Fall is arriving this month, but summer isn’t over yet. Ayurveda teaches about “thermal accumulation,” an interesting phenomenon that happens at summer’s end. As the summer progresses the earth heats up. And because we are earth-bound people, we also heat up. If the heat accumulates in the body unchecked, we put ourselves at risk of poor health this fall and winter.

This is why Ayurveda teaches us to take care of ourselves in the previous season so that our immune system can be strong in the next one.

Here are some of the symptoms of thermal accumulation: diarrhea, inflammation, hot flashes, skin rashes, poor digestion and allergies. As the weather begins to turn cooler, these symptoms can change to constipation, dry skin and fall colds.

Remember that prevention is the key. This is Pitta season, the hot season of the year. Eat cooling foods: cucumber, cilantro, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains. Favor Pitta-pacifying tastes sweet, bitter, astringent. Avoid foods that are pungent, sour, or salty.

The three best foods for easing thermal accumulation are pomegranates, apples and watermelon. All are available in stores right now. Eat one of these every day.

Also stay hydrated, even when it’s humid. Drinks should be room temperature or hotter. Never drink cold drinks because they douse digestive fire. Strive to drink ½ of your body weight in ounces each day (150lbs = 75 oz or about 9 cups)

Follow these guidelines and you’ll glide into Fall with a strong immune system!

Chakras are marvelous energy centers in the body that are so revered in the yoga tradition. Just recently someone asked me how and why the chakras work, so let’s take some time to check in with the chakras.

Everyone is familiar with GROSS anatomy of the body. Gross anatomy is what we can see with our eyes and touch with our hands. We know where the arms and legs are located and we are aware of the various organs, muscles, bones and connective tissues that make up the body. A concept that may be new to most people, however, is SUBTLE anatomy of the body—those parts that cannot be seen or touched, not even in an autopsy.

Chakras are part of the subtle anatomy of the body. No one can see the chakras with their eyes or touch them with their hands. But many can sense them through an exchange of energy. Energy can feel warm, cold, tingly or magnetic. Some really talented people can even “see” the colors of chakras emanating from the places in the body where they are said to exist.

Try this: Hold one or both palms in the front of the center of the chest. Keep the palms a few inches away from and facing the chest. Close your eyes and notice any sensations you feel in your palms. After a minute or two, think about someone you love or for whom you have very positive feelings. Does this change the sensations you feel in your palms? If so, you have just felt the activation of your Heart Chakra, the center of love, empathy and compassion in your body.

In yoga we generally work with seven chakras which are situated parallel to the spine. Over many years, some agreement has arisen as to where they’re located, what colors are associated with them, what parts of the gross anatomy they are associated with, and how their state of balance or imbalance affects one’s emotions and attitudes.

Some agreement has also arisen about ways to work with the chakras that can bring more consistent balance to one’s energy. These tools include yoga poses, meditations, special sounds known as mantras, aromatherapy with essential oils and plant fragrances and colors through gemstones.

Enhance the subtle energy of your Heart Chakra this week by practicing a backbend, repeating the affirmation “I am lovable and I am loving,” bringing the colors green and pink into your environment, and breathing the scent of fresh-cut flowers.

How does it feel to be in touch with your center of Love?