RITUCHARYA - Seasonal Regimen

Ritucharya is an Ayurvedic practice, it’s literal translation means seasonal regimen. Our bodies are affected by seasonal changes. Therefore Ayurveda, ancient and comprehensive system of healthcare lays great on preventive and promotion of health. Ayurveda perspective of an ideal lifestyle include following Dinacharya, Ratricharya, Ritucharya, Dharneeya & Adharneeya vega, Sadvritta, Rasayana practices.

Grishma Ritucharya
This is the hottest season, as the sun is nearer to the Prithvi, and so the rays are short and sharp, giving more heat. There is tremendous loss of sweat, as well as energy and power. The person gets easily exhausted after a light work also. The Kapha dosha decreases and the Vata dosha increases. The atmosphere becomes very stagnant and dry (Ruksha) producing Katu rasa (Pungent). The Pitta Prakriti persons are more affected due to Ushna and Tikshna guna. In short to protect from heat and Sunlight the various methods to be adopted from time to time. The Grishma (summer) being Vata chaya kala, the Vata persons should take care about the Vata dosha. He should not practise Vataja Ahara and Vihara. Bowels should be kept normal with Snehan (ointing) or Basti (enema) Shodhana. The Kaphaja persons should behave according to Ritucharya.
Diet	Cereals:	Wheat, Jawar, Sathi sali Rice.
	Pulses:	Masoor (lentils) Moog (mung beans), Matara (pea)
	Milk Products:	Curd, Ghee, Buttermilk and milk.
	Vegetables:	Karela (bitter melon), Cucumber, Chuka (green sorrel), Methi (fenugreek), white onion, Tondali (ivy gourd) etc.
	Non-veg:	Jangal Mamsa rasa without spices, meat of goat, deer, rabbit.
	Fruits:	Watermelon (unripe), Kharbuja (sweet melon), Jambhul, grapes, bananas, amalaki (emblica officinalis), pomegranate, lemon.
	Drinks:	All cold drinks prepared from fruit juices (Panhe and Panake), added with sugar and lemon, Sugarcane juice, Cold water stored in earthen pots added wala, Musta. No alcoholic drinks are advised. If at all, add more water and take very dilute and small quantity.
	Miscellaneous:	Honey, Cow's urine (Gomutra)
Behaviour	One should adopt such a behaviour that the heating process will be minimized.
Bath	Bathing with cold water and swimming, after baths apply the paste or plaster of Chandan (sandalwood), Agaru (aquillaria agallocha), Ushira (vertiveria zizanioides) etc. the cold substances.
Clothing	Thin soft cotton clothes with garlands of scented flowers, pearls and jewellery.
Exercise	Minimum exercise.
Sexual Activities	Omitted or rarely.
Residence	It should be cold, apply curtains of Mango leaves and Ushira. Spend the time in the gardens where there is a thick dense forest without Sun rays.
Sleep	Outside the house or on the terrace in the calm and cold moonlight, on the bed which is very smooth and light and perfumed with flowers.
During Hotness	Fans can be used in olden days prepared from feathers of Peacock and Ushira (vertiveria zizanioides).

Varsha Ritucharya
Due to the rain, the rivers, tanks, wells are full of water. The whole surroundings become green due to development of grass and trees. The flowers are blooming. The atmosphere is cold and damp. There are no thundering clouds, but the rain is more. Whole sky is cloudy and there is a gloomy atmosphere. Due to Adana Kala (summer solstice) the strength and power is diminished. The damp and cloudy atmosphere, make the appetite and digestion power poor. So, the cloudy weather is responsible for increase in Vata due to Sheeta guna. The new rain water is fresh, cold and muddy and so is Amla Vipaki which is reason for accumulation of Pitta dosha (Sanchay). So, during this season the chances of diseases are more and hence one must keep his Agni normal.
Diet	Cereals:	Old Wheat and rice, Jawar, Yava.
	Pulses:	Masoor, Moog.
	Oils:	Coconut oil or Groundnut oil.
	Milk Products:	Fresh Buttermilk, Butter Ghee and milk- Goat milk.
	Vegetables:	Karela (bitter melon), White onion, Methi (fenugreek), Parwal (snake gourd), Gheva (broad beans), Sweet Potato, Cucumber etc.
	Non-veg:	Meat of goat, Deer, Rabbit.
	Fruits:	Mango, Ber, Pomegranate, Amalaki (emblica officinalis), Grapes, Sugarcane.
	Drinks:	Well water, Lemon juice and Yusha (soups) made up from meat.
	Miscellaneous:	Honey.
Behaviour	One should not be in the Sunshine for longer period.
Exercise:	No excessive exercise.
Bath:	With warm water. Massage perfumes and scented powders with the cloth; after bath.
Clothing:	The clothes must be dried and with fumes of scented wood. Flower garlands are used.
Residence and Sleep:	Stay in dry place. Day time sleep as well as sleeping outside the house or open air is avoided.
Sexual Activities:	Minimum enjoyment.
Shodhana Karma:	Vamana (vomiting), Virechana (purgation) and Basti (enema) as required.

Sharada Ritucharya
In Sharada (autum), the Sun is very hot so the atmosphere is also very hot and penetrating. Somehow the night is clear and cold. The Pitta dosha which aggravates in Varsha ritu (Pitta Sanchay) is provoked by the hot and penetrating Sun leading to Pitta Prakopa. The blood is also vitiated due to Pitta dosha as both are having same faculties. The Agni is also deficient (Agnimandya) due to vitiated Pitta dosha. In Sharada (autum) the wind from Eastern side is in motion, which being damp in nature may aggravate the Vata Vyadhi and so is not advisable. So, in Sharada ritu (autumn) one should practice sweet, light, astringent and bitter diet which will not increase Pitta dosha.
Diet	Cereals:	Rice, Wheat, Jawar, Java of more than one year old.
	Pulses:	Moog, Tur (yellow pigeon peas), Chana (chickpeas), Masoor (lentils), Beans.
	Meat:	Jangala meat of Goat, Rabbit, Chicken, Pigeon, Peacock.
	Fishes:	From stream.
	Oils:	Ghee medicated with bitter medicines.
	Milk Products:	Buttermilk, Plain milk, Sugar, Curds contra indicated.
	Fruits:	Grapes, Amalaki, Kismis, Kushmanda (white gourd melon), Banana, Apple, Chiku.
	Vegetables:	Methi (fenugreek), Chakavata (goosefoot), Dudhi (bottle gourd), Sweet Potato, Karela (bitter melon), Cucumber, Cabbage, Tandulja.
	Drinks:	Water in Moonlight when Agasti shinning in the sky (Hansodaka), Wine of Sugarcane-Sidhu-Honey-Cold drinks.
Vihara:	Omit Sun heat as well as eastern wind. Night should be spent in moonlight, with lite white clothing and flower garlands.
Bath:	Cold water bath with Ushira is advised.
Sexual Activities:	Enjoy sex once after 3, 4, 5 days.
Exercise:	Mild exercise advised.
Shodhana:	Rakta mokshana (bloodletting) is advised to keep the Pitta and Rakta Dhatu normal. Virechana (purgation) is advised to keep the Pitta and Agni normal especially in Pittaja Prakriti.

Hemanta Ritucharya
In Hemanta (fall winter), the atmosphere is very cold, so the air, water and other subjects become very cool and cold. The nights are longer than day. This coldness affects the skin. The blood vessels, which gets constricted, to prevent heat loss of the body. So, the internal body heat increases, due to which the Agni (fire) is increased, resulting into increased appetite- digestion and thereby strength and power of the body. As the nights are longer, the man gets hungry early in the morning. So, in Hemanta (fall winter) one should practice to take food in the morning containing Madhura, Amla, Lavana rasas (sweet, sour, salty) and Guru (heavy), Snigdha (oily) diet, otherwise there are more chances of increase in Vata Dosha. In Hemanta (fall winter) especially the Vata prakriti person should observe about Dinacharya (daily lifestyle) as there is more chance of Vata Prakopa. This Kala (season) is beneficial for increase in Kapha Dosha (Kapha Sanchaya) which is going to affect in Vasanta ritu (Kapha Prakopa). So, the Kapha prakriti individual must be cautious during this Ritu for the increase in Kapha i.e. he should not enjoy sweeter, oily and heavy food and more rest. Pitta Prakriti person can enjoy except excess of Amla (sour) and Lavana rasas (salty).
Diet	Cereals:	Rice,Wheat,Jawar
	Pulses:	Udad (black gram) Kulitha (horse gram), Watana (pea)
	Oils:	Til, Groundnuts, Animal fats, Coconut
	Milk Products:	Milk, Curds, Buttermilk, Butter, Ghee, Cheese.
	Vegetables:	Potato, Sweet Potato, Onion, Cabbage, Flower, Dudhi Bhopala (bottle gourd), Tondali (ivy gourd), Drum Sticks etc.
	Fruits:	All sweet fruits, Mango, Banana, Grapes, Figs etc.
	Drinks:	Hot water, wine (sura made from cereals) fruit juice and its preparations.
Abhyanga:	To massage the oil into the hair and body before bath.
Exercise:	Like various games, Yogasana and gymnastics.
Bath:	Before bathing application of Keshara (saffron), Lodhra (symlocos vacemosa), Kasturi (musk) and Shikekai (Acacia concinna) powder to vanish oiliness of skin.
Clothing:	Cloths made up of warm wool and animal leather.
Vihara:	Should stay in warm and close houses, Sunbath is appreciated.
Sexual Activities:	Enjoy more lustful sex as the nights are cold and long.

Shishira Ritucharya

Generally, the atmosphere in the Shishira ritu (winter) is just same as that of Hemanta (fall winter) one. The only difference is the Adana Kala (summer solstice) begins from Shishira and so the Ruksha (dryness) guna is increased due to cold. The Vayu (air) and Megha (clouds) of the Adana (summer solstice) are supported by dense mist and rains and so the atmosphere is colder and shivering. This helps to increase Vata and Kapha (Prakopa) doshas. So, the Ritucharya (seasonal lifestyle) is like that of Hemanta ritu (fall winter) only. But one must practice warm and without air-breezy. He should eat sumptuous hot food and drink hot water and other drinks too. The Tikta (bitter) rasa is produced in this Ritu (season) and so Vata dosha start increasing. The Tikta, Kashaya rasas (bitter, astringent) along with cold and Laghu (light) diet should be omitted. Some way in Shishira ritu (winter) the Kapha prakriti person should not practice Kaphaja Ahara and Vihara to prevent Kapha-chaya. He must take Katu,Tikta and Kashaya rasas (pungent, bitter, astringent) in diet. The Pittaja person should behave as the body demands according to the atmospheric changes.

Vasanta Ritucharya
This ritu (season) is supposed to be the most charming, due to natural beauty in the surrounding nature. All the nature is full of beautiful flowers, fruits, and green leaves. Even the birds are happy and singing e.g. Kokila, which enhances the charming atmosphere. Even the air is clean. The Sun shines bright making the atmosphere hot. This hotness is a causative factor for melting of the Kapha dosha, which was increased in the body due to misbehaviour in Hemanta ritu. So, in Vasanta ritu, Kapha Prakopa is prominent causing various Kaphaja diseases. In Kapha Prakriti person these changes are more remarkable. The Drava guna (liquid) of Kapha increases in this period which results into loss of appetite and poor digestion (Agnimandya). So, this season is mainly for Kapha dosha only, which should be controlled by Ritu charya (seasonal lifestyle).
Diet	Cereals:	Yava, Vari, Old Wheat,Jawar
	Pulses:	Masura (lentils), Chana (chickpeas), Mung, (mung beans), Matki (dew beans)
	Oils:	Mustard, Karadi oil, Til oil
	Milk Products:	Only Buttermilk
	Vegetables:	Karela (bitter melon), Brinjal, Raddish, Pumpkin, Drum Stick and dry vegetables, Suran etc.
	Non-veg:	Roasted Mutton of goat, Chicken.
	Fruits:	Lemon, Betel nut, Pomegranate, Jambul.
	Drinks:	Oil, wine and Hot drinks, Asava and Arista.
	Miscellaneous:	Plenty of honey - the Katu Tikta and Kashaya rasas (pungent, bitter, astringent) should be accepted freely.
Smoking:	After meals smoking is advised (Not tobacco, cigarette). Dhumrapan of haldi with ghee is advisable.
Exercises:	Gymnastics and hard work.
Massage:	Before bath massage the body with dry powder (Utane) of Chandan (sandalwood), Ushira (Vetiveria zinzanioides) etc.
Hot bath:	Hot water bath followed by application of scented plaster (Lepa) to the skin.
Sexual Activities:	Can enjoy sex at night. (Twice or thrice in a week)
Shodhana Karma:	To control the Kapha dosha, Vamana (vomiting) is advised under supervision of specialist, especially in Kapha Prakriti.
Nasya	Nasal application and dhumrapana also help for melting the Kapha, Anjan Kawal etc. should be practised during this ritukala (season).
Avoid:	The day time sleep is strictly prohibited. (except children and old age person)
Miscellaneous:	In the afternoon one must spend the time with his wife in the gardens surrounded by flowers.

DINACHARYA - Ayurvedic Daily Routine

 DINACHARYA (Daily regimen)

Our body has many inbuilt rhythms or cycles according to medical Chrono-Biology. Most of our body functions follow a daily cycle. Our body weight fluctuates during the day & is maximum in the evening. Our body temperature is highest in the evening and most of our hormones have their well-defined periods of high and low secretions during the day and the most obvious of all is the Sleep- Wake cycle.
Therefore intrinsically the emphasis of Ayurveda is on natural cycles. 'Dinacharya' refers to a healthy and sustainable pattern of lifestyle. In order to be optimally healthy, one should tune the body to the nature's cycle which in turn regulates the various other rhythms. To achieve this, Ayurveda told a specific routine in general and also on the basis of psychosomatic constitution of an individual. The various aspects of daily routine in general are as follows: -

1) Waking up	Since our biological clock is tuned to the rising and setting of the sun, it is advisable to wake up before the Sunrise in perfect synchronization to the natural clock. An ideal time to wake up is BRAHMAMUHURTA (1-2 hours before sunrise).
2) Natural Urges	Dawn is the best time to eliminate the body's physical waste. Drinking one or two glass (for adult) of luke warm water before sunrise helps in proper elimination of mala and renders multiple health benefits.
3) Oral Hygiene	Brushing of teeth and cleansing the gums early in morning and after each meal by using twigs or thin stems of different plants like Neem (Azadirachta Indica), Khadira (Acacia Catechu) etc. Scrapping the tongue using cleaners made up of metals or plants are beneficial. The gargling with water, decoctions/kwath and medicated oils like Arimedadi taila keeps gum, mouth, teeth and throat healthy.
4) Eye care	Washing the eyes every morning with clean and cold water or decoction of Triphala is very useful. Use of medicated collerium (Sauviranjana) every day is also recommended for healthy eyes.
5) Nasya	Regular inhalation in morning of the Anu taila, the oil prepared by boiling different medicinal plants in gingelly oil and goats milk prevents all ailments of the eyes, hair, nose and the ears. Nasal instillation is also very effective for migraine, Ankylosing spondylitis etc.
6) Exercise	Exercise increases stamina and resistance to disease by facilitating the immune system, clearing all channels, promoting circulation and waste disposal and destroying fat also. It may be in form of yoga or walking. Depending on age, prakriti, VATA type should perform light exercises, PITTA type should do moderate and KAPHA type can go for heavy exercises. Should not be done during illness and just after meal.
7) Massage	The gentle oil massage (Abhyangam) everyday makes the skin supple; controls Vata by reducing its cold, dry, light, rough and erratic qualities; enhances blood circulation, encourages elimination of metabolic wastes and relaxes the body. Dry message with medicated powder (Udwartanam) may be performed for rheumatic affected and obese people.
8) Bathing	Warm bath is advisable for the body and normal temp water for the head.
9) Clothing	Clothing should always clean, tidy, light and made of natural fibbers as cotton, wool or silk. The use of natural perfumes in moderation promotes pleasant feeling.
10) Sleep	Night is the natural time to sleep and day sleep is contraindicated except for very young, old, very weak and those intoxicated, diseased, exhausted or traumatized and who could not have sufficient sleep during night. The person with disturbed sleep should massage the feet with oil before going to bed.
11) Brahmacharya	In the broad sense it means control of the sense or Indriya especially sexual life. More specifically, it refers to celibacy or chastity. Like all traditional spiritual traditions, Ayurveda advocates restraining from indulging in sensual gratification. The broader definition of Brahmacharya also includes conduct that leads to the realization of the self. The Conservation of energy that comes from practicing celibacy is converted into OJAS. Many people mistakenly believe that practicing Bramacharya means suppression of the natural urge but on the contrary anything that is suppressed will eventually lead to disorder.