Happy Monsoon

The basic principle followed in the Ayurvedic system of medicine is "Swasthyasya Swasthya Rakshanam", which means to maintain the health of the healthy individual. For this reason, the Dinacharya (daily regimen) and Ritu-charya (seasonal regimen) have been mentioned in the classics of Ayurveda.

According to Ayurveda the constitution or dosha of the body and the seasons are intimately related. Our health is affected by the qualities of the climate we live in; our outer environment influences our internal milieu. For example, when the air is damp, cold and wet it increases these qualities in the body. Hence, there is an increase in mucous, catarrh and colds in winter.

If body is unable to adopt itself to stressors due to changes in specific traits of seasons, it may lead to Dosha Vaishamya, which in turn may render the body highly susceptible to one or other kinds of disorders. People who do not know or ignore the suitable types of food , clothing, and others regimen to be followed in particular season, may leads to derangement of homeostasis which leads to various lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, cancer, and so on.

As adaptations according to the changes, is the key for survival, the knowledge of Rit-ucharya (regimen for various seasons) is thus important.

Concept of Ritucharya (Ritu-season, charya- observance of Diet and lifestyle)

Ritucharya is the observance of diet and regimen according to the seasonal changes.

Basic understanding of Ritu (Seasons)-Each year consists of six ritu or seasons. Each ritu (season) comprises two masa or months and three such ritu (season) constitute one kala. Hence adana and visarga kala each consist of six months and three ritu. Kala is based on movement of sun into the northern and southern solastic positions. which is called Adana kala(utterayna) and Visharga kala(Dakshinayana) .

Healthy Diet and Lifestyle during Monsoon season

Rainy season is an important time period to take a special care of your health. While certain types of food are good to have during rainy season, we need to restrict certain food and other habits. During this season the sky is covered by clouds and rains occur without thunder-storm. The ponds, rivers, etc., are filled with water. The predominant Rasa and Mahabhuta during this season are Amla (sour), and Prithvi and Agni, respectively. The strength of the person again becomes less, vitiation of Vata Doshaand deposition of Pitta Dosha, Agni also gets vitiated.

Effect of rainy season on Dosha:

• Increase Vatta and Mild increase in Pitta

Effect of rainy season on Body:

• Slow/weak digestion
• Low Immunity
• Low body strength

Diet during monsoon season:

Water available in the reservoirs during monsoon is comparatively heavy to digest and the metabolism is sluggish during this period. An individual is likely to experience loss of appetite.

Avoid heavy, hot, acidic, sour (pickles, chutneys, chilies, yogurt, curry, etc.) and salty food

Consume light and fresh food prepare from barly,rice, wheat, cow's ghee, lentiles and green gram

Avoid potatoes, black gram, Frozen food items, and Ice cream

Consume small piece of giner with rock salt before every meal

Consume Haritaki with rock salt, helps to improve digestion power

Avoid stale food, Junk food, leafy vegetables, curd, red meat etc

Use lukewarm water for drinking.

Avoid alcohol and smoking

Life style during monsoon season:

Avoid strenuous physical exercise.

Don’t suppress natural urges, such as the need to urinate, defecate etc

Bath should always be warm, use cold water over head

Avoid sleeping during day time it effects digestions and slows down metabolism

Keep surrounding dry and clean and not to allow water to get accumulated around

Avoid entering in to air conditioned room with wet hair and damp clothes

Foot care for diabetics, As and when feet get wet, make sure to dry them immediately

Use slippers to avoid direct contact with cold floor

Keep yourself warm with warm clothes

 Advised Treatments:

Medicated Basti (enema) is prescribed as an evacuative measure to expel vitiated Doshas

Abhyanga and swedana (Body Massage and medicated steam)

One can opt above guidelines to enjoy monsoon without falling sick.

Dr.Mangesh Mudgal

Panchakarma specialist,CIPR (USA)

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