Chapter 48

RITUCHARYA

  • The year is divided into six seasons, known as “Ritu,” each lasting for about two months. These are based on the climatic conditions in India, and the practice of Ritucharya emphasizes the idea that the body and mind are highly influenced by external environmental changes.
  • By following seasonal routines, we align our health and well-being with nature’s rhythms, enhancing immunity and preventing diseases.
  • Ayurveda’s goal with Ritucharya is to adjust our lifestyle, diet, and habits according to the specific characteristics of each season.
  • This ensures that our doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—remain in balance, thereby maintaining optimal health.

The Six Seasons in Ayurveda

The seasons in Ayurveda are divided into two major cycles based on the movement of the sun:

  • Adana Kala (Northern Solstice)
  • Visarga Kala (Southern Solstice)
  • Adana Kaala (Northern Solstice)
  • Adana Kaala refers to the Uttarayana or northern solstice period when the sun moves northward (mid-January to mid-July).
  • This phase is also called the “Depletion Period”, as the sun’s increasing strength causes depletion of moisture and energy in the environment and within the human body.
  • Characteristics:
  1. Strength of the Sun: The sun is at its peak, leading to increased heat, dryness, and depletion of natural resources like water and plant vitality.
  2. Body’s Strength: During this time, the body tends to become weaker as the natural moisture and energy levels are reduced.
  3. Seasons : Shishira (late winter), Vasanta (spring), and Grishma (summer) fall under Adana Kaala.
  4. Dosha Influence: This period is dominated by Vata and Pitta doshas, with increasing heat and dryness influencing Pitta and aggravating Vata.
  5. Diet and Lifestyle: In Adana Kaala, the body requires nourishing and hydrating foods to compensate for the loss of moisture and energy. Cooling, heavy, and grounding foods are recommended to balance the increasing dryness and heat.
  • Visarga Kaala (Southern Solstice)
  • Visarga Kaala refers to the Dakshinayana or southern solstice period when the sun moves southward (mid-July to mid-January).
  • It is known as the “Replenishing Period”, as the environment becomes more cooling, and the body is nourished and strengthened by the increasing moisture and softer conditions.

Characteristics :

  1. Reduced Sun’s Strength : The Sun’s intensity reduces, and cooling elements (such as rain and moisture) dominate, replenishing the earth and restoring vitality.
  2. Body’s Strength : The body regains its strength during this period, as the cooling and nourishing qualities of the environment help the body recharge.
  3. Seasons : Varsha (monsoon), Sharad (autumn), and Hemanta (early winter) fall under Visarga Kaala.
  4. Dosha Influence : Kapha dosha is stabilized, and Vata tends to get aggravated towards the end. The cooling atmosphere balances Pitta dosha.
  5. Diet and Lifestyle : During Visarga Kaala, lighter, warm, and easily digestible foods are recommended. The body can handle more robust foods and activities, and indulgence in rejuvenating therapies is beneficial.

1. Shishira Ritu (Late Winter) – Mid-January to Mid-March

  • During this period, Kapha dosha increases due to cold, heavy, and damp qualities in the environment.
  • To balance this, one should consume warm, unctuous, and easily digestible food to keep digestion strong.
  • Spices like ginger, garlic, and cinnamon can help keep the body warm.
  • One must avoid cold foods and excess exposure to cold winds.

2. Vasanta Ritu (Spring) – Mid-March to Mid-May

  • This season is the time of Kapha dosha aggravation, which can manifest as heaviness, lethargy, or respiratory issues.
  • It’s important to practice a cleansing routine to eliminate excess Kapha, like dry brushing or exercising regularly.
  • Foods that are light, dry, and warm—such as barley and bitter vegetables—are recommended.
  • One should avoid oily, cold, and heavy foods, as they will aggravate Kapha.

3. Grishma Ritu (Summer) – Mid-May to Mid-July

  • Vata  dosha is predominant during the hot and dry summer months.
  • The body’s strength is at its lowest due to dehydration and the heat, so it’s important to stay hydrated and cool.
  • Foods that are sweet, cooling, and light, such as melons, cucumbers, and dairy products, are beneficial.
  • Avoid spicy, salty, and sour foods, as they will increase Pitta.
  • Also, avoid intense physical activity during this time.
  • Shashanga Kiranam refers to the cooling, rejuvenating rays of the moon. Exposing certain foods or liquids to moonlightimbues them with the moon’s cooling and calming qualities. This practice is particularly relevant in Grishma Ritu (summer) when the body’s Pitta dosha is elevated due to the heat. Exposing buffalo milk mixed with sugar to Shashanga Kiranam enhances its cooling properties and adds a subtle therapeutic effect.

4. Varsha Ritu (Monsoon) – Mid-July to Mid-September

  • During the rainy season, Vata dosha becomes aggrevated and Pitta gets accumulated.
  • The body is prone to indigestion, joint pain, and water-borne diseases.
  • Foods that are warm, easily digestible, and spiced with warming herbs like cumin and mustard seeds help balance Vata.
  • It’s essential to avoid raw foods, heavy meals, and cold drinks, as they disturb digestion.

5. Sharad Ritu (Autumn) – Mid-September to Mid-November

  • Autumn is characterized by the predominance of Pitta dosha.
  • The body may feel heat, and there may be digestive disturbances.
  • It’s a time to focus on cooling and light diets such as rice, barley, and green leafy vegetables. Avoid heavy, fried, or spicy foods.
  • It’s important to avoid direct exposure to sunlight and intense physical exertion.
  • When Agastya Nakshatra becomes visible (around August or September), it is believed that the rains become purified, and the water collected from this period is considered to be Hamsodakam, the purest form of rainwater.  . It is used in various medicinal preparations, as it is believed to have the ability to enhance the potency of herbs. This star’s rise is also an indicator of the end of the monsoon, bringing a transition in weather conditions. The connection between Hamsodakam and Agastya Nakshatra is a harmonious blend of Ayurveda, astronomy, and ancient wisdom, emphasizing the importance of timing and natural cycles in the practice of health and well-being.

6. Hemanta Ritu (Early Winter) – Mid-November to Mid-January

  • Kapha starts accumulating, and Vata is pacified.
  • This season brings strength and vitality to the body, making it the best time for building Ojas (immunity and vitality).
  • One can indulge in nourishing, heavy, and sweet foods like ghee, milk, and wheat products to build strength.
  • It’s the ideal season for oil massages and warming therapies, which nurture both body and mind.
  • Inter – seasonal period (Rtusandhi)
  • The seven days at the end and commencement of a season is known as Rtusandhi (inter-seasonal period).
  • During this period, the regimen of the preceding season should be discontinued gradually and that of the succeeding season should be gradually adopted.
  • Sudden discontinuance or sudden adoption gives rise to diseases caused by non-habituation (Asatmya).
  • Representation of seasons in a day
  • The cycle of the day is closely linked to the movement of the sun, which directly influences the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and the body’s biological functions.
  • The different periods of the day—Purvahna, Madhyahna, Aparahna, Pradosha, Madhya Ratri, and Pratyusha—are viewed as representations of seasons, each with distinct qualities that impact daily activities, metabolism, and energy.
  1. Purvahna (Morning: 6 AM – 10 AM)
  • Seasonal Parallel : Spring (Vasanta)
  • Dosha Dominance : Kapha
  • This is the time when the Kapha dosha is more active. The morning is characterized by heaviness, stability, and a slower pace. Just as spring is a time of renewal and fresh beginnings, morning is the ideal time for activities that cleanse and energize the body, such as exercise and meditation. It is also a good time for light meals that help stimulate digestion.

2. Madhyahna (Midday: 10 AM – 2 PM)

  • Seasonal Parallel : Summer (Grishma)
  • Dosha Dominance : Pitta
  • Midday is dominated by Pitta dosha, the time when digestion and metabolism are at their peak. Just as summer is hot and intense, midday is the period when the body is most active and capable of processing food efficiently. This is when lunch, the heaviest meal of the day, should be consumed to optimize digestion.

3. Aparahna (Afternoon: 2 PM – 6 PM)

  • Seasonal Parallel : Autumn (Sharad)
  • Dosha Dominance : Transition from Pitta to Vata
  • As Pitta begins to wane and Vata rises, the afternoon is a time of lightness, movement, and creativity. Similar to autumn, this period brings a cooling down of activity, and it’s suitable for intellectual tasks or winding down from physical exertion. It’s a time to focus on tasks requiring mental agility and clarity.

4. Pradosha (Evening: 6 PM – 10 PM)

  • Seasonal Parallel : Early Winter (Hemanta)
  • Dosha Dominance : Kapha
  • The early evening, much like early winter, is dominated by Kapha dosha. This period is characterized by grounding and rest. It is a good time to have a lighter dinner and engage in relaxing activities like spending time with family, reading, or meditation. Just as the earth slows down in early winter, the body should begin to prepare for rest during this time.

5. Madhya Ratri (Midnight: 10 PM – 2 AM)

  • Seasonal Parallel : Late Winter (Shishira)
  • Dosha Dominance : Pitta
  • Midnight is governed by Pitta dosha, similar to late winter. This is when the body engages in repair and regeneration. During this time, the liver and other organs work to detoxify the body and process the nutrients consumed during the day. It is also considered the most restful period of sleep, and staying awake during these hours can disrupt the body’s natural repair mechanisms.

6. Pratyusha (Pre-Dawn: 2 AM – 6 AM)

  • Seasonal Parallel : Monsoon (Varsha)
  • Dosha Dominance : Vata
  • The pre-dawn period, governed by Vata dosha, is the time of lightness, movement, and spiritual energy, akin to the monsoon season’s vibrancy.
  • It is considered the most ideal time for meditation, reflection, and mental clarity.
  • Waking up before dawn is encouraged in Ayurveda to align with the natural rhythm of Vata, which enhances creativity and agility.
  • Inter-relationship between doshas and seasons :
DOSHASCHAYAPRAKOPAPRASHAMA
VATASummer(Greeshma)Rainy (Varsha)Autumn (Sharat)
PITTARainy (Varsha)Autumn (Sharat)Early winter (Hemanta)
KAPHAWinter (Shishira)Spring (Vasanta)Summer (Greeshma)
  • Use of tastes as per seasons :
  • During early winter, winter and rainy season sweet, sour and salty tastes should be especially used.
  • Bitter, pungent and astringent tastes should be used more during Spring.
  • Sweet taste (liquid and light) should be used more during Summer.
  • Sweet, bitter and astringent tastes should be used during Autumn.

The habit of using all six tastes everyday is ideal for maintenance of health. However use of particular tastes during particular seasons should be given special emphasis.

Let us explore every season in detail –

  • Summarization
  • Helps in enhancing strength and complexion
  • Helps to prevent dosha vitiation and disease manifestation.
  • Knowledge of seasonal regimen will help us to get rid of the diseases in their root itself.
  • We will be well planned and equipped for the upcoming season.
  • Promotes overall health and keeps in close connection with nature.