Baby won't you "fight" my fire!

Its even hot in the pool! Its meant to be cooler in autumn isn't it? Its as fiery as ever here in Hong Kong. I have heard complaints of "prickly heat", "heat rash" and "hot headaches"! We are practicing hot Yoga and Pilates without even trying.

(Does Donald Trump really not believe in global warming?)

According to Ayurvedic principles we have an excess of pitta in the body if we are suffering from the heat. What to do?

We need a certain amount of heat for our digestive and metabolic processes - just to balance it.

• Avoid excessive activity during midday heat as it can be draining. Bring on the nap!

• Eat cooling foods such as cucumbers, sweet fruits and melons. Enjoy more salads and vegetables.

• Make time for relaxing and restoring yourself.

Various poses and exercises cool the body like forward bends and legs up a chair or wall. Also twists help to literally squeeze out all that excess heat in the body. Pilates exercises are done mainly lying down on the mat - which is always invitingly cool. We work on a more subtle level with the deeper muscles.

Or.... We could just fight fire with fire. (Lyrics from the talking heads song Burning Down the House). This would mean Handstands, Headstands, Fire breath, Fast vinyasa flows. Nah, lets save these for winter when we really need the heat. Stay cool :)))

PS the photo is a sunrise in South Africa one winter morning this August- taken by Amy. We awoke at 6am, took a cup of hot coffee and drove to the hill. Awesome and worth the early rise.