RITUCHARYA (Ayurveda Seasonal Regimen)

Ayurveda has depicted various rules and regimens (Charya), regarding diet and behavior to acclimatize seasonal enforcement easily without altering body homeostasis.

Ritucharya consists of lifestyle and ayurvedic diet routine to cope with the bodily and mental impacts caused by seasonal changes as recommended by Ayurveda.

Ritu, the season, classified by different features expresses different effects on the body as well as the environment. Ritucharya is the ancient Ayurvedic practice and consists of two words, “Ritu” which means season and “Charya” which means Regimen or discipline.

Ritucharya is prominently discussed in the first few chapters of most of the Samhitas of Ayurveda. Prevention of disease to maintain health is being the first and foremost aim of the holistic science of Ayurveda.

“Tasya Shitadiya Ahaarbalam Varnascha Vardhate.

Tasyartusatmayam Vaditam Chestaharvyapasrayam” !

(Ref: Tasyashitya chapter of Charaka Samhita)

Meaning : The strength and complexion of the person knowing the suitable diet and regimen for every season and practicing accordingly are enhanced.

Classification of seasons

The year according to Ayurveda is divided into two periods Ayana (solstice) depending on the direction of movement of sun

1. Uttarayana (northern solstice)

2. Dakshinayana (southern solstice).

In Uttarayana

1. Shishira (winter)

2. Vasanta (spring)

3. Grishma (summer)

In Dakshinayana

1. Varsha (monsoon)

2. Sharat (autumn)

3. Hemant (Early Winters).

As Ayurveda has its origin in India, the above seasonal changes are observed predominantly in the Indian subcontinent.

Each is formed of three Ritus (seasons). The word Ritu means “to go.” It is the form in which the nature expresses itself in a sequence.

Shishira	Cool-Dewy (Winter)	​Mid Jan - Mid March
​Vasant	​Spring	Mid March - Mid May
Grishma	Summer	Mid May - Mid July
Varsha	Rainy	​Mid July - Mid Sept
Sharat	Autumn	Mid Sept - Mid Nov
​Hemanta	Early Winter	​Mid Nov - Mid Jan

Uttarayana and its effect

Uttarayana indicates the ascent of the sun or northward movement of the sun. In this period the sun and the wind are powerful. The sun takes away the strength of the people and the cooling quality of the earth.

It brings an increase in the Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent), and Katu (pungent) Rasa (taste), respectively, which brings about dryness in the body and reduces the Bala (strength). It is also called Adana Kala.

During Uttarayana the seasonal changes in the Indian subcontinent are from Shishira (winter) to Vasanta (spring) and to Grishma (summer). The period can be compared to mid-January to mid-July, when warmness and dryness in weather increases. It has an overall debilitating effect on the environment, to which human beings are also a part.

Dakshinayana and its effect

Dakshinayana indicates the descent of the sun or movement of the sun in the southern direction. In this period, the wind is not very dry; the moon is more powerful than the sun. The earth becomes cool due to the clouds, rain, and cold winds. Unctuousness sets in the atmosphere and Amla (sour), Lavana (salty), and Madhura (sweet) Rasa are predominant, so the strength of person enhances during this period. It is also called Visarga Kala.

During Dakshinayana, the seasonal changes occur in the Indian subcontinent from Varsha (monsoon) to Sharat (autumn) and to Hemant (late autumn). This period can be compared to mid-July to mid-January, when cool sets, and due to which anabolic activity dominates over the catabolic activity in the environment.

How the state Bala (strength) varies with each seasonal change

1. In the beginning of Visarga Kala and ending of Adana kala, that is, during Varsha and Grishma, bala (strength) starts depleting.

2. In the middle of the solstices, that is, during Sharat and Vasant, bala (strength)remains moderate.

3. Towards the end of Visarga Kala and in the beginning of Adana Kala, that is, during Hemant and Shishira, Bala (body starts to regain its strength).

Regimen to be followed for different seasons

Shishira Ritu (Winter)

General condition

• Mid-January to mid-March (approximately) is considered as Shishira Ritu (winter). During this season, the environment remains cold, along with cold wind.

• Rasa and Mahabhuta Predominance during this season: Tikta (bitter) and Akasha (Ether/Space), respectively.

• The physical strength is lesser.

• Deposition of the Kapha Dosha occurs and Agni (catabolism) remains in a higher state.

Diet regimen

• Foods having Amla (sour) as the predominant taste are preferred. Cereals and pulses, wheat/gram flour products, new rice, corn are advised.

• Ginger, garlic, Fruits of Terminalia chebula, Pippali sugarcane products, and milk and milk products are advised.

Avoid : Foods having Pungent, Bitter, Astringent predominant tastes, Laghu, Shita (cold) foods.

Lifestyle

• Massage with oil/powder/paste, bathing with lukewarm water, exposure to sunlight, wearing warm clothes are mentioned to follow.

Avoid : Vata aggravating lifestyle like exposure to cold wind, excessive walking, sleep at late night, are to be avoided.

Vasanta Ritu (Spring)

General condition

• This season is considered as the season of flowering and origin of new leaves.

• Predominant Rasa and Mahabhuta : Kashaya (Astringent), and Prithvi (Earth) and Vayu (Air), respectively.

• Strength : medium degree, Vitiation of Kapha Dosha Agni: Mild

Diet regimen

• One should take easily digestible foods. Among cereals, old barley, wheat, rice, and others are preferred.

• Pulses: Lentils, Mugda

• Food items tasting Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent), and Kashaya (astringent) are advisable. Honey is to be included in the diet.

• Meats like that of Shahsa (Rabbit), which are easy to digest, can be taken.

Avoid : Foods which are hard to digest, Sheeta (cold), Snigdha (viscous), Guru (heavy), Amla (sour), Madhura (sweet), new grains, curd, cold drinks, and so on.

Foods which are hard to digest are to be avoided. Those which are Sheeta (cold), Snigdha (viscous), Guru (heavy), Amla (sour), Madhura (sweet) are not preferred. New grains, curd, cold drinks, and so on, are also to be prohibited.

Lifestyle

• One should use warm water for bathing purposes, and may do exercise during Vasant Ritu.

• Udvartana (Dry powder massage) with powder of Chandana, Kesara, Agaru, and others, Kavala (gargle), Dhooma (Ayurvedic smoke inhalation), Anjana (collyrium), panchakarma measures, such as Vamana and Nasya are advised.

Avoid : Day-sleep is strictly contraindicated during this season

Grishma Ritu (Summer)

General condition

• Mid-May to mid-July (approximately) is considered as Grishma (summer) season. Environment is prevalent with intense heat and unhealthy wind.

• Rivers dried up and the plants appeared lifeless.

• Predominant Rasa is Katu (pungent)

• Predominant Mahabhuta are Agni(Fire) (Air) and Vayu.

• The strength of the person becomes less

• Deposition of Vata Dosha occurs

• Vitiated Kapha Dosha is pacified

• Agni : mild state.

Diet regimen

• Foods which are light to digest—those having Madhura (sweet), Snigdha (unctuous), Sheeta (cold), and Drava (liquid) Guna, such as rice, lentil, etc., are advised.

• Drinking plenty of water and other liquids, such as room temperature water, buttermilk, fruit juices, meat soups, mango juice, churned curd with pepper.

• At bedtime milk with sugar candy is to be taken.

Avoid : Lavana and food with Katu (pungent) and Amla (sour) taste and Ushna (warm) foods.

Lifestyle

• Staying in cool places, applying sandalwood and other aromatic pastes over the body, adorning with flowers, wearing light dresses and sleeping at day time are helpful. During the night one can enjoy the cooled moon rays with breeze.

Avoid : Excessive exercise or hard work is to be avoided; too much sexual indulgence and alcoholic preparations are prohibited.

Varsha Ritu (Monsoon)

General condition

• Mid-July to mid-September (approximately) is considered as Varsha Ritu.

• During this season the sky is covered by clouds and rains occur without thunderstorms. The ponds, rivers, etc., are filled with water.

• Predominant Rasa and Mahabhuta : Amla (sour), and Prithvi(Earth) and Agni (Fire).

• Strength (Bala) : less

• Vitiation of Vata Dosha and deposition of Pitta Dosha, Agni : Vitiated gets vitiated.

Diet regimen

• Foods having Amla (sour) and Lavana (salty) taste and of Sneha (unctuous) qualities are to be taken.

• Among cereals, old barley, rice, wheat, etc., are advised. Besides meat soup, Yusha (soup), etc. are to be included in the diet. It is mentioned that one should take medicated water or boiled water.

Avoid : Intake of river water, churned preparations having more water, excessive liquid and wine, foods that are heavy and hard to digest, like meat, etc., are prohibited.

Lifestyle

• Use of boiled water for bath and rubbing the body with oil properly after bath is advised.

• Medicated Basti (enema) is prescribed as a Panchakarma measure to expel vitiated Doshas.

Avoid: Getting wet in rain, day-sleep, exercise, hard work, sexual indulgence, wind, staying at river-bank, etc., are to be prohibited

Sharat Ritu (Autumn)

General condition

• The period between mid-September to mid-November is Sharat Ritu (autumn). During this time the Sun becomes bright, the sky remains clear and sometimes with white clouds, and the earth is covered with wet mud. Predominant Rasa - Lavana (salty)

• Predominant Mahabhuta are Apa(Water) and Agni(Fire).

• Strength (Bala): Medium

• Vata Dosha pacifies and vitiation of Pitta Dosha occurs

• Agni : Increases

Diet regimen

• Advised foods with Madhura (sweet) Tikta (bitter) taste, Laghu (light to digest) and cold properties.

• Foods that pacify vitiated Pitta like Wheat, green gram, sugar candy, honey, Patola, flesh of animals of dry land (Jangala Mamsa)

Avoid : Hot, bitter, sweet, and astringent foods, fat, oils, meat of aquatic animals, curds.

Lifestyle

• Having meals only when Hungry is advisable. Water purified by the rays of sun in day time and rays of moon at night time is ideal for drinking, bathing, etc.

• Wearing flower garlands, and applying a paste of Chandana (Santalum album) on the body is mentioned. Exposure to moon rays in the first 3 hours of night is conducive for health. Panchakarma Advised: Virechana Rakta-Mokshana.

Avoid : Day-sleep, excessive eating, excessive exposure to sunlight, etc., are to be avoided.

Hemant Ritu (Late Autumn)

General condition

• Mid-November to mid-January is considered as Hemant (late autumn) Ritu. Blow of cold winds starts and chillness is felt. Predominant Rasa : Madhura(sweet)

• Predominant Mahabhuta : Prithvi (Earth) and Apa (Water).

• Strength : on highest grade and vitiated Pitta Dosha gets pacified.

• Agni: increased

Diet regimen

• Advised food that are unctuous, sweet, sour, and salty foods.

• Cereals and pulses, new rice, flour preparations, green gram, Masha, are advised.

• Various meats, fats, milk and milk products, sugarcane products, Sindhu (fermented preparations), Tila (sesame), and so on, are also to be included in the diet.

Avoid : Vata aggravating foods, such as Laghu (light), cold, dry foods , cold drinks.

Lifestyle

• Exercise, body and head massage, use of warm water, Atapa-sevana (sunbath), application of Agaru on body & heavy or warm clothing is advised

Conclusion

It is to be known that disharmony in the Doshas—Vatu, Pitta, and Kapha results in Roga (disease). The aim of the science of Ayurveda is to maintain harmony.

With changes in diet and lifestyle, there are changes in the state of Tridosha, which is bound to affect us, resulting in disharmony, causing lifestyle diseases.

Ritu acts as Vyanjaka or Nimittakarana (a good recipe or reason) in the aggravation and manifestation of disease.

With global warming and variation in the advent of season, it can surely be a query, of the importance of Ritucharya in the present scenario. It is to be understood that the background on which Ritucharya is based, that is, Dosha and Panchamahabhuta theory.