Ritucharya: This word is the
combination of two words i.e.
ritu meaning seasons and
charya
meaning routine, thus giving the complete term the meaning of the ruotine
that is to be followed in different seasons.
Following is the importance of Ritucharya:
It maintains the climatic homologation in form of dosh samya (equilibrium)
in different seasons to promote swassthvrutha (preventive & social
medicine) on which ayurveda has laid a great stress since prevention is
better than cure.
Hemant (winter season)
This is the season of cold, where the atmosphere temperature drops down,
the environment becomes chilly and this leads to the disequilibrium of vata
dosha and kapha sanchay. In the winter season Vayu is accentuated and needs
to be satisfied by a heavy diet (snigdha, Madhura & lavanrasa). The diet
in hemant must include wheat, gram, milk & milk products, jaggery, cane
sugar, figs, carrots, tomatoes, dates to prevent the disequilibrium of vata
dosha. Til oil massage is suggested to prevent disequilibrium of vata dosha
and excess sanchay of kapha. Daily exercises or yoga is beneficial. To avoid
cold woolen clothes must be worn and married couple should use aphrodisiacs.
Vasant (spring season)
The sanchit kapha is accentuated in this season by the sun rays thus the
susceptibility of kapha Roga (e.g. cough, cold, tonsillitis etc) increases
and thus reduces the Agni (bio- transformation). In ayurveda vaman
(vomiting) karma is also advocated i.e. one of the pancha karma's to get rid
of excess kapha sanchay and hence kapha Roga. Sleeping during the day and
use of Madhura, Alma, and lavan is contraindicated as these accentuate the
kapha dosha. Instead, the use of honey and or dry ginger is indicated.
Grishma (summer season)
Heat of the sun reduces the moisture in the atmosphere and thus increases
the ruksh guna of vata dosha, which causes sanchay of vata dosha. By this
way Ahaar and vihar that accentuate its sanchay can be avoided. Thew
examples are that of the use of katu tikta kashya Rasa, exercises, sexual
intercourse, etc. it is advisable not to take honey and intake of liquids
should be increased to prevent dehydration due to excessive sweating. Use of
cotton clothes is beneficial.
Varsha (rainy season)
In this season the atmosphere is although cool due to rainfall but the
humidity increases and this causes vata dosha prakopa. In this season
ayurveda insists on avoiding Ahaar & vihar, which attribute to prakopa.
Drinking of boiled water (shrut, sheeta jal) is advisable. Use of rittu hari
taki as a rasayan i.e. hari taki is suggested with different anupanas in
different seasons.
Sharadrutu (autumn)
Pitta prakopa is caused due to the heat of sun hence ahar vihar which
attribute to its prakopa should be avoided.