VARSHA RITUCHARYA (MONSOON SEASON regimen)

In this article, we'll discuss the effects of varsha ritu(rainy season) on your bodies, foods to eat and lifestyle to follow. 

AYURVEDA has emphasised to maintain your health and prevent the occurrence of diseases by having proper diet and following appropriate lifestyle rather than worrying about their treatment and cure. 

At first, it might seem daunting to follow a daily routine which might be completely new to some. To others, it may be difficult to alter their food choices and food habits. But, RITUCHARYA(seasonal regimen) is described in ayurvedic texts that serves the purpose of being healthy throughout the year and over the years as well. 

Dakshinayana indicates the descent of the sun or southward movement of the sun. In this period, the moon becomes powerful whereas the sun and the wind lose their power. It is also called visargakala because the moon provides strength to the planet via it's rays. 

It brings about an increase in amla(sour), lavana(salty) and madhur(sweet) rasa(taste) in varsha, sharada and hemant ritu respectively which reduces the dryness in the body and increase the bala(strength). From varsha to hemant dryness in weather decreases. It has an overall restorative effect on the environment and human beings. 

Varsha ritu(rainy season) is a part of dakshinayana and chronologically speaking, it is the first ritu of dakshinayana. 

Months: mid-july to mid-september

Mansa(hindu calender months): shravana to bhadrapada

The rasa(taste) that is predominant in vegetation or crops of rainy season is amla(sour).

The predominant mahabhoot are prithvi and agni.

Varsha ritu is marked by alpa bala(little strength or feeble). 

The agni(digestive fire) which is already mild, is even reduced by the vatadi doshas. 

Due to continous rains in the season, the water acquires amla vipaka and the digestive fire is reduced, the vatadi dosha aggravates. That is why, the therapeutic procedures that aims to paccify the doshas and increase the agni(digestive fire) are considered beneficial in this season. 

During monsoons, we naturally have cravings for hot and small meals that are easy to digest and keeps us warm. 

'व्यक्ताम्ललवणस्नेहं वातवर्षाकुलेहनि। '

                                                (च. सू. 6/37)

Monsoon is a time in the year to favor the amla(sour) and lavana(salty) rasa(tastes) slightly oily foods. These paccify the aagravated vayu(air) in the body. 

Now, you can make out why you love to have PAKORAS(fritters) on a rainy day. 

It is the best time to appreciate the flavor of madhu(honey). You should have madhu(honey) in the appropriate way and appropriate amount with every food item or meal. 

•Jamun                     •Banana

•Litchi                        •Papaya

•Cherries                   •Plum

•Peach                       •Pear

•Pomegranate          •Apple

•Bottle gourd.        

•Bitter gourd

•Indian squash(tinda)

•Pointed gourd(parwal)

•Potato

•Sweet potato 

•Garlic 

•Barley(पुराण जौ) 

•Wheat(गेहूँ) 

•Shali rice(शालि चावल) 

'अग्निसंरक्षणवता यवगोधूमशालयः। 

पुराणा जांगलैमांसैर्भोज्या यूषैश्च संस्कृतैः।।'

                                                      (च. सू. ६/३८)

To protect your agni(digestive fire), you should have barley, wheat and shali rice with jangal mansa and medicated yush(juice of pulses). 

In rainy season, you can have small quantity of mahua wine with some madhu(honey).

You should have aristha or water with some madhu in them. 

Sattu dissolved in water should be avoided in monsoons. 

Wear light, breathable and clean(washed) clothes made of cotton or any other light fabric. As they'll allow your body to breath and counteract the effect of humidity. 

In ayurvedic texts, it is not allowed to take a nap in the afternoon. 

Don't forget to wipe yourself with a thick towel after having a bath. 

Acharya CHARAKA has advised to avoid EXERCISES, as the strength of the body is low and exercising will deplete it further. 

Also,  acharya has advised to avoid atap sevana(exposure to sun). 

'व्यायाममातपं चैव व्यवायं चात्र वर्जयेत्। '

                                                     (च. सू. ६/३६)

In chapter-6 of CHARAKA SAMHITA, acharya CHARAKA has advised to avoid sleeping in the open(terrace) at night to avoid the exposure to dew at night.