(under the aegis of Ashtanga Educational Trust)

The Leading Ayurveda Medical College Hospital & Research Center

Ritucharya – A lifestyle for each season according to Ayurveda

As per Ayurveda there are 6 seasons (Ritus )
They are:

  • Hemantha (Early winter)
  • Sisira (Extreme winter)
  • Vasantha (Spring)
  • Greeshma (Summer)
  • Varsha (Rainy)
  • Sarath (Autumn)

 During each of these reasons, the position of the sun will be different as a result of which the moisture content in the atmosphere will also be different. So care should be taken to maintain appropriate seasonal regimen for each season in order to remain healthy. There will be altered body strength in each ritu (season) and so the food habits and daily regimen should be slightly altered in each ritu.

  • Body strength will be maximum during Hemantha (Early winter) & Sisira (Extreme winter)
  • Body strength will be moderate during Vasantha (Spring) & Sarath (Autumn)
  • Body strength will be minimal during Varsha (Rainy) & Greeshma (Summer)

Seasonal regimen for Hemantha ritu (Early winter season) & Sisira ritu (Extreme winter season)

In early winter, there will be an increase in appetite. So one should take food items having Madhura (sweet), Amla (sour), Lavana (salty) tastes predominantly. In this season, the duration of night will be long. So one will be hungry in the early morning itself.

  • Meat soup, meat and milk products could be adequately consumed.
  • Hot water should be used for toiletry purposes.
  • Body should be wrapped with a light blanket.
  • Sun basking should be done judiciously.

Seasonal regimen for Vasantha ritu (Spring season)

There will be a decrease in digestive fire during this season. So we will be more prone to diseases. Routine Panchakarma treatment during this season could prevent the diseases.
Food should be laghu (light) and rooksha (dry)

  • Intake of barley, wheat, meat as barbecue is recommended. Water + honey could be used for
  • Drinking.
  • Routine exercises should be practiced.
  • Avoid sleep during daytime.
  • Also we must avoid food having predominance of madhura (sweet) & amla (sour) taste that are solid/unctuous/heavy.

Seasonal regimen for Greeshma ritu (Summer season)

  • Kapha diminishes every day and vata perturbed.
  • Salty, sour and hot food items to be avoided.
  • Food should be with predominant sweet taste, easy to digest, not dry and liquid in nature.
  • Exercise and exposure to sunlight should be completely avoided.
  • Bath should be done in cold water.
  • Alcohol intake should be completely avoided. If taken, it should be very little in quantity with more quantity of water.
  • Care should be taken in the daily water intake. Perspiration will be more and so, quantity of urine output should be maintained by intake of 2.5 to 3 liters of water every day.
  • Application of sandalwood paste on the body helps to cool it.
  • Clothing should be light and mostly cotton is preferable.

Seasonal regimen for Varsha ritu (Rainy season)

  • Agni (Digestive power) will be naturally diminished.
  • All the three doshas will get vitiated.
  • Food used should be soothing to all the three doshas and that which will promote digestive capacity.
  • Drinking water should be boiled. Either properly collected rain water or well water can be used for drinking.
  • Food should have predominant sour and salt tastes. Can include ghee in the diet.
  • Food should not be in a liquid state.
  • Should not go out without wearing chappals.
  • Dress should be sterilised and smelling good.
  • River water, day sleeping, strenuous work, exposure to sunlight should be avoided.

Seasonal regimen for Sarath ritu (Autumn season)

  • As the sun gets stronger after the rains, pitha gets vitiated.
  • To pacify the vitiated pitha intake of thikthaka ghritham is advised.
  • Purgation and bloodletting is also suggested (to be done under medical guidance only).
  • Food should be easy to digest and with dominant bitter, pungent and astringent tastes.
  • Application of chandana, ramacha and karpoora paste on the body is helpful.
  • Exposure to moonlight at night is suggested.
  • Snow, heavy meals, curd(Yoghurt), Sesame oil, exposure to sunlight, alcohol intake, and day sleep should be avoided.

Disclaimer: The above article is for general awareness and informational purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.