Ayurveda for Heat Waves: Sandalwood Paste on Melon Pulse Points, Tips to Prevent Heat Related Illness in Summer | Health

In Ayurveda, maintaining internal and external coolness during the summer is essential to prevent sunstroke and heat-related diseases and to do so we must follow a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. According to experts, Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach to combating heat waves by addressing the body’s internal balance.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sarvesh Kumar Agrawal, associate professor at National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, advised, “We should incorporate cooling diets, herbs and practices in our daily routine during the summer months. Amla juice and Aloe Vera are famous for their cooling properties and can be consumed regularly to regulate body temperature and promote overall well-being. Also, applying sandalwood paste on the body, especially on the pulse points, helps cool the skin and relieves heat.”

He added: “It is also important to continue hydrating the body by drinking water regularly and eating juicy fruits like melon, watermelon, orange, etc., which is also essential. People should also focus on yoga, especially anulom vilom and bhramari pranayam, and do it every day for 30 minutes. We can easily prevent summer heat related problems by following Ayush practices.”

Dr. Shashibala Sainy, Ayush expert and PhD scholar, shared, “You can add hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumber to your diet. These foods not only keep the body cool but also replenish lost fluids, preventing dehydration. Additionally, follow practices like Pranayama, or yogic breathing exercises, into your daily routine to improve respiratory health and promote overall well-being. To protect the skin from the direct rays of the sun, applying coconut oil or Neem paste on the body acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting the skin from harmful UV rays and preventing sunburn.”

Stating that as temperatures rise, it is also important to protect our eyes from the harsh effects of the sun, Vaibhav Jain, Ayush expert and co-founder of Aayush Bharat, shared, “Ayurveda offers simple yet powerful remedies to maintain eye health. during heat waves. One such practice is washing your eyes with rose water, which helps soothe and refresh tired eyes while reducing inflammation. During summer, you can apply a cooling eye mask made of cucumber slices placed over your closed eyelids, providing instant relief from eye strain and puffiness caused by sun exposure. During these months we should also incorporate foods rich in Vitamin A, such as carrots and spinach, into our diet. “These foods help nourish the eyes from within, promoting optimal vision and preventing UV damage.”