Description
Ritucharya is the grouping of two terms, i.e. ritu
which means seasons and charya means routine. Its complete
meaning means procedure that is to be followed in diverse
seasons. Here, the distribution of the seasons (ritus) are
done keeping in sync with the position of sun. Each
season lasts for approximately, two months.
Significance
Ritucharya preserve the environmental value in the
shape of balance in different seasons to support defensive
and social remedy and this is the principle on which ayurvedic
system of medicines has put emphasis because it is said that
prevention is better than cure.
Seasons
There are different seasons in ritucharya, i.e. Winter
Season (Hemant), Spring Season (Vasant), Summer Season (Grishma),
and Rainy Season (Varsha), Autumn Season (Sharadrutu). The description
of each of the season is as follows:
Winter Season
In Sanskrit language, winter season is called Hemant. This
ritu starts from mid-November to mid-February. In winter season,
cold atmosphere develops and temperature starts decreasing. Chilly
and cold wind began to blow which causes imbalance in vata dosha
and kapha dosha. In this season, air is on a height and is under
depression (pressure or force).
A heavy diet needs to be taken that must include milk and its
products, wheat, carrot and raddish, tomatoes and sugary food. Yoga
exercises are extremely valuable for human body in this season.
Massage with almond oil and exercise must be done regularly.
Spring Season
In Sanskrit language, spring season is called Vasant.
This ritu starts from mid-march to mid-may. In spring season,
sanchit kapha is stressed by the rays of the sun.
So, it is very much obvious that cough, cold and other respiratory
problems might get develops.
To get rid of excess cough, it is recommended to encourage
vomiting process. Mixture of dried ginger (adrak) and honey
(shehad) is useful in treating kapha dosha.
The sharp flavor dominates spring season. Nasal remedy or
therapy must be undertaken.
Summer Season
In Sanskrit language, summer season is called Grishma. This ritu
starts from mid-may to mid-July. In summer season, sun decreases
the dampness in the environment and facilitated the trapping of
heat on the earth's atmosphere. Excessive workouts and sex must
be avoided. The intake of liquid products and honey must be increased
so as to prevent dehydration and fatigue. Cotton clothes must
be worn during summer season as they provide a soothing effect to
the human body. Kattu flavor dominates summer season. Massage
must be done with a chandan paste and bath must be taken with the
cold water
Rainy Season
In Sanskrit language, rainy season is known as Varsha.
This ritu starts from mid-July to mid-September. In rainy season,
though humidity or moisture in the air increases, but it remains
cool. Lukewarm water must be drunk to balance vata dosha prakopa.
Vinegary flavor dominates the rainy season.
Autumn Season
In Sanskrit language, autumn season is called Sharadrutu.
This ritu starts from mid September to mid November. In autumn season,
heat from the sun is responsible for the growth of pitta prakopa.
Salty flavor dominates the autumn season.
