by Pallavi v Kashyap
In the present era, there are different types of diseases affecting both body and mind. A change in the season affects our environment and it also affect our natural strength of the body. When we are unable to adapt the changes according to the season then one becomes weak and fall ill, hence it is important to stay balanced according to the different environment changes.
Ayurveda emphasis on how to maintain health and prevent the diseases. Ayurveda explains specific dietary and lifestyle regimen according to seasons and these are explained under rutucharya. The word rutu means “Season” and charya means daily or seasonal routine. Thus, rutucharya refers to the systemic adaptation of diet, lifestyle and behaviour according to seasonal changes.
Seasons according to Ayurveda
| Magha and Phalguna | Shishira rutu | Uttarayana or Adana kala |
| Caitra and vaishakha | Vasantha rutu | |
| Jyestha and Ashada | Grishma rutu | |
| Shravana and Bhadrapada | Varsha rutu | Dakshinayana or visarga kala |
| Asvayuja and karithika | Sharat rutu | |
| Margashira and pushya | Hemantha rutu |
Dakshinayana or Visarga kala:
Three rutus commencing with varsha , Sharat and Hemantha from Dakshinayana, in this period the sun is in the southward position to earth, the soothing effect of moon in these seasons there is gradual increase in the body strength.
Hemantha rutucharya
It corresponds to the early winter season and usually spans the months of Margashirsha and Pushya. The characteristics of Hemantha rutucharya are as follows-
- Climate: cold, early winter, the nights are longer
- Dominant Dosha: Kapha (Accumulation)
- Digestive Fire (Agni): Very strong
- Strength of the person (bala): Maximum
- Appetite:Increased
Aharas (Dietary Regimen)
Due to the external cold, body heat is retained internally, which enhances the jatharagni (high metabolic rate), if proper food is not taken, the strong agni may consume body tissues supported by vayu. Hence one should consume –
- Madhura (Sweet), Amla(sour) and lavana (Salt) based foods
- Food prepared from the flour of wheat, black-gram
- Products of sugarcane and milk
- Freshly harvested rice
- Meat soup mixed fats
- Meat of well-nourished animals
- Wine prepared with jaggery
Vihara (Life style Regimens)
- Abhyanga and Murdha taila- after attending to oblutions, one should resort to the regimen of abhyanga (mild oil massage for both body and head) with medicated oil with vata alleviating property.
- Snana with Kashaya Dravya prepared water– bath daily with mild hot water, then fine paste of saffron to be applied and followed by agaru dhupana
- Vyayama(Exercise)- One should do exercise on daily basis
- One should use warm water for oblutions
- One should use thick bed sheets made of cottons, silk or wool should be used during sleep
- Wear warm clothes and foot-wear should be worn always
- Exposure to sun-light and fire should be resorted to judiciously
- Persons are recommended to spend time residing in houses kept warm by fire or in underground chambers will not be affected by the disorders due to cold and dryness.
Conclusion
The changing environment significantly influences the human body, making it essential for the body to adapt to these variations. Failure to remain in harmony with environmental changes adversely affects both the body and mind. Over time, such imbalances contribute to the development of various lifestyle disorders. Therefore, understanding and implementing season-specific dietary and lifestyle modifications according to Rutucharya helps in achieving the primary objective of Ayurveda—“Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam” (maintenance of health in a healthy individual). Adhering to Rutucharya also promotes strength, immunity, and longevity while maintaining the equilibrium of body and mind