Seasons change !! Law of nature.
A perfectly healthy body responds to every season in a distinctive fashion.
This changing response of body as per the season gives a call to the change in eating habits, lifestyle, physical activity accordingly. It aids our body to adapt according to the needs of the season. : wet to dry, cold to hot, etc.
But, now with the deteriorating environment, our bodies are no more perfect. And we have become incapable of adapting; that is when diseases come knocking and we become sick.
Just like the weather and the seasons, our body is continually adapting and changing along with the environment. This makes it crystal clear that we are not separate from the world around us or the seasons. Let us make it more explicit---
Have you ever noticed that you suffer from allergies only during a particular season. Example : During winter season, you wish to stay indoor and feel like taking rest, much more if compared with any other season. It does not mean that you have become lazy all of a sudden.. No.
The simple reason is ~ our body does want to stay warm. As it is the time for the body to become dormant or hibernate and store fuel and not use it. Since, winter is the time for us to slow down and to save our energy, a time where we are building our strength to get going.
We are directly and indirectly influenced by changes in the weather.
Ayurveda Gives An Insight On Seasonal Routine
The term they use is Ritucharya.
Now let’s cast an eye on the remaining three seasons – summer, rainy season and autumn – which are part of the Aadaan Kaal or Northern Solstice. - See more at: http://www.ayusante.com/articles/19#sthash.ui0HxS2V.dpuf
Ayurveda divides a year or 12 months into six seasons. The year as such is divided into two Kaals, with three seasons forming eac - See more at: http://www.ayusante.com/articles/17#sthash.zlg1pMBF.dpu
Ayurveda divides a year or 12 months into six seasons. The year as such is divided into two Kaals, with three seasons forming eac - See more at: http://www.ayusante.com/articles/17#sthash.zlg1pMBF.dpufThe word Ritucharya is conjunction of – "Ritu" means seasons "Charya " means do’s and don’ts or simply Regimen.Ayurveda divides a year or 12 months into six seasons.It is important to follow the Ayurvedic Seasonal Routines or Ritucharya for us to stay in good shape and health.
So, it is paramount for us to adapt our eating and lifestyle habits according to the season. By doing so, we can keep our systems and organs in balance. And if we do that successfully, then our body can be the epitome of great health in every season.
Month Season
Mid January to mid March Cold and Dewy( Late Winter )
Mid March to mid May Spring
Mid May to mid July Summer
Mid July to mid September Rainy
Mid September to mid November Autumn
Mid November to mid January Winter ( Early Winter )
Late Winter
This is a prime time to build strength and stamina in our bodies. It is also the time to build the foundation for immunity for the spring months to come. As the external atmosphere is cold, the body retains heat and attempts to preserve it.
Do's
Expose yourself to the morning sun rays.
Take steam baths regularly
You may take food with hot potency and high proteins.
Don'ts
Avoid bitter food, as it will increase dryness in the body.
Herbs recommended
Ashwagandha
Shilajit
Pippali
Licorice
Brahmi
Spring
Summer ( Hot )
Since the energy is being extracted by the Sun during the summer season, we feel weak and exhausted. Appetite goes down as our digestive fire weak.
Dietary Recommendations
Consume light foods and drink more water.
Sweet taste is recommended as it provides the necessary strength and energy to an otherwise weak body.
Consume more liquids like fresh fruit juices etc to provide the Water content to the body.
Eat fruits like watermelon, peaches, plums, mangoes, grapes, pears, avocado and berries to beat summer heat.
Herbs Recommended
Shatavari
Chamomile
Mint
Basil
Rose
Aloe Vera
Amla
Rainy season ( Wet )
The weather becomes damp and moist. This when everything may go out of balance. That is why, it is strongly recommended to go for seasonal purification practices or Panchakarma.
Dietary Recommendations
Consume only light and easily digestible foods.
You will like to eat more during this season, but avoid it strictly. Do not over eat.
Stay away from junk food.
Herbs for you
Kanchnar
Triphala
Bitter Nightshade
Autumn season ( Wet and Humid )
After the rainy season comes the autumn. The beginning of the autumn season is when the weather is wet and humid after the rains. But with time,it gets hotter.
Dietary Recommendations
Take bitter, astringent and sweet tasting food.
Avoid heavy foods during this season as our digestive fire is still not at its optimum level.
Light and easily digestible foods should be consumed during the autumn season.
Avoid taking Curd and oily food.
Herbs
Turmeric
Bitter Gourd
Ginger
Garlic
Winter Season ( Early Winter )
Our bodies tend to conserve energy and build strength.
It is rcommended to eat more food with bitter flavors and reduce the intake of salty flavors.
Herbs
Angelica
Astragalus
Ginseng Siberian
Ashwagandha
Cinnamon
Black Pepper
Note : The description of seasons and months in Ayurveda is based on India's location on the map, the months and seasons may vary in other regions.