25/10/2024
RITUCHARYA: AYURVEDIC SEASONAL REGIMEN
As humans are integral part of the environment, changes in environment during various seasons affect our physiology. To cope with seasonal changes Ayurveda prescribes dietary and lifestyle guidelines , known as Ritucharya, where Ritu means season and Charya means regimen or discipline. This preserve health throughout the year.
Ayurvedic Samhitas divide the year in to six seasons. They are Varsha ( rainy season), Sharad (Autumn), Hemant ( Early winter), Shishir ( late winter), Vasant ( spring)and Grishma ( summer), with the first three belonging to Visharga Kala ( dakshinayan) and last three to Adana kala ( uttarayan). (( earth's position relative to Sun gives rise to to ayans or Kala)). As seasons change the dynamics of tri doshas ( vata, pitta and kapha) fluctuate, influencing human physiology. This causes the variations of Bala ( bodily strength ) and agni ( digestive and metabolic fire).considering these factors, seasonal regimens are designed.
Let's explore the regimens for the ongoing Sharad ritu ( Autumn) and forthcoming Hemant ritu ( early winter), including Ritusandhi ( transition phase of two consecutive seasons)
SHARAD RITUCHARYA AUTUMNREGIMEN)::
In Sharad ritu pitta is naturally aggravated, potentially causing blood related disorders, increased anger, burning sensations etc. With medium body and agni ( digestive and metabolic fire) a pitta samak ( pitta pacifying) regimen is advised.
DIET:
diet should emphasize sweet, bitter and tastes, prioritizing bitter and advised reduced intake of salty, sour and pungent tastes. Prefer easily digestible food having cold potency. Have rice, wheat, barley, green grams, rock sugar (dhaga mishri), Indian gooseberry (amla), black resins, pointed gourds and A2 milk daily. Other recommended foods include ragi millet, Jowar, red lentils ( masoor), pigeon pea, seasonal vegetables like bitter gourds, pumpkins, ridge gourds, leafy vegetables, fruits like custard apples, papaya, grapes can also be taken ( each twice a week). Ghee should be preferred over oils but coconut oil is acceptable. Tikta ghrita ( a medicated ) is specially prescribed. Beverages like water infused with amla or black resins and coconut water are good.
LIFESTYLE:
light and loose clothing should be preferred. Body massage with coconut oil, followed by sandal wood or cus cus grass powder massage. Evening should be enjoyed under moon light.
AVOID:
avoid exposure to sunlight (early morning sunlight is ok), satiate with hearty meal, use of curds, oil, muscle fat, fermented products, meat of aquatic animals, sleeping in the day time and eastern breeze.
HEMANT RITUCHARYA (EARLY WINTER REGIMEN)::
Hemanta ritu is considered the best season for health ( as no doshas are accumulated or aggravated), Characterized by high body strength and agni.
DIET:
To counter balance high agni, focus should be on sweet, sour and salty flavors. Consume unctuous warm and heavy food items. Recommend foods include new rice, barley, bajra ( pearl millets), pulses like green and black grams, kidney beans, chickpeas etc ( given more importance to black grams), one can consume various meats, milk and milk products, sugarcane derivatives and fermented foods and drinks, hot beverages ( best season for foodies)
LIFESTYLE,:
lifestyle adjustments involve intensive exercise regimen ( following ayurvedic guidelines for exercise), body and head massage with oil( preferred sesame oil ), sun bath, application of ubtan and lukewarm water bath.
AVOID:
Dry m cold and light foods and beverages, fasting, exposure to cold wind and sleeping in the day time.
CONCEPT OF RITUSANDHI::
Ritusandhi refers to the 14-day transitional period between two seasons, comprising the last seven days of one season and the initial seven days of the next season. During this phase it is advised to gradually discontinue the regimen of the ongoing season and gradually adoption of the succeeding seasonal regimen to prevent disease onset due to non-habituation.
In Ayurveda, Ritucharya serves as a preventive approach, maintaining health and enhancing individuals immunity. It can also be modified according to specific health issues.
To learn more please reach out to an Ayurvedic expert ЁЯЩП.
Note: The habits of using all six tastes every day is ideal for maintenance of hea, however during particular season the particular tastes should be given priority .
Ritucharya for the remaining seasons will be available soon, please stay connected.
