Some observations related to season wise outburst of diseases.
- Common cold and flu are most common during the fluctuations in weather. Peak time generally occurs between late December and early March in most parts.
- Arthritis, skin diseases (eczema & psoriasis), flare up in winter.
- Children are more vulnerable to respiratory diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia during the shift from summer to fall due to changes in temperature and humidity. Children may exhibit symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
- Monsoon season in India brings a surge of infections like Dengue, Malaria, Cholera, Typhoid, Flu, Leptospirosis, and Fungal infections.
There are profound fluctuations in climate that occur within the annual cycle of seasonal changes. The severity of these changes depends on latitude of location and prevailing topography.
As the season changes, there are plenty of things that changes accordingly, which show a high impact on human health. Understanding the qualities of each of these seasons can help you reduce any adverse effects.
Seasonal care by Ayurveda
Ayurveda provides detailed guidelines on modifying our self-care regimen according to the seasons through the concept of Rutucharya.
Understanding the Dosha predominance according to every season and lifestyle modifications for keeping the harmony between predominant dosha and other health parameters is the pathway to wellness and vitality.
Rutucharya is the ancient Ayurvedic practice and is comprised of two words, “Rutu” which means season and “charya” which means Regimen or discipline.
Rutucharya consists of lifestyle and Ayurvedic diet routine to cope with the bodily and mental impacts caused by seasonal changes as recommended by Ayurveda. Rutucharya enables us to build our physical strength and mental capability to battleailments that may happen due to seasonal changes. In addition to that, it balances all the three doshas in our body and keeps us fit and healthy throughout the year.
6 seasons according to Ayurveda
A year is divided into 2 Kaals (time periods). Each Kaal comprises of 3 seasons which gives a total of 6 seasons in a year. Each season lasts for two months and these seasons are precisely found in Indian subcontinent.
By noticing the features of particular season described by Ayurveda , one can conclude for particular season at different geographic locations. According to that, one must follow Rutucharya mentioned by Ayurveda for gaining maximize health benefits.
Adaan Kaal/ Northern Solstice/ Uttaryana (14 January to 14 July)
It consists of following 3 Rutus.
1. Shishir Rutu – Winter season
2. Vasant Rutu – Spring season
3. Grishma Rutu – Summer season
Visarga Kaal/ Southern Solstice/ Dakshinayana (14 July to 14 January)
It consists of following 3 Rutus.
1. Varsha Rutu – Monsoon season
2. Sharad Rutu – Autumn/ Fall season
3. Hemant Rutu – Late Autumn/Pre-Winter season
Adaan Kaal/ Northern Solstice/ Uttaryana
1. Shishir Rutucharya (Winter) -
During this season, the environment remains cold and windy. This season will have more cold and dryness compared to previous Hemant Rutu.
In the Shishir rutu nights are longer than days which start to become shorter as rutu progresses. Cold weather also accompanies with dryness in air. There will be snow fall in some regions .
People will have very good body strength and strong digestive fire. Such Increased Jatharagni (Digestive Fire) is able to digest food which is heavy (Guru) in nature.
Diet Routine –
In response to external cold atmosphere body starts to retain heat, which results in stronger and better Digestive capacity (Jatharagni) . Such improved Jatharagni is able to Digest heavy foods such as meat, fats, poultry products and dairy products such as milk, cheese, ghee etc. Heavy foods are advised in this season.
Foods that are sweet, sour and salty are especially beneficial in cold, dry winters. Bitter and spicy foods should be avoided as they tend to increase Vata and dryness in the body.
Foods having Amla (tarty) as the overwhelming taste is preferred. Cereals and pulses, wheat/gram flour items, new rice, corn, and others, are suggested.
Ginger, garlic, Haritaki (fruits of Terminalia chebula), Pippali (products of Piper longum), sugarcane items, and milk and milk items are to be incorporated into the eating regimen.
Lifestyle –
There is a natural accumulation of kapha due to the cold and wet environment, so one should try to keep warm. Heavy, warm, dry clothes should be worn.
Vigorous exercises can be done. In this season aerobic exercises or other forms of physical exercise routine can be followed.
Regular body massage with oil according to individuals prakruti should be done. Massage not only generates heat, thereby providing respite from the cold, but it also keeps Vata dosha from getting aggravated.
2. Vasant Rutucharya (Spring) –
This season is considered as the season of flowers and origin of new leaves. The predominant Rasa and Mahabhuta during this season are Kashaya (astringent), and Prithvi and Vayu, respectively.
An individual’s strength during this season remains at medium level, it is the season of predominant Kapha Dosha which keeps Agni i.e digestion power in Manda state.
Diet Routine –
Food items tasting bitter, Katu (pungent), Kashaya (astringent) should be eaten. Honey can also be incorporated with food.
One should take foods that are easily digestable. Old grains and cereals are recommended. Use Ginger, Garlic, Onion, Cumin, Turmeric, Coriander in meals.
Buttermilk with Jeera powder, honey, old grains are recommended in this season.
Avoid newly harvested grains, milk and milk products, cold drinks and cold water, heavy, oily food. Repeated eating or Overeating should be also avoided.
Lifestyle -
Using tepid water for bathing is considered ideal. Exercising during Vasant Rutu is a must to avoid Kapha predominance.
Massage with the powder of Chandana, Kesara, Agaru is suggested. Evacuative measures, like Vamana and Nasya are suggested.
Sleeping during day is not advised during this season.
3. Grishma Rutucharya (Summer) -
This season is intensely hot and environment is prevalent with unhealthy wind. The lakes and rivers are dried up, the plants are lifeless and the strength of an individual becomes weak. Deposition of Vata Dosha happens but the Kapha Dosha is relaxed during this season. Agni of the person remains in mild condition.
Diet Routine –
Foods which are light to process—those having Madhura (sweet), Snigdha (unctuous), Sheeta (cool), and Drava (fluid) Guna, for example, rice, lentil, etc., should be eaten.
Drinking a lot of water and different fluids, like cold water, buttermilk, fruit juices, meat soups, mango juice, stirred curd with pepper, is suggested. At sleep time milk with sugar should be taken.
Lifestyle –
Avoid going out in the hot sun, too much exposure to heat and dry wind is not beneficial to our bodies. Stay indoors instead – at least during the peak afternoon hours when the sun is at its most intense.
Wear light, cotton clothes – cotton is soft, soaks sweat, is breathable and allows the heat to escape, keeping you cool.
Bathe twice a day – with normally cooled water (not overly cold).
Don’t indulge in excess physical activities – Vyayama drains out the energy during the Grishma ritu, so ideally exercise early in the day before the sun’s gets scorching hot.
Use of sandalwood/Chandan (Sandal perfumes or sandalwood pastes) during the Grishma rutu is helpful as Chandan is known to have a cooling effect on the body.
A short nap during the daytime is beneficial as it can help rejuvenate the body.
Avoid spending too much time in A/C rooms, as they suck the humidity in the room, leaving it dry and cold which can cause dehydration.
Visarga kaal / Southern solstice / Dakshinayana
1. Varsha Rutucharya (Monsoon) -
During this season, the sky is cloudy and rain without thunderstorms is common features of this season.
The lakes and rivers are filled with water. Rasa and Mahabhuta predominance in this season are Amla (sour), and Prithvi and Agni, respectively
.The strength of an individual becomes weak in this season. Predominant of Vata Dosha, deposition of Pitta Dosha and weakened Agni are common features of Varsha Rutu.
Diet Routine –
Opt for warm foods and beverages that provide comfort and aid digestion. Enjoy nourishing soups, herbal teas, and freshly cooked meals that soothe the body and soul. Incorporate warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom to enhance digestion and boost immunity.
Foods having Amla (tarty) and Lavana (salty) taste and of Sneha (unctuous) qualities should be eaten.
Prefer steamed foods instead of fried/deep-fried stuff. Eat fresh foods and avoid the refrigerated ones.
To increase the digestive fire, consume a chunk of ginger with salt, preferably saindhava, the rock salt. Consume seasonal vegetables and fruits. Include cow’s ghee in the diet.
Leafy vegetables can be vata aggravating and have to be avoided during the rainy season.
Limit or avoid meat consumption. Undercooked and uncooked foods like salads are not to be entertained.
As the digestive fire is weak, consider adding ginger, asafoetida, pepper, and other digestion-promoting herbs to the daily diet.
Lifestyle –
Do not indulge in excess exercises as it will increase vata. Mild stretching exercises can be practiced.
Avoid day sleep as it can slow down metabolism. Better stay away from air-conditioners and damp things. Keep yourself clean and dry. Put on footwear while walking.
Dhoopana (fumigation) can protect you from vector-borne diseases. It is an Ayurvedic mode of disinfection.
This is the best season for Panchakarma therapies and rejuvenation therapies Abhyanga (oil massage) followed by a bath in lukewarm water is entertained. Boiled water for bathing and massaging the body properly with oil is advised during this season. Medicated Basti (enema) is prescribed as an evacuative measure to expel vitiated Doshas.
2. Sharad Rutucharya (Autumn/Fall) -
During this season, the Sun turns out to be splendid, the sky stays clear and sometimes with white cloud, and the earth is smeared with wet mud. The prevalent Rasa Is Lavana (salty) and transcendent Mahabhutas are Apa and Agni.
The strength and energy of an individual stays medium, appeasement of vitiated Vata Dosha and vitiation of Pitta Dosha happens, and movement of Agni increases amid this season.
Diet Routine –
Foods having Madhura (sweet) and Tikta (sharp) taste, and of Laghu (light to process) and cold properties should be eaten. Foods having the properties to mollify vitiated Pitta are advised. Wheat, green gram, sugar sweet, nectar, Patola (Trichosanthes diocia), meat of animals from dry land (Jangala Mamsa) is to be incorporated into the eating routine.
Hot, bitter, sweet, and astringent foods should be avoided.
Eat ghee in sufficient quantities as it improves the digestive fire, removes the dryness of skin and helps balance the pitta dosha.
Lifestyle –
Restorative remedies such as Virechana, which is one of Panchakarma therapies and includes body and mind purification, specifically help eliminate the pitta dosha and can be completed during Sharad Ritu.
A body massage with Chandan (sandal wood) paste can be beneficial as Chandan is known to have cooling properties which help in balancing the pitta dosha.
Continued and direct exposure to sunlight can aggravate pitta, so make sure you don’t go out too much in the hot sun.
Pranayama, regular yoga and staying active by having a regular exercise schedule are a must for continued good health habit of eating food, just when there is a feeling of hunger is suggested.
3. Hemant Rutucharya (Late Autumn/Pre-Winter)
This is the season of cool breezes and chillness. Dominating Rasa amid this season is Madhura and the overwhelming Mahabhutas are Prithivi and Apa.
The energy and strength of an individual stays on highest grade and vitiated Pitta Dosha gets assuaged. Strength of Agni is increased.
Diet Routine –
One should eat unctuous, sweet, tarty, and salty foods. Among grains and pulses, new rice, flour arrangements, green gram, Masha, etc., are suggested to be eaten.
Different meats, fats, milk and milk items, sugarcane items, Shidhu (fragmented preparations), Tila (sesame), etc., are likewise to be incorporated into the eating regimen.
Dairy foods like cow milk, butter, ghee and edible oils are recommended.
Abundance of healthy fruits and vegetables like Amla, fig, apple, lemon, raisins, spinach, pumpkin, carrots etc. should be consumed. Drink warm water throughout the season.
Overeating should be avoided. Unhealthy foods like fried foods, carbonated drinks, sprouts etc. should be avoided.
Lifestyle -
Regular Oil massage, daily Exercise and Yoga is recommended. Use of Woollen clothes is recommended.
Nature is full of transitions. The seasons change from summer to fall to winter to spring and can affect our health in subtle ways. Food habits, lifestyle and environmental pollutants have a major impact on your health and well-being.
Extreme hot or cold conditions and drastic climate changes have an adverse effect on the body.
Nadi Tarangini can provide perfect insights related to lifestyle modifications according to changing season through their app and by executing Nadi Pariksha.
Keep following Rutucharya for avoiding all seasonal changes related health hazards.
