The onset of summer can be a cause of worry for you as far as your hair is concerned. It is one of the worst seasons for your hair. This is the time when your hair can become sticky, get tangled and unmanageable. The loss of moisture during summer can make hair dull, lifeless and dry, and thus make it unmanageable summer hair. This makes it essential for you to take extra care of your hair during this season. It could probably involve embracing a different hair care routine.
The effect of Pitta Dosha
Pitta is one of the three doshas or factors that govern the activities of our mind and body. Our body’s metabolism, mainly digestion, is connected with pitta. It is associated with heat, and the pitta dosha is felt during the summer season.
Pitta Dosha and Health Problems
If you feel irritable or become annoyed easily, it is a sign that pitta dosha is aggravated. An excess of it can cause problems such as acne, skin rash, hair thinning,
hair fall, problems in the scalp. It can also cause heartburn, excessive body heat, and sweating, excess stomach acidity, peptic ulcers, early greying hair, irritability and anger. There are three powerful approaches for
balancing Pitta dosha:
Your diet should include foods that have a cooling effect on the palate, such as curd or buttermilk, and fruits like watermelon and grapes that are good for your hair.
Your daily routine should start early in the morning and involve practices like eliminating the bladder and bowels, meditation or quiet reflection, regular exercise, establishing consistent meal times and work schedules, etc.
Your day should also include the use of herbal remedies for better functioning of pitta, such as drinking herbal tea, using Ayurvedic oils to massage your feet and body, etc. Follow these simple health tips to stay cool and enjoy the summer and get rid of unmanageable summer hair.
How Oil Massages can help Pitta Dosha
The pitta dosha can also be balanced by using Sesame, Amla, Brahmi, Triphala or even coconut oil for a head massage. Massage oils that have cooling herbs like Ashwagandha and pudina are recommended. A gentle head massage will have an instant relaxing and calming effect. Besides, oil containing the goodness of
Jatamansi and camphor, sesame oil has cooling properties. Sesame oil is rich in antioxidants, minerals, Vitamin E, lecithin, amino acids, and proteins. It has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties too. It is, therefore, an excellent option for hair and scalp massages. Amla oil is especially suitable for the summer season to address the pitta dosha. It is a natural coolant and is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. It also
improves digestion by tackling hyper-acidity and other Pitta-related digestive problems. Massaging these oils ensure the reduction of Pitta Dosha.
Abhyanga- Everything You Need to Know About It
Trying to figure out how to cool down your pitta dosha? Try Abhyanga - an oil massage that is a tried and tested strategy for restoring the brain and recuperating the body. It is an
ayurvedic oil massage or a self-massage that exercises and calms the body and mind. It should form a part of your daily routine during the hot summer months. Abhyanga calms the nerves and eliminates impurities from the body. The best time to indulge in this Ayurvedic massage is in the morning, before a shower as it releases the toxins accumulated during the previous night. You can also use organic cured sesame oil for the massage, which helps to relax the mind.
A Step-By-Step Process for Doing an Abhyanga Massage
Start by heating a little cured sesame oil. Apply the oil into your hair with your fingertips and massage it with your palms. Spend five minutes massaging your head if you are spending a total of 10 minutes for the abhyanga. Abhyanga oil is prepared with herbs, and the oil is warmed up before applying. Right from the herbs to the temperature of the oil, everything matters. The vigorous motion generates heat, and the massage helps to open up pores in the skin. The skin absorbs all the properties of the oil due to pitta. An oil massage reduces the impact of pitta dosha that causes an imbalance. When you use warm oil, it activates the agni or fire. In addition to this, you must wash your hair often and condition it during the summer to keep it healthy. Deep conditioning ensures that the moisture is locked in your hair; it strengthens your hair and prevents breakage and
hair fall. Hair health in summer depends on moisture, so drink plenty of water and ensure your body is hydrated. To keep your hair healthy in summer, you must also cover your head when venturing outdoors, wear your hair in ponytail, braid, buns or topknots. To remain on top of your hair game, follow this hair care routine at least once a week if not bi-weekly. With the right Ayurvedic treatment, you can use a more holistic approach to solve your hair problems during the summer.