Summer one of the four seasons of the year. And definitely the hottest of them all. In this article we'll discuss the way to protect ourselves from the heat this summer. This is where Ayurvedic Ritucharya steps in. Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) is described in ayurvedic texts that serves the purpose of being healthy throughout the year. While this idea may first seem daunting, but a few simple changes can dramatically increase your health and vitality.
In this article, we'll discuss the following aspects:
- Grishma ritu(summer season) and it's effect
- General condition in Grishma Ritu(summer season)
- State of Bala(strength)
- Dietary regimen/Ahara(food) to have
- Lifestyle regimen/Vihar(activities) to do
GRISHMA RITU AND IT'S EFFECT
Grishma Ritu(summer season) is a part of UTTARAYANA(northern solstice).Uttarayana indicates the assent of the sun or northward movement of the sun.In this period,the sun and the wind are powerful.It is also called Adanakala because the sun takes away the strength of the people and the cooling quality of the earth.
UTTARAYANA(northern solstice)
GENERAL CONDITION IN GRISHMA RITU
MONTHS:Mid-may to Mid-july(approximately)
MANSA(hindu calendar months):Jyestha to Asadha
In this season, sun rays absorbs the water content from all organism and things. The water bodies dry up and the plants appear lifeless.
The rasa(taste) that is predominant in vegetation of summer season or crops is KATU(pungent).
The mahabhoot(elements) predominant are AGNI and VAYU. The deposition of Vata dosha increases and the Kapha dosha is pacified. Agni(digestive fire) of the person remains mild. These are the sole reasons of diseases and digestive problems in grishma(summer).
STATE OF BALA(strength)
Grishma ritu is marked by alpa bala(little strength or feeble).And it is least in the whole year.
AHARA TO HAVE(dietary regimen)
During the grishma ritu, our bodies naturally crave light foods and small meals that are easy to digest because the agni(digestive fire) disperses in order to help us keep cool. Summer is a time to favor the madhur(sweet), tikta(bitter), kashaya(astringent) and to relish cool, liquid even slightly oily foods.
It is the best time to appreciate the taste of fresh fruits and salads.In the way of beverages to beat the heat, enjoy room temperature water infused with mint or lime and a little raw sugar, a sweet lassi etc. Iced drinks are best avoided; they disturb the digestive fire and create toxins in the body. Also, they hamper the thermoregulation(temperature regulation) of the body. Try to avoid extremely spicy foods like chillies. Also, remember that raw vegetables(as in salads) will be better digested if eaten at lunch rather than dinner.
FRUITS TO MUNCH ON:
- Apples
- Avocados
- Berries
- Cherries
- Coconut
- Kiwi
- Grapes
- Mangoes
- Melons
- Pears
- Pineapples
- Banana
- Papaya
- Watermelon
- Plum
- Guava
- Falsa
- Litchi
- Pomegranate
VEGETABLES TO HAVE:
- Cabbages
- Cauliflower
- Cucumbers
- Green Beans
- Lettuce
- Okra
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Brinjal
- Pumpkin
CEREALS TO EAT:
- Rice
- Wheat
- Barley
OILS TO COOK:
- Coconut oil
- Sunflower oil
BEVERAGES TO HAVE:
- Milk
- Mattha(whey)
- Mand(rice water)
- Shikanji(lemonade)
- Sharbat
ANIMAL PRODUCTS TO FAVOR(if you eat them):
- Fish(freshwater)
- Poultry(white)
- Shrimp
Use spices like Hing, Jeera, Ajwain for better digestion.
Avoid regular consumption of curd, as it is sour in taste and blocks the minute channels in the body thus hampering digestion.
In summers, alcohol consumption is a big NO according to Ayurveda.
But if you are habitual, drink in small quantity. Also, you can add twice the amount of water to the drink.
It would be great if you avoid having alcohol in any form.
Lifestyle choices
Wake up as early as possible in the morning (preferably before sunrise). Before bathing, massage your skin with soothing oil like coconut oil, lavender oil or any other essential oil to calm your nerves and cool your body.
Wear light, breathable, soft clothing made of cotton, silk, khadi etc. As they will allow your body to breathe and counter the heat. Also choose colours like white, grey, blue, pastles or any other lighter shades, as they absorb less heat.
In ayurvedic texts, it is allowed to have an afternoon nap only in summers as it is beneficial to restore the energy. In the evening before going to bed, massage your feet with oil like brahmi after washing and drying them.
In summer season, according to ayurvedic acharyas EXERCISE IS A BIG NO. As the energy levels are low and exercising will further deplete them. Hey, all the fitness freaks out there don't be disheartened, as you can do yoga and light exercise. But just remember to exercise less than 50% of your capacity. You can do pranayamas(breathing exercises) as well.
A MOON WALK
It is advised to sleep in the moonlight. If not possible just have a walk in the moonlight. As it cools the body down and soothes it. Also it regulates blood flow in the body.
Accessorizing
You can accessorize yourself with jewels like silver, pearl or even a tulsi mala as these have a cooling effect on our body.
You can also put some chandan on your forehead, as it'll help you to calm your nerves and fight the heat.
Grab all that you need and get started to fight that heat out there!!
9 Comments
Very important and collective information regarding summer..very well described and designed...gud luck..
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteEssential informations regarding summers keep posting such imp thng for us
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteI am sure incorporating ayurveda in your life will help you..
ReplyDeleteTry it.
So important topic for today's lifestyle well done
ReplyDeleteThank you mam
DeleteInformative post 🙏😊
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteIf you have any doubts. Please let me know.