Your Summer Self-Care Guide, the Ayurvedic Way

At Little Bird Wellness, we’re big believers in listening to what your body’s been trying to tell you—especially as the seasons change. According to Ayurveda, an ancient system of healing that’s deeply woven into our practice, each season brings its own energy, challenges, and opportunities for balance. Right now? We’re in the heart of Pitta season—and your body might be feeling it.

So, what is Pitta season?

In Ayurvedic terms, Pitta is the energy of fire and water. It’s hot, sharp, intense, and transformative—much like the peak of summer itself. When Pitta is balanced, we feel focused, energized, and clear. When it’s out of whack? We might notice irritability, inflammation, rashes, heartburn, or a short fuse that seems to come out of nowhere.

If you’ve felt more sensitive, prone to flare-ups (physically or emotionally), or like your internal temperature is just a bit “too much,” you’re not imagining it. The external heat of summer can stoke our inner fire too.

This season calls for a shift. Here's what that could look like:

🍽 What to Eat (and What to Ease Up On)

Now’s the time to cool, calm, and hydrate from the inside out.

Favor:

• Fresh, seasonal fruits like watermelon, cucumber, berries, cherries, and peaches

• Cooked greens, zucchini, and steamed asparagus

• Coconut water, mint tea, and aloe juice

• Basmati rice, quinoa, and lighter grains

• Cooling herbs and spices: cilantro, fennel, cardamom, coriander

Cut back on:

• Spicy or fried foods (we see you, hot sauce)

• Vinegar-heavy dressings and alcohol

• Caffeine (yes, even the iced kind—it’s still heating)

• Red meat and fermented foods, which can be overly heating for some

This isn’t about restriction—it’s about relief. You’re simply offering your body what it’s likely already craving.

🏃‍♀️ How to Move

That morning HIIT class might have felt amazing in spring, but in summer? It can tip you right over into burnout. Pitta season rewards consistency over intensity.

Try:

• Early morning walks before the heat sets in

• Gentle yoga or swimming

• Stretching in the shade

• Shorter workouts with longer cool-downs

Let movement feel like a conversation with your body, not a battle.

🛁 Self-Care to Soothe the Fire

Pitta is associated with ambition and drive—both of which are great in moderation. But left unchecked, they can lead to overworking, overthinking, and running hot (literally and figuratively).

Here’s how to take the edge off:

• Use cool oils like coconut or sunflower for self-massage (abhyanga)

• Swap hot showers for lukewarm or cool ones

• Spritz rose water or cucumber hydrosol throughout the day

• Spend time near water—pools, lakes, or even just your bathtub

• Give yourself permission to pause, nap, or say no

And if you’re feeling touchy, tired, or extra sensitive? That’s not weakness—it’s a sign your body is asking for a different kind of support.

The Bottom Line: Your Wellness Should Shift with the Seasons

At Little Bird Wellness, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all healing. We believe in rhythms. In adjusting how you nourish, move, and care for yourself as the world around you shifts. Summer invites you to slow down, cool off, and listen.

If you’re not sure where to start, that’s okay. Whether you’re curious about seasonal massage add-ons, need help calming inflamed skin, or want to talk food and digestion—we’re here to support the whole you.

Feel better in your body this summer. Book a session or reach out to learn more about how we can help you stay balanced in the heat.