core Principle of Balance
Ayurveda follows a simple law. Similar qualities increase imbalance, while opposite qualities restore equilibrium.
Since summer is characterised by heat and dryness, the approach should focus on cooling, hydrating and stabilising the body.
Ritu Charya for Summer
Food Discipline
Summer demands simplicity and restraint in diet.
Favour:
- Seasonal fruits with high water content such as watermelon, musk melon and pomegranate
- Light vegetables such as cucumber, bottle gourd and ridge gourd
- Coconut water and traditional cooling drinks like bael sharbat
- Freshly prepared, light meals
- Moderate use of ghee to maintain internal lubrication
Avoid:
- Curd, as it is heating in nature and aggravates Pitta
- Excess dairy, which contributes to heat and skin inflammation
- Spicy, fried and oily food
- Fermented and stale food
- Packaged beverages and artificial drinks
- No tea, coffee and alcohol
Why Curd Must Be Avoided in Summer
Curd is Ushna in nature and increases both Pitta and Kapha.
In summer:
- It adds to the existing heat in the body
- It can block channels and promote toxin formation
- It aggravates skin conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis
If required, curd should only be consumed after being properly churned and diluted into buttermilk, and even then with caution.
Lifestyle Discipline
- Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours
- Wear light and breathable clothing
- Avoid overexertion and excessive physical strain
- Maintain a calm and balanced routine
- Ensure adequate rest as strength naturally declines in this season
Skin Care According to Ayurveda
- Regular application of medicated ghee is advised to counter dryness and nourish the skin at a deeper level
- This should always be done under the guidance of a qualified Vaidya, as the choice of medicated ghee depends on the individual’s constitution and imbalance
- Medicated ghee helps pacify Vata, balance Pitta and support healing of the skin
- Use gentle natural elements such as rose water for soothing
- Avoid chemical-based skincare products
- Bathe with cool or lukewarm water
Simple Home Practices for Balance
- Drinking fennel-infused water helps reduce internal heat
- Gulkand with milk at night supports cooling and nourishment
- Application of sandalwood with rose water helps calm inflamed skin
- Buttermilk with roasted cumin aids digestion and hydration
- Inclusion of a small quantity of ghee in meals supports internal lubrication and tissue nourishment
- A Seasonal Truth
Summer is a period when natural strength declines. The body is in a state of gradual depletion and requires support, not excess.
Ignoring seasonal discipline can lead to:
- Flare-ups of chronic skin conditions
- Premature ageing
- Digestive disturbances
Closing Insight
The skin reflects the internal state of the body. It is not merely reacting to the environment but responding to deeper imbalances.
When diet and lifestyle are aligned with the season, the body regains balance naturally and healing follows.
With Care
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