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==== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[Hemant]] [[ritu]] (Winter season) ====
==== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[Hemant]] [[ritu]] (Winter season) ====
=====Status of [[agni]] =====
शीते शीतानिलस्पर्शसंरुद्धो बलिनां बली|
शीते शीतानिलस्पर्शसंरुद्धो बलिनां बली|
पक्ता भवति हेमन्ते मात्राद्रव्यगुरुक्षमः||९||
पक्ता भवति हेमन्ते मात्राद्रव्यगुरुक्षमः||९||
paktA bhavati hemante mAtrAdravyagurukShamaH||9||
paktA bhavati hemante mAtrAdravyagurukShamaH||9||
During ''sheeta kala (hemanta)'' due to the contact of cold wind, the ''agni'' (digestive fire) of strong/healthy individuals gets trapped in the body (like in a closed chamber) and becomes strong or powerful. So, the ''agni'' becomes powerful enough to digest food that is heavy not just in quantity as well as in nature. [9]
During [[sheeta]] [[kala]] ([[hemanta]]) due to the contact of cold wind, the [[agni]] (digestive power) of strong/healthy individuals gets trapped in the body (like in a closed chamber) and becomes strong or powerful enough to digest food that is inherently heavy and excess in quantity. [9]
स यदा नेन्धनं युक्तं लभते देहजं तदा|
स यदा नेन्धनं युक्तं लभते देहजं तदा|
rasaM hinastyato vAyuH shItaH shIte prakupyati||10||
rasaM hinastyato vAyuH shItaH shIte prakupyati||10||
If adequate food is not made available to the body, then this strong ''agni'' consumes/absorbs the ''rasa''-the intrinsic fluids of the body. ''Vata'' having ''sheeta'' (cold) quality gets vitiated in this ''sheeta kala'' (cold season).[10]
If adequate food is not made available to the body, then this increased [[agni]] consumes/absorbs the [[rasa]](the intrinsic fluids of the body). [[Vata]] having [[sheeta]] (cold) property gets vitiated in this cold season.[10]
=====Diet and beverages in winter season=====
तस्मात्तुषारसमये स्निग्धाम्ललवणान् रसान्|
तस्मात्तुषारसमये स्निग्धाम्ललवणान् रसान्|
औदकानूपमांसानां मेद्यानामुपयोजयेत्||११||
औदकानूपमांसानां मेद्यानामुपयोजयेत्||११||
bhakShayenmadirAM shIdhuM madhu cAnupibennaraH||12||
bhakShayenmadirAM shIdhuM madhu cAnupibennaraH||12||
In the period of snowfall (''tushara kala''), unctuous, sour and salty food items should be taken predominantly. Meat of fatty, aquatic and marshy animals should be taken. Meat of burrowing animals and roasted meat of animals that eat by snatching should be consumed and after that drinking of ''madira'' and ''sidhu'' type of wines and honey is advised. [11-12]
In the period of snowfall, unctuous, sour and salty food items should be consumed predominantly. Meat of fatty, aquatic and marshy animals should be taken. Meat of burrowing animals and roasted meat of animals that eat by snatching the prey should be consumed and after that drinking of [[madira]] and [[sidhu]] type of wines and honey is advised. [11-12]
गोरसानिक्षुविकृतीर्वसां तैलं नवौदनम्|
गोरसानिक्षुविकृतीर्वसां तैलं नवौदनम्|
hemante~abhyasyatastoyamuShNaM cAyurna hIyate||13||
hemante~abhyasyatastoyamuShNaM cAyurna hIyate||13||
A person who is habituated to consuming milk products, cane sugar products, fats and oils, new rice and warm water during ''hemanta ritu,'' never sees his lifespan decrease ( i.e. these help
A person who is habituated to consuming milk products, cane sugar products, fats and oils, new rice and warm water during [[hemanta]] [[ritu]], never sees his lifespan decrease ( i.e. these help in prevention from early aging and diseases). [13]
=====Lifestyle in winter season=====
अभ्यङ्गोत्सादनं मूर्ध्नि तैलं जेन्ताकमातपम्|
भजेद्भूमिगृहं चोष्णमुष्णं गर्भगृहं तथा||१४||
abhyaṅgōtsādanaṁ mūrdhni tailaṁ jēntākamātapam|
bhajēdbhūmigr̥haṁ cōṣṇamuṣṇaṁ garbhagr̥haṁ tathā||14||
abhya~ggotsAdanaM mUrdhni tailaM jentAkamAtapam|
bhajedbhUmigRuhaM coShNamuShNaM garbhagRuhaM tathA||14||
In [[hemanta]] [[ritu]],[[abhyanga]] (massage), [[utsadana]] (anointing), [[murdhni taila]] (applying oil on the head), fomentation by [[jentaka]] (a type of fomentation/sudation) method, sunbath, spending time in hot underground houses and warmer, inner rooms of the house is indicated. [14]
शीतेषु संवृतं सेव्यं यानं शयनमासनम्|
प्रावाराजिनकौषेयप्रवेणीकुथकास्तृतम्||१५||
śītēṣu saṁvr̥taṁ sēvyaṁ yānaṁ śayanamāsanam|
prāvārājinakauṣēyapravēṇīkuthakāstr̥tam||15||
shIteShu saMvRutaM [2] sevyaM yAnaM shayanamAsanam|
prAvArAjinakauSheyapraveNIkuthakAstRutam||15||
In winter season, vehicles, beds and seats should be well covered and spread over with thick quilts, deer or tiger skins, silken sheets, gunny-cloth sheets or blankets. [15]
=====Guidelines for sexual health=====
गुरूष्णवासा दिग्धाङ्गो गुरुणाऽगुरुणा सदा|
शयने प्रमदां पीनां विशालोपचितस्तनीम्||१६||
आलिङ्ग्यागुरुदिग्धाङ्गीं सुप्यात् समदमन्मथः|
प्रकामं च निषेवेत मैथुनं शिशिरागमे||१७||
gurūṣṇavāsā digdhāṅgō guruṇā'guruṇā sadā|
śayanē pramadāṁ pīnāṁ viśālōpacitastanīm||16||
āliṅgyāgurudigdhāṅgīṁ supyāt samadamanmathaḥ|
prakāmaṁ ca niṣēvēta maithunaṁ śiśirāgamē||17||
gurUShNavAsA digdhA~ggo guruNA~aguruNA sadA|
shayane pramadAM pInAM vishAlopacitastanIm||16||
Ali~ggyAgurudigdhA~ggIM supyAt samadamanmathaH|
prakAmaM ca niSheveta maithunaM shishirAgame||17||
In the winter season, one should always wear thick and warm clothes and the body should be anointed with thick paste of aguru (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb) (eagle-wood). A man who has strong passion should sleep in the bed at night embracing a healthy woman having well developed, plump breasts and herself anointed with the paste of aguru. One may indeed indulge in sexual intercourse up to full satisfaction. [16-17]
=====Contra-indications in winter season=====
वर्जयेदन्नपानानि वातलानि लघूनि च|
प्रवातं प्रमिताहारमुदमन्थं हिमागमे||१८||
varjayēdannapānāni vātalāni laghūni ca|
pravātaṁ pramitāhāramudamanthaṁ himāgamē||18||
varjayedannapAnAni vAtalAni laghUni ca|
pravAtaM pramitAhAramudamanthaM himAgame||18||
At the advent of winter season intake of food and drinks that cause [[vata]] vitiation and inherently light to digest in property, (getting exposed to) strong winds, inadequate quantities of food, and intake of diluted gruel are contraindicated. [18]
==== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[shishira]] [[ritu]] (late winter) ====
===== Characteristics of [[shishira]] [[ritu]] =====
हेमन्तशिशिरौ तुल्यौ शिशिरेऽल्पं विशेषणम्|
रौक्ष्यमादानजं शीतं मेघमारुतवर्षजम्||१९||
hēmantaśiśirau tulyau śiśirē'lpaṁ viśēṣaṇam|
raukṣyamādānajaṁ śītaṁ mēghamārutavarṣajam||19||
hemantashishirau tulyau shishire~alpaM visheShaNam|
raukShyamAdAnajaM shItaM meghamArutavarShajam||19||
[[Hemanta]] and [[shishira]] seasons are almost similar in characteristics with some specific features in [[shishira]] [[ritu]]. In this season, due to the onset of [[adana kala]], dryness increases and due to clouds, winds and rain, cold prevails. [19]
===== Additional care in late winter season=====
तस्माद्धैमन्तिकः सर्वः शिशिरे विधिरिष्यते|
निवातमुष्णं त्वधिकं शिशिरे गृहमाश्रयेत्||२०||
tasmāddhaimantikaḥ sarvaḥ śiśirē vidhiriṣyatē|
nivātamuṣṇaṁ tvadhikaṁ śiśirē gr̥hamāśrayēt||20||
tasmAddhaimantikaH sarvaH shishire vidhiriShyate|
nivAtamuShNaM tvadhikaM shishire gRuhamAshrayet||20||
Therefore, the whole regimen advised for [[hemanta]] should also be followed in [[shishira]] [[ritu]]. In addition to that, one should specially stay in less windy and warm shelters (homes). [20]
=====Contra-indication in late winter =====
कटुतिक्तकषायाणि वातलानि लघूनि च|
वर्जयेदन्नपानानि शिशिरे शीतलानि च||२१||]
kaṭutiktakaṣāyāṇi vātalāni laghūni ca|
varjayēdannapānāni śiśirē śītalāni ca||21||
kaTutiktakaShAyANi vAtalAni laghUni ca|
varjayedannapAnAni shishire shItalAni ca||21||
In the [[shishira]] season, food and drinks that are predominantly pungent, bitter and astringent in taste, [[vata]] vitiating, and inherently light to digest and cold in properties should be avoided. [21]
==== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[vasanta]] [[ritu]] (spring season) ====
=====Status of [[agni]] in spring=====
वसन्ते निचितः श्लेष्मा दिनकृद्भाभिरीरितः|
कायाग्निं बाधते रोगांस्ततः प्रकुरुते बहून्||२२||
vasantē nicitaḥ ślēṣmā dinakr̥dbhābhirīritaḥ|
kāyāgniṁ bādhatē rōgāṁstataḥ prakurutē bahūn||22||
vasante nicitaH shleShmA dinakRudbhAbhirIritaH|
kAyAgniM bAdhate rogAMstataH prakurute bahUn||22||
[[Shleshma]] accumulated in [[hemanta]] [[ritu]] gets liquefied by hot rays of the Sun in [[vasanta]] [[ritu]], which in turn disturbs/decreases the digestive power and ultimately causes many diseases. [22]
=====Indications and contra-indications in spring=====
तस्माद्वसन्ते कर्माणि वमनादीनि कारयेत्|
गुर्वम्लस्निग्धमधुरं दिवास्वप्नं च वर्जयेत्||२३||
tasmādvasantē karmāṇi vamanādīni kārayēt|
gurvamlasnigdhamadhuraṁ divāsvapnaṁ ca varjayēt||23||
tasmAdvasante karmANi vamanAdIni kArayet|
gurvamlasnigdhamadhuraM divAsvapnaM ca varjayet||23||
Therefore in [[vasanta]] season the purification procedures like [[vamana]] ( therapeutic emesis) and others should be done. One should avoid heavy to digest, sour, unctuous and sweet food items and should not sleep during the daytime. [23]
व्यायामोद्वर्तनं धूमं कवलग्रहमञ्जनम्|
सुखाम्बुना शौचविधिं शीलयेत् कुसुमागमे||२४||
vyāyāmōdvartanaṁ dhūmaṁ kavalagrahamañjanam|
sukhāmbunā śaucavidhiṁ śīlayēt kusumāgamē||24||
vyAyAmodvartanaM dhUmaM kavalagrahama~jjanam|
sukhAmbunA shaucavidhiM shIlayet kusumAgame||24||
In [[kusumagama]] [[kala]] (at the advent of spring) when flowers blossom ([[vasanta]]) one should regularly resort to physical exercise, dry massage, medicated smoking, gargling, and collyrium. Bathing and cleaning of excretory orifices should be done with lukewarm water. [24]
चन्दनागुरुदिग्धाङ्गो यवगोधूमभोजनः|
शारभं शाशमैणेयं मांसं लावकपिञ्जलम्||२५||
candanāgurudigdhāṅgō yavagōdhūmabhōjanaḥ|
śārabhaṁ śāśamaiṇēyaṁ māṁsaṁ lāvakapiñjalam||25||
candanAgurudigdhA~ggo yavagodhUmabhojanaH|
shArabhaM shAshamaiNeyaM mAMsaM lAvakapi~jjalam||25||
A person should apply the paste of Chandana (Santalum album Linn) and aguru (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb) (eagle-wood) on the body. One should take food made up of barley and wheat, meat of [[sarabha]] (wapiti), [[shasha]] (rabbit), [[ena]] (antelope), [[lava]] (common quail) and [[kapinjala]] (grey partridge). [25]
भक्षयेन्निर्गदं सीधुं पिबेन्माध्वीकमेव वा|
वसन्तेऽनुभवेत् स्त्रीणां काननानां च यौवनम्||२६||
bhakṣayēnnirgadaṁ sīdhuṁ pibēnmādhvīkamēva vā|
vasantē'nubhavēt strīṇāṁ kānanānāṁ ca yauvanam||26||
bhakShayennirgadaM sIdhuM pibenmAdhvIkameva vA|
vasante~anubhavet strINAM kAnanAnAM ca yauvanam||26||
One should drink clean alcoholic drinks like [[sidhu]] and [[madhvika]] (types of wine preparations) in [[vasanta]] and enjoy the youthfulness of women and of gardens. [26]
==== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[grishma]] [[ritu]] (summer season) ====
=====Effect of excess Sun-heat in summer =====
मयूखैर्जगतः स्नेहं ग्रीष्मे पेपीयते रविः|
स्वादु शीतं द्रवं स्निग्धमन्नपानं तदा हितम्||२७||
mayūkhairjagataḥ snēhaṁ grīṣmē pēpīyatē raviḥ|
svādu śītaṁ dravaṁ snigdhamannapānaṁ tadā hitam||27||
mayUkhairjagataH snehaM grIShme pepIyate raviH|
svAdu shItaM dravaM snigdhamannapAnaM tadA hitam||27||
In [[grishma]] [[ritu]] (summer season), the Sun , by its rays, excessively dries up the environment. So, in this season, food and drinks having sweet, cold, liquid and unctuous qualities are considered wholesome. [27]
=====Diet and beverages in summer=====
शीतं सशर्करं मन्थं जाङ्गलान्मृगपक्षिणः|
घृतं पयः सशाल्यन्नं भजन् ग्रीष्मे न सीदति||२८||
śītaṁ saśarkaraṁ manthaṁ jāṅgalānmr̥gapakṣiṇaḥ|
ghr̥taṁ payaḥ saśālyannaṁ bhajan grīṣmē na sīdati||28||
shItaM sasharkaraM manthaM jA~ggalAnmRugapakShiNaH|
ghRutaM payaH sashAlyannaM bhajan grIShme na sIdati||28||
In summer season, any individual taking cold and sweet [[mantha]] (a type of liquid diet), meat of wild animals and birds, [[ghee]] and milk with [[shali]] rice (Oryza sativa Linn) does not become weak (i.e., does not suffer from diseases). [28]
=====Contra-indications in summer=====
मद्यमल्पं न वा पेयमथवा सुबहूदकम्|
लवणाम्लकटूष्णानि व्यायामं च विवर्जयेत् ||२९||
Madyamalpaṁ na vā pēyamathavā subahūdakam|
lavaṇāmlakaṭūṣṇāni vyāyāmaṁ ca vivarjayēt ||29||
madyamalpaM na vA peyamathavA subahUdakam|
lavaNAmlakaTUShNAni vyAyAmaM ca vivarjayet ||29||
Alcoholic beverages should be consumed in little quantities or should not be consumed at all, or if taken, should be diluted with plenty of water. One should not consume salty, sour, pungent and hot food, and physical exercise should be avoided. [29]
=====Lifestyle in summer=====
दिवा शीतगृहे निद्रां निशि चन्द्रांशुशीतले|
भजेच्चन्दनदिग्धाङ्गः प्रवाते हर्म्यमस्तके||३०||
Divā śītagr̥hē nidrāṁ niśi candrāṁśuśītalē|
bhajēccandanadigdhāṅgaḥ pravātē harmyamastakē||30||
divA shItagRuhe nidrAM nishi candrAMshushItale|
bhajeccandanadigdhA~ggaH pravAte harmyamastake||30||
During daytime, one should sleep in a cool shelter and during night after applying the paste of chandana (Santalum album Linn) on the body sleep in the airy roof/terrace of the house which is cooled by the Moon-rays. [30]
व्यजनैः पाणिसंस्पर्शैश्चन्दनोदकशीतलैः|
सेव्यमानो भजेदास्यां मुक्तामणिविभूषितः||३१||
Vyajanaiḥ pāṇisaṁsparśaiścandanōdakaśītalaiḥ|
sēvyamānō bhajēdāsyāṁ muktāmaṇivibhūṣitaḥ||31||
vyajanaiH pANisaMsparshaishcandanodakashItalaiH|
sevyamAno bhajedAsyAM muktAmaNivibhUShitaH||31||
One should be seated on a surface decorated with pearl and gems and make use of a fan and touching by soft hands, both cooled with sandal water. [31]
काननानि च शीतानि जलानि कुसुमानि च|
ग्रीष्मकाले निषेवेत मैथुनाद्विरतो नरः||३२||
Kānanāni ca śītāni jalāni kusumāni ca|
grīṣmakālē niṣēvēta maithunādviratō naraḥ||32||
kAnanAni ca shItAni jalAni kusumAni ca|
grIShmakAle niSheveta maithunAdvirato naraH||32||
In Summer, one should enjoy the coolness of gardens, cold water and flowers, and should abstain from sexual intercourse. [32]
==== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[Varsha]] [[ritu]] (rainy season) ====
=====Status of [[agni]] in rainy season=====
आदानदुर्बले देहे पक्ता भवति दुर्बलः|
स वर्षास्वनिलादीनां दूषणैर्बाध्यते पुनः||३३||
ādānadurbalē dēhē paktā bhavati durbalaḥ|
sa varṣāsvanilādīnāṁ dūṣaṇairbādhyatē punaḥ||33||
AdAnadurbale dehe paktA bhavati durbalaH|
sa varShAsvanilAdInAM dUShaNairbAdhyate punaH||33||
In a weak body, during the period of dehydration, [[agni]] is also weak, and deteriorates further due to vitiated [[vata]] and other [[dosha]] during rainy season. [33]
भूबाष्पान्मेघनिस्यन्दात् पाकादम्लाज्जलस्य च|
वर्षास्वग्निबले क्षीणे कुप्यन्ति पवनादयः||३४||
bhūbāṣpānmēghanisyandāt pākādamlājjalasya ca|
varṣāsvagnibalē kṣīṇē kupyanti pavanādayaḥ||34||
bhUbAShpAnmeghanisyandAt pAkAdamlAjjalasya ca|
varShAsvagnibale kShINe kupyanti pavanAdayaH||34||
In this season, due to evaporating vapors from the Earth, rainfall and acidic transformation of water, the [[agni]] is weakened, thus leading to the further vitiation of [[vata]] and other [[dosha]]. [34]
=====Indications and contra-indications in rainy season=====
तस्मात् साधारणः सर्वो विधिर्वर्षासु शस्यते|
उदमन्थं दिवास्वप्नमवश्यायं नदीजलम्||३५||
व्यायाममातपं चैव व्यवायं चात्र वर्जयेत्|
पानभोजनसंस्कारान् प्रायः क्षौद्रान्वितान् भजेत्||३६||
tasmāt sādhāraṇaḥ sarvō vidhirvarṣāsu śasyatē|
udamanthaṁ divāsvapnamavaśyāyaṁ nadījalam||35||
vyāyāmamātapaṁ caiva vyavāyaṁ cātra varjayēt|
pānabhōjanasaṁskārān prāyaḥ kṣaudrānvitān bhajēt||36||
tasmAt sAdhAraNaH sarvo vidhirvarShAsu shasyate|
udamanthaM divAsvapnamavashyAyaM nadIjalam||35||
vyAyAmamAtapaM caiva vyavAyaM cAtra varjayet|
pAnabhojanasaMskArAn prAyaH kShaudrAnvitAn bhajet||36||
Hence, in rainy season all basic rules regarding diet and lifestyle are advised to balance all three [[dosha]]. One should avoid diluted [[mantha]](excess liquid diet) , sleeping during the day, exposure to dew, river water, physical exercise, sun rays and sexual intercourse in this season.
One should use food and drinks mostly added with honey in small quantity to pacify the [[kleda]] (moisture) of rainy season. [35-36]
=====Specific diet in rainy season=====
व्यक्ताम्ललवणस्नेहं वातवर्षाकुलेऽहनि|
विशेषशीते भोक्तव्यं वर्षास्वनिलशान्तये||३७||
vyaktāmlalavaṇasnēhaṁ vātavarṣākulē'hani|
viśēṣaśītē bhōktavyaṁ varṣāsvanilaśāntayē||37||
vyaktAmlalavaNasnehaM vAtavarShAkule~ahani|
visheShashIte bhoktavyaM varShAsvanilashAntaye||37||
In the rainy season when the days are cooler due to wind and rain, one should predominantly take sour, salty and unctuous food to alleviate [[vata]]. [37]
अग्निसंरक्षणवता यवगोधूमशालयः|
पुराणा जाङ्गलैर्मांसैर्भोज्या यूषैश्च संस्कृतैः||३८||
agnisaṁrakṣaṇavatā yavagōdhūmaśālayaḥ|
purāṇā jāṅgalairmāṁsairbhōjyā yūṣaiśca saṁskr̥taiḥ||38||
agnisaMrakShaNavatA yavagodhUmashAlayaH|
purANA jA~ggalairmAMsairbhojyA yUShaishca saMskRutaiH||38||
A person taking care of his [[agni]] should consume old barley; wheat and [[shali]] rice (Oryza sativa Linn) along with meat of wild animals and processed soup. [38]
पिबेत् क्षौद्रान्वितं चाल्पं माध्वीकारिष्टमम्बु वा|
माहेन्द्रं तप्तशीतं वा कौपं सारसमेव वा||३९||
pibēt kṣaudrānvitaṁ cālpaṁ mādhvīkāriṣṭamambu vā|
māhēndraṁ taptaśītaṁ vā kaupaṁ sārasamēva vā||39||
pibet kShaudrAnvitaM cAlpaM mAdhvIkAriShTamambu vA|
mAhendraM taptashItaM vA kaupaM sArasameva vA||39||
Whenever [[madhvika]] or other fermented liquors and water are consumed, they should be mixed with a little amount of honey. Rain water or water from wells or ponds should be properly boiled and cooled. [39]
=====Lifestyle in rainy season=====
प्रघर्षोद्वर्तनस्नानगन्धमाल्यपरो भवेत्|
लघुशुद्धाम्बरः स्थानं भजेदक्लेदि वार्षिकम्||४०||
pragharṣōdvartanasnānagandhamālyaparō bhavēt|
laghuśuddhāmbaraḥ sthānaṁ bhajēdaklēdi vārṣikam||40||
pragharShodvartanasnAnagandhamAlyaparo bhavet|
laghushuddhAmbaraH sthAnaM bhajedakledi vArShikam||40||
In the rainy season, one should practice [[pragharsha]] (friction massage), [[udwartana]] (dry massage), [[snana]] (bath), use of fragrance, garlands, wearing light and clean clothes and should reside in the place which is free from humidity. [40]
==== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[sharada]] [[ritu]] (autumn season) ====
=====Status of [[pitta]] [[dosha]] in autumn season=====
वर्षाशीतोचिताङ्गानां सहसैवार्करश्मिभिः|
तप्तानामाचितं पित्तं प्रायः शरदि कुप्यति||४१||
varṣāśītōcitāṅgānāṁ sahasaivārkaraśmibhiḥ|
taptānāmācitaṁ pittaṁ prāyaḥ śaradi kupyati||41||
varShAshItocitA~ggAnAM sahasaivArkarashmibhiH|
taptAnAmAcitaM pittaM prAyaH sharadi kupyati||41||
When a body habituated to cold and rain is suddenly subjected to the heat of sun-rays in the [[sharada]] (autumn) season, the accumulated [[pitta]] [[dosha]] in the body often gets aggravated. [41]
=====Specific diet for pacification of [[pitta]] [[dosha]]=====
तत्रान्नपानं मधुरं लघु शीतं सतिक्तकम्|
पित्तप्रशमनं सेव्यं मात्रया सुप्रकाङ्क्षितैः||४२||
tatrānnapānaṁ madhuraṁ laghu śītaṁ satiktakam|
pittapraśamanaṁ sēvyaṁ mātrayā suprakāṅkṣitaiḥ||42||
tatrAnnapAnaM madhuraM laghu shItaM satiktakam|
pittaprashamanaM sevyaM mAtrayA suprakA~gkShitaiH||42||
In this season food and drinks predominantly of sweet, light, cold and slightly bitter qualities and having [[pitta]] alleviating properties should be taken in proper quantity, only when there is good appetite. [42]
लावान् कपिञ्जलानेणानुरभ्राञ्छरभान् शशान्|
शालीन् सयवगोधूमान् सेव्यानाहुर्घनात्यये||४३||
lāvān kapiñjalānēṇānurabhrāñcharabhān śaśān|
śālīn sayavagōdhūmān sēvyānāhurghanātyayē||43||
lAvAn kapi~jjalAneNAnurabhrA~jcharabhAn shashAn|
shAlIn sayavagodhUmAn sevyAnAhurghanAtyaye||43||
In [[ghanatyaya]] ([[sharada]] [[ritu]]), the meat of [[lava]] (common quail), [[kapinjala]] (grey partridge), [[ena]] (antelope), [[urabhra]] (sheep), [[sarabha]] (wapiti) and [[shasha]] (rabbit), [[shali]] rice (Oryza sativa Linn), barley and wheat should be taken. [43]
तिक्तस्य सर्पिषः पानं विरेको रक्तमोक्षणम्|
धाराधरात्यये कार्यमातपस्य च वर्जनम्||४४||
tiktasya sarpiṣaḥ pānaṁ virēkō raktamōkṣaṇam|
dhārādharātyayē kāryamātapasya ca varjanam||44||
tiktasya sarpiShaH pAnaM vireko raktamokShaNam|
dhArAdharAtyaye kAryamAtapasya ca varjanam||44||
In [[sharada]], whenever the rain clouds disappear, the intake of [[tikta ghee]] (ghee medicated with bitter items), use of purgatives, and blood-letting are indicated. [44]
=====Contra-indications in autumn season=====
वसां तैलमवश्यायमौदकानूपमामिषम्|
क्षारं दधि दिवास्वप्नं प्राग्वातं चात्र वर्जयेत्||४५||
vasāṁ tailamavaśyāyamaudakānūpamāmiṣam|
kṣāraṁ dadhi divāsvapnaṁ prāgvātaṁ cātra varjayēt||45||
vasAM tailamavashyAyamaudakAnUpamAmiSham|
kShAraM dadhi divAsvapnaM prAgvAtaM cAtra varjayet||45||
In this season exposure to Sun, intake of muscle fats and oils, exposure to dew, meat of aquatic and marshy animals, alkaline preparations, and curd are contraindicated. One should not sleep during daytime and restrict exposure to easterly wind. [45]
=====[[Hamsodaka]] (pure water)=====
दिवा सूर्यांशुसन्तप्तं निशि चन्द्रांशुशीतलम्|
कालेन पक्वं निर्दोषमगस्त्येनाविषीकृतम्||४६||
हंसोदकमिति ख्यातं शारदं विमलं शुचि|
स्नानपानावगाहेषु हितमम्बु यथाऽमृतम् ||४७|
Divā sūryāṁśusantaptaṁ niśi candrāṁśuśītalam|
kālēna pakvaṁ nirdōṣamagastyēnāviṣīkr̥tam||46||
haṁsōdakamiti khyātaṁ śāradaṁ vimalaṁ śuci|
snānapānāvagāhēṣu hitamambu yathā'mr̥tam ||47||
divA sUryAMshusantaptaM nishi candrAMshushItalam|
kAlena pakvaM nirdoShamagastyenAviShIkRutam||46||
haMsodakamiti khyAtaM shAradaM vimalaM shuci|
snAnapAnAvagAheShu hitamambu yathA~amRutam ||47||
<div style="text-align:justify;">
Water naturally heated with sunrays during daytime and cooled with moon rays during night, well purified by the course of time and detoxified by the effects of [[Agastya]] (the star Canopus) is called [[Hamsodaka]].This is available during [[sharada]] and is clean and clear. This water is beneficial as nectar when used for the purpose of bathing and drinking. [46-47]
</div>
=====Lifestyle during autumn season=====
शारदानि च माल्यानि वासांसि विमलानि च|
शरत्काले प्रशस्यन्ते प्रदोषे चेन्दुरश्मयः||४८||
śāradāni ca mālyāni vāsāṁsi vimalāni ca|
śaratkālē praśasyantē pradōṣē cēnduraśmayaḥ||48||
shAradAni ca mAlyAni vAsAMsi vimalAni ca|
sharatkAle prashasyante pradoShe cendurashmayaH||48||
In [[sharada]] [[ritu]], garlands of seasonal flowers, clean clothes (apparels), and exposure to moon-rays in early nights are very beneficial. [48]
==== [[Okasatmya]](acquired adaptation or habituation) ====
इत्युक्तमृतुसात्म्यं यच्चेष्टाहारव्यपाश्रयम्|
उपशेते यदौचित्यादोकःसात्म्यं तदुच्यते||४९||
ityuktamr̥tusātmyaṁ yaccēṣṭāhāravyapāśrayam|
upaśētē yadaucityādōkaḥsātmyaṁtaducyatē||49||
ityuktamRutusAtmyaM yacceShTAhAravyapAshrayam|
upashete yadaucityAdokaHsAtmyaM taducyate||49||
In this way, we discussed about seasonal adaptations with respect to activities and diet.
If any diet and lifestyle become suitable to the body by its regular/habitual use then it is called [[okasatmya]] (acquired adaptation or habituation). [49]
देशानामामयानां च विपरीतगुणं गुणैः|
सात्म्यमिच्छन्ति सात्म्यज्ञाश्चेष्टितं चाद्यमेव च||५०||
dēśānāmāmayānāṁ ca viparītaguṇaṁ guṇaiḥ|
sātmyamicchanti sātmyajñāścēṣṭitaṁ cādyamēva ca||50||
deshAnAmAmayAnAM ca viparItaguNaM guNaiH|
sAtmyamicchanti sAtmyaj~jAshceShTitaM cAdyameva ca||50||
Experts of the principles of [[satmya]] (adaptation) consider that diet and lifestyle opposite to the qualities of the habitat of the individual and of the causative factors of the diseases prevalent in the location, can be adapted to (preserve health). [50]
==== Summary ====
तत्र श्लोकः-
ऋतावृतौ नृभिः सेव्यमसेव्यं यच्च किञ्चन|
तस्याशितीये निर्दिष्टं हेतुमत् सात्म्यमेव च||५१||
tatra ślōkaḥ-
Rtāvr̥tau nr̥bhiḥ sēvyamasēvyaṁ yacca kiñcana|
tasyāśitīyē nirdiṣṭaṁ hētumat sātmyamēva ca||51||
tatra shlokaH-
RutAvRutau nRubhiH sevyamasevyaM yacca ki~jcana|
tasyAshitIye nirdiShTaM hetumat sAtmyameva ca||51||
There is the verse:
In this chapter of seasonal regimen of diet and lifestyle, general principles with respect to dietary habits and activities suitable to specific seasons, along with the principles of [[satmya]] (adaptation) have been described. [51]
इत्यग्निवेशकृते तन्त्रे चरकप्रतिसंस्कृते श्लोकस्थाने तस्याशितीयो नाम षष्ठोऽध्यायः||६||
Ityagnivēśakr̥tē tantrē carakapratisaṁskr̥tē ślōkasthānē tasyāśitīyō nāma ṣaṣṭhō'dhyāyaḥ||6||
Thus the sixth chapter entitled [[Tasyashiteeya]] (one’s diet and behavior for different seasons) of [[Sutra Sthana]] is completed, in the treatise compiled by Agnivesha and revised by Charak.
=== ''Tattva Vimarsha'' / Fundamental Principles ===
<div style="text-align:justify;">
* The strength of a person varies according to seasonal changes. The [[dosha]] undergo physiological variations as per change in season and surroundings. In order to maintain equilibrium and sustain health, a person should change his diet and lifestyle according to the season.
* Human beings function like a microcosm of the universe and the physiological changes are predominantly affected by the changes in macrocosm e.g, geothermal changes due to the Sun or the effects of the Moon and other celestial bodies. The rotation of the Earth around the Sun and rotation of Moon around the Earth result in changes in season. The Sun is responsible for temperature variations on Earth and this leads to changes in the physical and mental strength of microcosm.
</div>
The effect of seasonal variations on an individual’s physiological strength are as follows:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! !! ''Ayana'' !! ''Ritu'' !! Indian Months !! English Months !! Strength
|-
| rowspan="6" | ''Samvatsara''
| rowspan="3" style="text-align: center;" | ''Uttarayana''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Shishira'' (Late Winter)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Magha''(''Tapa'') and ''Phalguna''(''Tapasya'')
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-Jan to Mid-March
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Good
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Vasanta'' (Spring)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Chaitra''(''Madhu'') and ''Vaishaka''(''Madhava'')
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-March to Mid-May
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Medium
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Grishma'' (Summer)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Jaishtha''(''Shuchi'') and ''Ashadha''(''Shukra'')
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-May to Mid-July
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Weak
|-
| rowspan="3" style="text-align: center;" | ''Dakshinayana''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Varsha'' (Rainy Season)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Shravana''(''Nabha'') and ''Bhadrapada''(''Nabhasya'')
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-July to Mid-Sep
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Weak
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Sharada'' (Autumn)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Ashvina''(''Isha'') and ''Kartika''(''Urja'')
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-Sep to Mid-Nov
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Medium
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Hemanta'' (Early Winter)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Margashirsha''(''Saha'') and ''Pausha''(''Sahasya'')
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-Nov to Mid-Jan
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Good
|}
These effects of seasonal variations on ''bala'' should be factored in while planning any dietary or preventive healthcare program for any individual.
*The states of [[dosha]] as per seasonal changes are as follows:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! ''Dosha'' !! ''Sanchaya''(Accumulation) !! ''Prakopa''(Aggravation) !! ''Prashamana''(Pacification to Normalcy)
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Vata''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Grishma'' (Summer)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Varsha'' (Monsoon/Rainy)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Sharada'' (Autumn)
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Pitta''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Varsha'' (Monsoon/Rainy)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Sharada'' (Autumn)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Hemanta'' (Early Winter)
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Kapha''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Shishira'' (Late Winter)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Vasanta'' (Spring)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Grishma'' (Summer)
|-
|}
*One should follow the diet and lifestyle with opposite properties of the place of residence and seasons in order to preserve health and prevent diseases.
=== ''Vidhi vimarsha'' / Applied Inferences ===
==== Division of ''samvatsara'' (year) and ''ritus'' ====
<div style="text-align:justify;">
The Year or ''Samvatsara'' is divided into two ''ayana'' or solstices, depending upon the position of the Sun with respect to the Earth i.e. ''Uttarayana'' or ''adana kala'' and ''dakshinayana'' or ''visarga kala''. Each ''ayana'' includes three ''ritus''. This is known as ''ritu'' cycle of six seasons. Six ''ritus'' are divided on the basis of the predominant effect of Sun and Moon. Air motivates the Sun and the Moon. ''Vata'' is responsible for differentiation of ''ritus''<ref>Ch.Su. 12</ref>.The ''uttarayana'' or northward position of the Sun and its act of dehydration/undernourishment brings about three seasons, including ''shishira, vasanta'' and ''grishma''. The ''dakshinayana'' or southward position of the Sun and its act of hydration/nourishment gives rise to other three seasons, including ''varsha, sharada'' and ''hemanta''.
Per Ayurvedic literature, taking the river Ganga as a baseline, the whole region (India) is divided on the basis of intensity of cold and rain into two parts. In regions south of Ganga, rain being more, two ''ritu'' i.e. ''pravrita'' and ''varsha'' (early rainy and heavy rainy seasons) have been mentioned separately by the sages. In the regions north of Ganga, with a prevalence of snowfall factored in, two ''ritu'' namely ''hemanta'' and ''shishira'' (dewy season and cold season) have been mentioned separately. In the Gangetic plains (Eastern U.P. and Bihar), all the seasons can be found since it is the belt of ''Sadharana desha''.
</div>
Thus in Ayurveda, a year is divided in two ways on the basis of the following:
===== Seasonal regimen for Healthy Living =====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! !! ''Ayana'' !! ''Ritu'' !! Indian Months !! Influential ''Rashi'' !! English Months
|-
| rowspan="6" | ''Samvatsara''
| rowspan="3" style="text-align: center;" | ''Uttarayana''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Shishira'' (Late Winter)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Magha''(Tapa) and ''Phalguna''(Tapasya)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Makara'' and ''Kumbha''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-Jan to Mid-March
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Vasanta'' (Spring)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Chaitra''(Madhu) and ''Vaishaka''(Madhava)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Meena'' and ''Mesha''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-March to Mid-May
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Grishma'' (Summer)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Jaishtha''(''Shuchi'') and ''Ashadha''(''Shukra'')
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Vrishabha'' and ''Mithuna''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-May to Mid-July
|-
| rowspan="3" style="text-align: center;" | ''Dakshinayana''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Varsha'' (Rainy Season)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Shravana''(''Nabha'') and ''Bhadrapada''(''Nabhasya'')
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Karka'' and ''Simha''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-July to Mid-Sep
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Sharada'' (Autumn)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Ashvina''(''Isha'') and ''Kartika''(''Urja'')
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Kanya'' and ''Tula''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-Sep to Mid-Nov
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Hemanta'' (Early Winter)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Margasirsha''(''Saha'') and ''Pausha''(''Sahasya'')
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Vrishchika'' and ''Dhanu''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-Nov to Mid-Jan
|}
===== Characteristics of seasons =====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! !! Character !! ''Ritu'' !! Indian Months !! English Months
|-
| rowspan="6" | ''Samvatsara''
| rowspan="3" style="text-align: center;" | Cold, Hot, Wet(Rainy)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Hemanta'' (Early Winter)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Pausha'' and ''Magha''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-Dec to Mid-Feb
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Grishma'' (Summer)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Vaishaka'' and ''Jaishtha''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-April to Mid-June
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Varsha'' (Monsoon/Rainy)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Bhadrapada'' and ''Ashvina''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-Aug to Mid-Oct
|-
| rowspan="3" style="text-align: center;" | Moderate
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Vasanta'' (Spring)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Phalguna'' and ''Chaitra''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-Feb to Mid-Apr
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Pravrita'' (Early Rains)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Ashadha'' and ''Shravana''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-Jun to Mid-Aug
|-
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Sharada'' (Autumn)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Kartika'' and ''Margashirsha''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Mid-Oct to Mid-Dec
|}
==== Formation of Seasons ====
<div style="text-align:justify;">
The Earth and all other celestial bodies in the Solar System are constantly moving. Rotation, precession and revolution of Earth are directly responsible for seasonal variations in a year. The term ‘Earth Rotation’ refers to the spinning of our planet on its axis, with an equatorial speed of 1040 miles per hour (about 465 meter per second or slightly over 1675 km per hour). One rotation takes twenty-four hours (23.93 hour) and is called a mean solar day. The Earth’s rotation is responsible for the daily cycles of day and night. At any moment in time, one half of the Earth is in sunlight, while the other half is in darkness.
The Earth's rotation axis is not fixed in the space. The direction of the rotation axis executes a slow ‘Precession’, caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon on the Earth. Through each 26 000-year cycle, the direction in the sky to which the axis points goes around a big circle, the radius of which covers an angle of about 23.50. This precession also has an effect on the seasons.
The orbit of the Earth around the Sun is called an ‘Earth Revolution’. This celestial motion takes 365.26 days to complete one cycle. Further, the Earth's orbit around the Sun is not circular, but oval or elliptical. An elliptical orbit causes the Earth's distance from the Sun to vary over a year.
The solstices, together with the equinox, are connected with the seasons. They are considered to start or separate the seasons, or fall nearer the middle. A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice each year when the Sun’s apparent position in the sky, as viewed from Earth, reaches its northernmost or southernmost extremes. This usually happens around June 21st and December 21st. An equinox occurs twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun, the center of the Sun being in the same plane as the Earth's equator. Around the equinox, the night and day have approximately equal length and the rays of the Sun shine directly on the equator. This happens on approximately March 20th and September 22nd.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) designates four different seasons – winter, summer or pre-monsoon, monsoon or rainy season, and post-monsoon season.
</div>
==== Qualities of seasons ====
<div style="text-align:justify;">
The qualities of different seasons are to be understood in three aspects viz. ''masa'' (month), ''rashi'' (stellar constellations) and ''svarupa'' (characteristic features). The regimen prescribed for each seasons should be followed in mild, moderate or full degree in the succeeding order of strength of seasons. Importance is given first to the appearance of ''svarupa'' in reckoning season, then to the ''rashi'' and last to the ''masa''. The regimen prescribed for the seasons should be mild or part, if only ''masa'' has commenced without commencement of ''rashi'' or ''svarupa''; it should be moderate if ''rashi'' has commenced but ''svarupa'' has not yet; and regimen should in full measure if ''svarupa'' has commenced ever without ''rashi''.
The characteristics of normal seasons have been described in terms of various environmental factors. Knowledge of these characteristics is important to differentiate between deranged (abnormal) and normal seasons so that precautions can be taken to prevent the adverse effect of abnormal seasons.<ref> S.Su. 6 </ref>
</div>
==== Importance of ''ritucharya'' ====
<div style="text-align:justify;">
One’s various type of diet leads to promotion of strength and luster only when he knows the wholesomeness according to different seasons dependent on behavior and diet.<ref> Ca.Su. 6/3 </ref>
If one follows the regimen as described for different seasons, he never suffers from diseases due to the aggravated ''doshas'' under the seasonal impact.<ref> Su.Ut. 64/55 </ref> <ref> BhÁ. Pra. 5/356 </ref>
A man always becomes healthy only when he properly follows ''dinacharya'' (day routine), ''nishacharya'' (night routine) and ''ritucharya'' (seasonal routine) otherwise he will have disease.<ref> BhÁ. Pra. 5/13 </ref>
</div>
==== Basic principles of ''ritucharya'' ====
<div style="text-align:justify;">
#While passing through six seasons our body is bound to face different variations and accordingly it is likely to get affected if the same routine is followed in all seasons.
#The basic principle of ''ritucharya'' is to preserve the equilibrium of ''dosha'' through the concept of ''samanya'' and ''vishesha''.
#Knowledge and regular observance of suitable ''ritucharya'' (''ahara'' and ''vihara'' for different seasons) is mainly for the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases. For diseased persons ''ritucharya'' has to be modified accordingly.
#The seasons are differentiated according to month, ''rashi'' and characteristics. More importance has been given to the appearance of characteristics.
#Every person should take diet including all the six ''rasa'' (tastes), in each and every season; however, the indicated ''rasa'' should be taken in predominant quantity in particular season. Regular intake of all ''rasa'' is best strength promoter and regular use of any one ''rasa'' debilitates strength.
#Follow the regimen carefully during ''ritusandhi'' and ''yamadamshtra'' period to live healthy.
</div>
==== ''Dosha - rasa'' relationship ====
Different ''rasas'' present in our food have a direct effect on three ''doshas''. ''Madhura, amla'' and ''lavana rasa'' alleviate ''vata'' and aggravate ''kapha dosha''. ''Tikta, katu'' and ''kashya rasa'' alleviate ''kapha'' and aggravate ''vata''. ''Pitta dosha'' get alleviated by ''kashya, tikta'' and ''madhura rasa'', where as ''pitta'' aggravating ''rasa'' are ''amla, lavana'', and ''katu''.<ref> A.S.Su. 1/36 </ref>
==== Concept of ''ritu sandhi'' ====
<div style="text-align:justify;">
The last seven days of preceding ''ritu'' and first seven days of following ''ritu'' are together known as ''ritusandhi'' (meeting of two seasons). During this period the regimen of the previous season should be discontinued gradually and those of the succeeding season adopted slowly. Particular ''padamshika krama'' has to be adopted i.e. Unhealthy things which one has become accustomed should be discontinued gradually (quarter by quarter, say). Similarly healthy things (food etc) should be made use of (gradually) with intervals of one, two or three days.<ref> C.Su. 7/36-37 </ref> On the other hand, if they are discontinued or adopted suddenly, diseases due to unaccustomed foods and activities develop.<ref> A.S.Su. 4/61 </ref> It is a significant advice, as the changeover of external environment from one season to other is very rapid, but our endogenous system needs some time for smooth change over.
The duration of last eight days of ''Kartika'' and first eight days of ''Magha'' is termed as ''yamadamshtra''. It is advised to take little food during this period for healthy living otherwise it may be fatal.<ref> Sh.Pu. 2/30 </ref>
</div>
==== Concept of ''satmya'' and ''okasatmya'' ====
<div style="text-align:justify;">
''Satmya'' means any substance or behavior which is suitable and beneficial to the self. ''Satmya'' being used constantly has wholesome effect. It is divided into two types:
#''Prakritisatmya''
#''Abhyasasatmya''
##''Prakritisatmya'' is also called as ''ajanmasatmya''<ref> A.H.Su. 10 </ref> i.e. the ''satmya'' since birth, like ''madhura rasa''.
##''Abhyasasatmya'' includes four types of ''satmya'', i.e. ''vyadhisatmya, deshasatmya, okasatmya'' and ''ritusatmya''.
###''Vyadhisatmya'': Adaptation to a disease. There are things which cannot be taken in normal health but have to be tolerated during the period when a person falls sick. It is also called ''amayasatmya'' or ''rogasatmya''.
###''Deshasatmya'': Adaptation to locality or country. There are many things which may be used constantly at a particular place in a particular time but may not be in practice at a different place in same time.
###''Okasatmya'': Acquired adaptation. Anything such as a poisonous or an intoxicating thing or habit which if resorted to is capable of producing deleterious or injurious effect upon ones health. If taken bit by bit, by an individual continuously it loses its grip to produce deleterious or injurious effect and keeps the individual in normal health, it then becomes ''okasatmya'' to the user. This is not only true for poisonous things. Sometimes particular way of living is injurious to one’s health in a particular season but if continues that habit it will lose its power to produce harmful effect. This is one of the reason why all the individuals not affected by seasonal diseases in spite of not following seasonal regimen.
###''Ritusatmya'': Seasonal adaptation has been described in the ''ritucharya'' (seasonal regimen), which is dependent upon ''ahara'' (food articles) and ''vihara'' (behavior).
</div>
==== ''Charya'' / Characteristics of different Seasons ====
===== ''Hemanta ritucharya'' (Regimen for Early winter) =====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! !! ''Ahara'' (diet) !! ''Vihara'' (regimen)
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Grahya''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Amla''(sour), ''Lavana''(salty), ''Madhura''(sweet), ''Guru'' (heavy in digestion) and ''Snigdha dravya''(unctuous food), new rice and wheat, fats and oils, black gram and its products, milk and its products, sugarcane products, warm water, honey, ''anupa'' (animals of marshy land) and ''audaka mansa'' (meat of aquatic animals), liquor
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | protection from cold by warm clothes and beddings, Living in warm house, regular use of shoes, bathing with warm water, ''abhyanga'' (oil massage), ''utsadana'' (powder massage), ''vyayama'' ( physical exercise), ''atapa sevana''(exposing body to sun light), intercourse
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Varjya''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Laghu'' (light in digestion) and ''vatala dravya, pramitahara''(frequently taking food), ''udamantha''( groat)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Divasvapna'' (sleeping in day time), direct air
|-
|}
===== ''Shishira ritucharya'' (Regimen for Late winter) =====
<div style="text-align:justify;">
''Hemanta'' and ''shishira'' are similar with the slight difference in that the latter has more roughness due to beginning of ''Adana'' and cold due to clouds, winds and rains. Hence the entire routine of living prescribed for ''Hemanta'' is to be followed in ''Shishira'' also. During ''Shishira'', one should specially live in warmer settings and protect oneself from direct air. Avoid ''katu, tikta, kashaya, laghu, sheeta'' and ''vatala'' food and drinks.
</div>
===== ''Vasanta ritucharya'' (Regimen for Spring) =====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! !! ''Ahara'' (diet) !! ''Vihara'' (regimen)
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Grahya''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | food articles having taste like ''katu''(pungent), ''tikta''(bitter) and ''kasaya''(astringent), ''ruksha''(ununctous), ''laghu'' (light in digestion) and ''ushna dravya''(hot substances) , old wheat, rice and barley, water medicated with ginger, ''khadira''(acasia catechu,Linn), ''Musta''(cyperus rotundus Linn) and Honey; ''Jangala Mansa''( meat of terrestrial animals), Liquor
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''kavala dharana''(medicated gargling), '''anjana'''(application of collyrium), ''dhumapana''(medicated smoking), ''vyayama, udvartana, chandana'' and ''aguru lepa'', intercourse, ''vamana''(emesis) and ''nasya''(nasal medication)
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Varjya''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Madhura''(sweet), ''amla''(sour), ''guru''( heavy in digestion), ''snigdha'' and ''sheeta''(cold) ''dravya'', curd
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | direct sunlight, ''divasvapna''( day sleep), sleeping under dew
|-
|}
===== ''Grishma ritucharya'' (Regimen for Summer) =====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! !! ''Ahara'' (diet) !! ''Vihara'' (regimen)
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Grahya''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''madhura, drava, sheeta, laghu'' and ''snigdha dravya, mantha'' with sugar, rice, ghee, milk, ''shali'' rice, ''Jangala Mansa'' (meat of terrestrial animals)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''divasvapna'', living and sleeping in cold place, protection from heat, bathing with cold water, ''chandana lepa,'' wearing of light clothes
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Varjya''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''lavana, amla, katu'' and ''ushna dravya'', curd, liquor
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''vyayama, atapa sevana,'' intercourse
|-
|}
===== ''Varsha ritucharya'' (Regimen for Rainy season) =====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! !! Ahara (diet) !! Vihara (regimen)
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Grahya
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | madhura, amla, lavana, snigdha and ushna dravya, old wheat, rice and barley, gruel prepared with pulses, Food and drinks with honey, boiled and cold water, jangala mansa, liquor
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | living in dry place, wearing of light clothes, pragharshana, udvartana, basti, virechana, vamana, Use of flowers and perfume
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | Varjya
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ruksha and ati-drava dravya (excessive water), udamantha (groat), river water
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | divasvapna (day sleep) vyayama (physical exercise) living under dew, eastern wind, excessive sunlight exposure, intercourse
|-
|}
===== ''Sharada ritucharya'' (Regimen for Autumn) =====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! !! ''Ahara'' (diet) !! ''Vihara'' (regimen)
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Grahya''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''madhura''(sweet), ''tikta''(pungent) and ''kashya''(astringent) ''dravya, laghu'' (light for digestion), ''ruksha''(rough) and ''sheeta''(cold) ''dravya'', wheat, rice, barley and ''mudga'' (green gram), milk, sugar and sugarcane, ''tikta sarpi'' (ghee prepared out of bitter drugs), river water, ''Hansodaka, Jangala mansa''(meat of arid animals)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''virechana(''medical purgation), ''raktamokshana'' (bloodletting), living under moon light, wearing of flowers, pearls, clean clothes
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''Varjya''
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''amla''(sour), ''katu'' (pungent), ''tikshana''(sharp) and ''ushna''(hot dry) ''dravya, kshara''(alkaline preparations), oils and fat, curd, ginger, ''anupa'' (animals of marshy land) and ''audaka mansa'' (aquatic animals), liquor
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | ''divasvapna'' (day sleep), ''vyayama'' (physical exercise), eastern wind, living in dew, ''atapa sevana''(exposing body to sun light)
|-
|}
<div style="text-align:justify;">
*Common Diseases due to Non-observance of ''ritucharya''
Many diseases described in Ayurveda have their own peculiar causes to develop in particular season, like ''jwara, tamaka shvasa, pratishyaya, amlapitta, shirahshula, sandhi-shula, atisara, sheetapitta, kushtha'' etc.
#''Jwara'' (fever) is of two types, viz., ''prakrita'' (natural) and ''vaikrita'' (unnatural) based on prognosis. On the basis of ''prakriti'' (nature) of time the fever is termed as ''prakrita'' (natural). ''Kaphaja jwara'' occurs in ''vasanta'' and ''pittaja'' in ''sharada'' (autumn), are known as ''prakrita'' (normal) and are easily curable, while ''vatika jwara'' in ''prakrita'' season (''pravrita'') is not easily curable. Fever occurs in seasons other than that responsible for vitiation of the concerned ''dosha'' is known as ''Vaikrita'' (unnatural) which is troublesome.<ref> C.Ci. 3/42 </ref>
#''Tamaka shvasa'' (bronchial asthma) is aggravated by cloudy, cold, rainy weather and easterly wind and ''kapha'' increasing factors. On the other hand warmth relieves the symptoms.
#''Pratishyaya'' (rhinitis): Seasonal irregularity is one of the causative factors of ''pratishyaya''.<ref> C.Ci. 26/104 </ref> Thus ''pratishyaya'' can occur in any season if we do not follow seasonal regimen and especially in exposure to too much of cold.
#''Amlapitta'' (acid peptic disorder) is prevalent in rainy season because of natural accumulation of ''pitta'' in rainy season. Indulgence in foods which are incompatible, spoiled, very sour, causing burning sensation in epigastrium cause increase of ''pitta'' to produce ''amlapitta'', in persons in whom ''pitta'' has already increased.<ref> M.Ni. 51/1 </ref>
#''Shirahshula'' (headache) is a common feature of all types of ''shiroroga'' and is of three types:
##''Vatika shiroroga'':
###Aggravating factors: Cold season; Rainy season and cloudy days
###Relieving factors: Hot season, clear and shiny sky i.e. cloud free days
##''Paittika shiroroga'':
###Aggravating factors: Hot season, Intake of hot food
###Relieving factors: Cold season
##''Kaphaja shiroroga'':
###Aggravating factors: Vasanta season, cold season
###Relieving factors: Hot season
#''Shula'' (pain)
##''Vatika shula'': ''Vatika shula'' especially gets exacerbated after digestion of food, in the evening time, at the end of night, during cloudy and rainy days, in cold climate, and due to direct and eastern wind exposure.<ref> M.Ni. 26/4 </ref> <ref> S.Su. 21/20 </ref> It gets relieved by ''swedana''(sudation), ''abhyanga''(oil massage), ''mardana''(massage), unctuous, and hot food items. On the basis of site the ''vatika shula'' may be termed as ''janusandhigata shula'' (Osteo arthritis of knee), ''kati shula'' (low backache), ''prishthagata vatika shula''(backache), and ''trikagata vatika shula'' (pain in pelvic region), etc.
##''Paittika shula'': It gets exacerbated during mid day, mid night, at the time of digestion of food, and during ''sharada ritu''. It gets relieved by cold season, cold and ''madhura'' food.<ref> M.Ni. 26/8 </ref>
##''Kaphaja shula'': This type of pain gets exacerbated just after intake of food, during early morning, at the beginning of night, and during ''shishira'' and ''vasanta'' seasons.<ref> M.Ni. 26/10 </ref>
#''Atisara'' (diarrhea): ''Rituviparyaya'' (any deviation from seasonal regimen) is the main cause of ''atisara'' .<ref> S.Ut. 40/4 </ref>
#''Sheetapitta'' (urticaria): Exposure to cold air aggravates ''kapha'' and ''vata dosha'', and along with ''pitta'' cause ''sheetapitta''. It increases during rainy and winter seasons and especially in ''shishira ritu''.<ref> M.Ni. 50/1 </ref>
#''Kushtha'' (skin diseases): The first important cause of ''kushtha'' is ''viruddha anna-pana'' (intake of antagonistic food), which includes ''kala viruddha'' also for e.g. during hot season intake of ''katu'' and hot variety of foods and during cold season ''ruksha'' (rough) and ''sheeta'' (cold) foods are ''kala viruddha''.<ref> C. Ci. 7/4-8 </ref>
</div>
===== Effect of seasonal changes on health =====
<div style="text-align:justify;">
Various researches have proved the direct relation of seasonal variation on physiological and pathological changes in body:
*Climate change has a profound effect on human health and well-being. The impact of climate change on human well-being goes beyond mortality; even birth rates and sperm counts appear to be affected by meteorological phenomenon.,<ref> Calot and Blayo, 1982 </ref> <ref> Tjoa et al, 1982 </ref> <ref> White and Hertz, 1985 </ref>
*Morbidity attributed to pneumonia, influenza, bronchitis, and probably many other illnesses are also weather-related.<ref> White et al, 1985 </ref>
*Medical disorders such as bronchitis, peptic ulcer, adrenal ulcer, glaucoma, goiter, eczema, and herpes zoster are related to seasonal variations in temperature.<ref> Tromp, 1963 </ref>
*A Canadian Climate Center study (1981) found that migraines were most likely to occur on days with falling pressure, rising humidity, high winds, and rapid temperature fluctuations.
*Weather has an important influence on morbidity in the winter because cold, dry air leads to excessive dehydration of nasal passages and upper respiratory tract, and increased chance of microbial and viral infection. In general, total mortality is about 15% higher on an average winter day than on an average summer day, according to National Center for Health Statistics, 1978.
*Mortality rate during heat waves increases with age.<ref> Oechsli et al, 1970 </ref> <ref> Buechley et al, 1972 </ref> The elderly seem to suffer from impaired physiological responses and often are unable to increase their cardiac output sufficiently during extremely hot weather.<ref> Sprung C.L., 1979 </ref>
*It was noted that men who had taken bath in 15oC water for one-half hour over nine consecutive days before a trip to the Arctic showed less signs of cold-induced stress than non-treated men. It indicates that adaptation to cold temperatures can occur through repeated exposures. <ref> Radomski and Boutelier, 1982 </ref>
*To a great extent, the seasonal changes in the immune system are controlled by changes in the levels of various hormones, particularly melatonin. Serum levels of melatonin were found to be highest in the winter months in both normal individuals and SLE patients.<ref> Nelson et al., 2000 </ref> There is natural increase in ''bala'' (strength/immunity) of individuals during winter i.e. ''hemanta'' and ''shishira ritu''.
*Striking seasonal variations have been demonstrated in the plasma and saliva levels of the glucocorticoid, cortisol, which promotes carbohydrate metabolism. The lowest levels of cortisol were found in healthy individuals during spring and summer, while the highest levels were found during autumn and winter seasons.<ref> Walker et al, 1997 </ref>
*''Agni'' (digestive power) of individuals is strong during winter i.e. ''hemanta'' and ''shishira ritu'', and weakest during ''grishma'' and ''varsha ritu.''
*Rheumatic diseases vary in severity by season. The incidence of acute gouty attacks (an inflammatory arthritis) is highest in the spring season.<ref> Schlesinger N et al., 1998 </ref> Schlesinger N.et al. (2009) explained in his paper “Seasonal Variation of Rheumatic Diseases” that seasonal variation has been shown in a number of rheumatic diseases.<ref> Schlesinger N et al, 2009 </ref>
*Coronary artery disease shows a winter peak and summer trough in incidence and mortality.<ref> Sher L., 2001 </ref> Leo Sher also proposed that seasonal mood changes may contribute to the increased incidence and mortality of coronary artery disease in winter. Depression is associated with increased incidence, morbidity, and mortality of coronary artery disease.
*“Seasonal affective disorder” is a condition where depression in the winter and fall alternate with non-depressive periods in the spring and summer. The degree to which seasonal changes affect mood, energy, sleep, appetite, food preference, or the wish to socialize with other people has been called "seasonality." Recent studies have demonstrated that seasonal mood changes are related to the genetic factors. It means that people may have genetically‐determined sensitivity to seasons.
*Jaiswal et al, 2011, in a clinical survey<ref> Jaiswal Rahul et al, 2011 </ref> found a significant relation between seasonal variation and prevalence of some diseases viz. ''jwara'' (viral fever), ''amlapitta'' (acid peptic disorders), ''tamaka shvasa'' (bronchial asthma), ''pratishyaya'' (rhinitis) and ''sirashula'' (''pittaja sirashula'' and ''ardhavabhedaka'', migraine). They also observed that there is seasonal variation in the state of ''agni'' and bala strength) of the person, as stated by our ancient seers.
*Nathani et al, 2013, in a clinical research<ref> Nathani Neeru et al, 2013 </ref> found that maximum number of patients of ''tamaka shvasa'' (bronchial asthma) were registered in winter seasons (''hemanta'' and ''shishira''), ''vasanta'' and ''varsha''. These seasons were the predominant period of asthma attack in majority of cases. In maximum number of cases the attack of ''tamaka shvasa'' gets precipitated by intake of ''kapha'' and ''vata'' vitiating ''sheeta, guru, madhura'' and ''amla rasa'' predominant ''ahara'' like ice-cream, cold drink, cold water, fruit juices, curd, sweets, rice, pickle, salad with lemon etc. in all seasons.
</div>
=== References ===
<references/>
</div>
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