Ritucharya

Given that the term prakriti denotes both body constitution and nature, it is only expected that with the changing seasons of nature there will be corresponding effects on the bhutas and thereby the doshas of the constitution. Cold, dry weather for instance enhances vata, hot humid climate increases pitta, while cold, wet weather aggravates kapha.

To avoid such continued aggravation leading to imbalance of the doshas, Ayurveda prescribes a seasonal routine to preserve the doshic balance as the seasons change. For each season therefore, there is a unique diet (ahar), a distinct mode of living (vihara) and routine living (karya). These keep your doshas in a state of equilibrium and help you cope with the stresses and strains of changing seasons.

In Ayurvedic literature the year is divided into six ritus (seasons) - varsha (monsoon), sharada (autumn), hemanta (winter), shishira (late winter), girshma (summer) and vasanta (spring). The effects of these ritus on the three doshas and the suggested lifestyle for each is as indicated below :

Monsoon :

Diet

• Digestive power weakens and bodily vata is aggravated.
• It is advisable therefore to be moderate in your diet.
• Come rains, tuck into astringent, bitter and pungent food along with wheat & rice.
• Never forget to boil & cool your water. And if possible, add a little honey.

Conduct

• Go for oil massages and regular baths.
• Do not indulge in daytime sleeping.
• Avoid moving in the sun, and excessive physical exercise.
• Do not indulgence in excessive sex.

Autumn :

Diet

• Yummy dishes with astringent, bitter or sweet tastes are for you to enjoy.
• Have lots of rice, barley, wheat, along with curd, cabbage, cheese, milk.
• Avoid meat, yoghurt.

Conduct

• This is the right time to go through purgation & blood letting treatment.
• Avoid excessive sunbathing
• Do not expose yourself to easterly winds.

Winter :

Diet

• Dig into piping hot, oily, sour & salty food along with rice. Also plenty of cow's milk & cane juice.
• Drink warm water and it will improve your life span.
• Avoid light food to pacify vata.

Conduct

• Don't expose yourself to cold.
• Go for an invigorating oil massage followed by tepid water bath.
• Cover your body with sufficient warm wraps
• Indulge in intense sexual pleasure.

Summer :

Diet

• Take in plenty of fluids. Avoid dehydration.
• Avoid food with pungent, acid & salt tastes.
• Tuck into sweet, cold & oily foods. Meat of birds & animals are good for you.

Conduct

• Avoid excessive physical exercises & excessive sex.
• Avoid sunlight and harmful UV rays.
• Enjoy the cool breeze of your garden & fragrance of flowers.
• Try to take a short nap.