Understanding Pitta Season in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, summer is ruled by Pitta dosha, governed by the fire and water elements. While Pitta energy supports sharp focus and strong digestion, an excess can lead to overheating, irritability, inflammation, and restlessness.

A cooling yoga sequence is one of the most effective ways to restore balance—especially when paired with Pitta-pacifying herbs like wild indigo, sandalwood, and mint.

Pro Tip: Practicing on Bennd’s Indigo Ayurvedic Yoga Mat or Pink Super Moon Yoga Mat enhances cooling thanks to its infusion of wild indigo and other medicinal herbs known to pacify Pitta.

Read more: Why Yogis Swear by Indigo This Summer →

The Ayurvedic Approach to Cooling Yoga

Pitta-balancing yoga focuses on slowing down, creating space, and inviting a sense of ease into your practice. Avoid overly intense flows or heated environments, and instead choose grounding postures, gentle backbends, and deep breathing techniques.

Cooling Yoga Poses for Pitta Season

1. Forward Fold (Uttanasana)

• Calms the mind, releases heat from the head, and soothes the nervous system.

• Hold for 5–8 breaths, letting the crown of the head relax toward the mat.

  

2. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)

• Stretches the spine and hamstrings while encouraging introspection.

• Keep a soft bend in the knees to avoid strain.

3. Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

• A gentle twist to detoxify and refresh the digestive system without building heat.

4. Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

• Opens the chest and heart while maintaining a cooling, supported posture.

• Use a herbal-infused bolster under the sacrum for extra comfort.

5. Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

• A restorative hip opener perfect for calming the mind and body.

• Place lavender or sandalwood eye pillows for added relaxation.

  

Cooling Breathwork (Pranayama)

Sheetali (Cooling Breath):

• Curl your tongue into a tube, inhale through the mouth, exhale through the nose.
• Repeat for 8–10 rounds to instantly reduce body heat.

Sheetkari (Hissing Breath):

• Press the teeth together, open the lips, inhale through the teeth, exhale through the nose.
• Ideal for reducing emotional heat like irritability or frustration.

Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing):

• While not a traditional cooling breath like Sheetali or Sheetkari, this technique helps balance both hemispheres of the brain, calm the nervous system, and gently reduce stress-related heat in the body.

• Sit comfortably, use your thumb to close the right nostril, inhale through the left, then close the left nostril and exhale through the right. Continue alternating for 5–10 cycles.

• This is especially beneficial at the end of a summer practice to ground and center the mind.

Close Your Practice with Intention

End with a few minutes in Savasana, visualizing cool, calming waves of blue light washing over you. This imagery works beautifully with the Indigo Ayurvedic Yoga Mat, amplifying the mat’s naturally soothing qualities.

Final Word:
Pitta season is the perfect time to slow down, release heat, and invite in calm. Pair this cooling yoga flow with other Pitta-balancing Ayurvedic practices and your body will thank you all summer long.

Shop our Yoga Collection for Indigo mats, herbal bolsters, and meditation tools designed to keep you balanced and refreshed.