By now, you will have shed your winter coat and embraced your summer plans! Summer is the time to say yes to travel, explore, socialise and make the most of the sunlight and daylight hours. Ancient Yogis knew the power of the first rays of sunlight, and this is a good time to practice Sun Salutations as it’s very healing. However, in Ayurveda, summer is also the Pitta season, with the fire and water elements being dominant. To maintain a balanced mind, body and soul, it helps to focus on more cooling, green astringent foods, drink plenty of water or coconut water and practice cooling exercises like swimming, walking and either Moon Salutations or Yin Yoga. Pranayama (breathing exercises) like Sitali breath can also help cool the body; this is especially good if you are pregnant or going through menopause. Here are two yoga poses to help keep the body cool and in balance this summer.
ANUVITTASANA Standing Backbend
Come to Mountain Pose and take a moment to tune into your feet, your breath and how your body feels. If you feel too hot, remove a layer, open a window or even practice yoga outside. Taking small sips is advised if you need to drink water to keep hydrated and cool. Inhale and lift your arms up, exhale and start to push your hips forward and bring your arms back over your head. See how far your spine will bend as you inhale and exhale gently. You can also place your hands on your hips if you prefer. Stay for five deep, slow, gentle breaths. This pose is considered a warm-up pose to prepare you for deeper poses; exposing your armpits will keep you cool. This pose helps to strengthen and tone the lower back and abdomen muscles whilst improving spinal flexibility. It helps encourage good digestive health, opens and strengthens the chest, and regulates blood pressure while creating a strong foundation for deeper, more advanced backbends. It’s a great pose to practice daily.
USTRASANA Legs up the wall Pose
This pose is excellent to practice after a hot, hard day’s work or at the end of your yoga practice. It’s a no-brainer! Lie on your side as close to the wall as you can and gently swing your legs up so they rest on the wall. You can place a pillow/cushion underneath your head and lower/upper back if you want/need comfort and support. Stay for up to twenty minutes. Perhaps pop an eye pillow or mask over your eyes to reduce sensory stimulation so you can enjoy this deeply relaxing pose! This pose stretches, strengthens and lengthens the muscles; it is very relaxing and calming and is excellent for the nervous system, which in turn has a positive effect on all your other systems. It is therapeutic and healing, helping varicose veins and swollen ankles with lymphatic drainage. It balances and supports our emotional health and helps cool us down, preparing us for other yoga poses like Plough Pose.
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