We have always heard the phrase to go with the flow, haven’t we? Just as we move along the curve of the road when driving. This simple tactic is extremely beneficial for maintaining optimum health too. In these blogs focused on Ayurveda and its aspects, we have regularly emphasized adapting to seasonal changes to prevent occurrence of diseases. The movement of the sun influences many factors within the body. Along with energy or bala, the digestive fire within the body is also weak during this rainy season. The damp and cold climate leads to vitiation of vata predominantly along with other 2 doshas.

Generally, Varsha ritu is believed to last from Mid July till the mid of September.  The best scenario to help you imagine the state of your digestive fire is :- trying to light a fire or bonfire with wet branches or twigs. It’s difficult and time consuming for those to take light. This is true for your digestive fire during this season. So burdening your already weakened digestive fire with an unsuitable diet will only further dampen it and cause health problems.

Lack of sunshine, cloudy atmosphere could also lead to mental disturbances. Thus it is recommended to use a lot of aromatic herbs like Chandana (Sandalwood), wearing fragrant garlands, etc. These aromatic herbs contain phytochemicals that relieve mood disturbances and uplift the mood and atmosphere. They may activate certain areas in the brain which helps in controlling emotions and releases happy hormones.

Few guidelines that can be followed during the Varsha Ritu :- 

Try to refrain from: 

• Excessive liquid intake, wine, achar (pickles of all types), food which is heavy and hard to digest
• Getting wet in rain, day sleep, exercise, hard work, staying at river bank, and exposure to sunlight, wind are to be avoided

 Seasonal Daily Regime: 

• Use of hot water for baths
• Rubbing the body with Oil properly after a bath is advised
• Medicated Basti (enema) under the supervision of a Registered Physician, to expel vitiated doshas

 As always, we need to walk with nature, work with nature and be insync with nature. Doing what is possible is completely under our control and small steps may be implemented gradually and adopted. Choose an ideal routine just for yourself !!

 To tackle unexpected health concerns Sandu pharma offers;

• Tab Corysan,
• Sandu Mahasudarshan Kadha,
• Sandu Sitopalasav,
• Sandu Mahamanjishthadi kadha,
• Sandu Chyavanprash,
• Makarprash etc only on advice of Registered Medical Practitioner.

 Leaving you with following words from American marine biologist, writer, and conservationist; to think about;

 ‘But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself’ – Rachel Carson

 #sayyestoayurveda #sandupharma #ritucharya #varsharitu #ayurveda # rainyseason #ayurvedalifestyle #monsoonregimen

 References:

 Ganeshrao, Bakal Nilesh, Lode Dattatraya Somaji, and Patil Aparna Shrikrishna. “Ritu (Season), Ritucharya and Prakriti-A Conceptual Study.” Int. J Ayur. Pharma Research 2.2 (2014): 101-110.

Article by

Dr.Madhuri Bhogan

Research Associate