Ayurveda is a system that aims to clearly explain the benefits and drawbacks, satisfaction levels, and other good and bad aspects of life and lifestyle within certain bounds. The goal of Ayurveda is to achieve health to fulfill one’s duty, gain money, satisfy one’s desires, and find redemption. The culture of Ayurvedic medicine focuses more on guarding the body from pollution than it does on curing illness. The robust foundations of “DINCHARYA,” or daily routine, and “RUTCHARYA,” or seasonal regiment, provide Ayurveda’s defensive feature. To prevent seasonal illnesses and increase immunity, a healthy diet, and a ritucharya regimen are essential. Ritucharya is an approach to living according to the seasons. This could include simple decisions like dressing warmer in the winter.
Concept of Ritucharya In Ayurveda?
Ayurveda has mentioned the concept of ritucharya, which consists of a regiment of different seasons of the year. Every ritu or season has its properties or GUNA that defines the nature of a particular season, and according to this, we must follow the routine to stay healthy.
Not all the seasons are the same. The acharyas described as the seasons according to.
“KALA”
- UTTARAYAN:
The word derived from these two words: Uttar + Ayana
- In this, the motion of the sun towards the north. Seasons in this Kala are Shishira, Vasanta, and Grishma
- It is also called the “ADAN KALA”. The rays of the sun become intense, and the winds become strong and harsh. It influences the human body along with all medicines. The digestive power of the body also decreases in this season.
- If we eat heavy food in this season and have improper digestion, we start feeling ill, and Immunity also decreases. In this season, the body’s Immunity gets comparatively low due to the harsh nature of the sun.
- DAKSHINAYAN:
The word derived from these two words: Dakshin + Ayana
- In this, the motion of the sun is towards the south. Seasons in this Kala: Varsha, Sharad, and Hemant
It is also called “VISARGA KALA”. Because this time. the rays of the sun are comparatively dim and softer than the Uttar Ayana. There is an increase of ‘rasa’ in the atmosphere. The soothing properties of the moon predominate in the atmosphere, and the temperature is low.
What Changes Are Noticeable In Summer?
Due to the excessive heat in the summer, the moisture of the environment gets dried up and ultimately leads to the loss of the water content from the body. According to Ayurveda when the body gets dried it leads to the deficiency of Kapha in the body and accumulation of Vata is seen prominently.
Ayurveda also states that BALA in the body comes due to the Kapha, with decreases in the Kapha body strength will also disturb and decrease. Also, our body needs energy to digest the food so digestive power or Agni also becomes very mild during the ghrisma ritucharya.
GOOD LIFESTYLE DURING SUMMER?
In Simple words, the food that should be consumed during this season should be Madhura rasa, Sheeta, Snigdha, and Dravya ahara, which will help in maintaining the Kapha in the body and will decrease the effect of Vata dosha, dryness in the body. The food should also be very light, and easily digestible as digestive fire remains weak during this season.
It is also suggested to take more liquid juices of fresh fruits and vegetables during this season, as it helps to maintain the moisture content of the body.
In view of physical activities, it is suggested that only light exercises should be preferred during the season and should be done in less exposure to direct sunlight as they are very intense during this ritu.
In this ritu due to the long days and short night duration, it is mentioned to have a sleep during daytime in a properly ventilated cooled space having water fountains. Also, at night, exposure to the moonlight is very good for your health.
Then the use of garlands of fresh flowers, gemstones (Manidharan), and Anointing of the Chandan lepa over a body is very much beneficial during this ritu.
Taking care of the energy of the body, adhering to the liquid diet, and being in a cold environment are good during this ritu, as energy is very less which can lead to weakness and indigestion.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES DURING SUMMER
- During this ritu, one should not consume food which has Katu (spicy), Lavana (salt), and Amla (sour) Rasa. Intake of SOUR CURD is to be avoided as it is Guru and Abhishyandi; it will delay the digestion process.
- Alcohol intake should also be limited during this ritu, if needed it should be taken with more water.
- APART from this, some medicated formulations can also be taken to get relief from the burning sensation.
- The use of Sattu sevan and Kharjuradi Mantha is very beneficial during this time.
