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→Diet and lifestyle in sharada ritu [autumn season]
In this season exposure to sun, intake of 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]
In this season exposure to sun, intake of 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]
दिवा सूर्यांशुसन्तप्तं निशि चन्द्रांशुशीतलम्|
दिवा सूर्यांशुसन्तप्तं निशि चन्द्रांशुशीतलम्|
कालेन पक्वं निर्दोषमगस्त्येनाविषीकृतम्||४६||
कालेन पक्वं निर्दोषमगस्त्येनाविषीकृतम्||४६||
हंसोदकमिति ख्यातं शारदं विमलं शुचि|
हंसोदकमिति ख्यातं शारदं विमलं शुचि|
स्नानपानावगाहेषु हितमम्बु यथाऽमृतम् ||४७|
स्नानपानावगाहेषु हितमम्बु यथाऽमृतम् ||४७|
Divā sūryāṁśusantaptaṁ niśi candrāṁśuśītalam|
Divā sūryāṁśusantaptaṁ niśi candrāṁśuśītalam|
kālēna pakvaṁ nirdōṣamagastyēnāviṣīkr̥tam||46||
kālēna pakvaṁ nirdōṣamagastyēnāviṣīkr̥tam||46||
haṁsōdakamiti khyātaṁ śāradaṁ vimalaṁ śuci|
haṁsōdakamiti khyātaṁ śāradaṁ vimalaṁ śuci|
snānapānāvagāhēṣu hitamambu yathā'mr̥tam ||47||
snānapānāvagāhēṣu hitamambu yathā'mr̥tam ||47||
divA sUryAMshusantaptaM nishi candrAMshushItalam|
divA sUryAMshusantaptaM nishi candrAMshushItalam|
kAlena pakvaM nirdoShamagastyenAviShIkRutam||46||
kAlena pakvaM nirdoShamagastyenAviShIkRutam||46||
haMsodakamiti khyAtaM shAradaM vimalaM shuci|
haMsodakamiti khyAtaM shAradaM vimalaM shuci|
snAnapAnAvagAheShu hitamambu yathA~amRutam ||47||
snAnapAnAvagAheShu hitamambu yathA~amRutam ||47||
Water 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 “Hansodaka”, which is available during sharad and is clean and clear. This water is beneficial as nectar when used for the purpose of bathing, drinking and plunging. [46-47]
शारदानि च माल्यानि वासांसि विमलानि च|
शारदानि च माल्यानि वासांसि विमलानि च|
शरत्काले प्रशस्यन्ते प्रदोषे चेन्दुरश्मयः||४८||
शरत्काले प्रशस्यन्ते प्रदोषे चेन्दुरश्मयः||४८||
śāradāni ca mālyāni vāsāṁsi vimalāni ca|
śāradāni ca mālyāni vāsāṁsi vimalāni ca|
śaratkālē praśasyantē pradōṣē cēnduraśmayaḥ||48||
śaratkālē praśasyantē pradōṣē cēnduraśmayaḥ||48||
shAradAni ca mAlyAni vAsAMsi vimalAni ca|
shAradAni ca mAlyAni vAsAMsi vimalAni ca|
sharatkAle prashasyante pradoShe cendurashmayaH||48||
sharatkAle prashasyante pradoShe cendurashmayaH||48||
In sharad ritu, garlands of seasonal flowers, clean clothes (apparels), and exposure to moon rays in early nights are very beneficial. [48]
In sharad ritu, garlands of seasonal flowers, clean clothes (apparels), and exposure to moon rays in early nights are very beneficial. [48]
Okasatmya:
==== Okasatmya ====
इत्युक्तमृतुसात्म्यं यच्चेष्टाहारव्यपाश्रयम्|
इत्युक्तमृतुसात्म्यं यच्चेष्टाहारव्यपाश्रयम्|
उपशेते यदौचित्यादोकःसात्म्यं तदुच्यते||४९||
उपशेते यदौचित्यादोकःसात्म्यं तदुच्यते||४९||
ityuktamr̥tusātmyaṁ yaccēṣṭāhāravyapāśrayam|
upaśētē yadaucityādōkaḥsātmyaṁtaducyatē||49||
upaśētē yadaucityādōkaḥsātmyaṁtaducyatē||49||
ityuktamRutusAtmyaM yacceShTAhAravyapAshrayam|
ityuktamRutusAtmyaM yacceShTAhAravyapAshrayam|
upashete yadaucityAdokaHsAtmyaM taducyate||49||
upashete yadaucityAdokaHsAtmyaM taducyate||49||
In this way, we discussed about seasonal adaptations with respect to activities and diet.
If any diet and behavior become suitable to the body by its regular/habitual use then it is called okasatmya (acquired adaptation). [49]
If any diet and behavior become suitable to the body by its regular/habitual use then it is called okasatmya (acquired adaptation). [49]
देशानामामयानां च विपरीतगुणं गुणैः|
देशानामामयानां च विपरीतगुणं गुणैः|
सात्म्यमिच्छन्ति सात्म्यज्ञाश्चेष्टितं चाद्यमेव च||५०||
सात्म्यमिच्छन्ति सात्म्यज्ञाश्चेष्टितं चाद्यमेव च||५०||
dēśānāmāmayānāṁ ca viparītaguṇaṁ guṇaiḥ|
dēśānāmāmayānāṁ ca viparītaguṇaṁ guṇaiḥ|
sātmyamicchanti sātmyajñāścēṣṭitaṁ cādyamēva ca||50||
sātmyamicchanti sātmyajñāścēṣṭitaṁ cādyamēva ca||50||
deshAnAmAmayAnAM ca viparItaguNaM guNaiH|
deshAnAmAmayAnAM ca viparItaguNaM guNaiH|
sAtmyamicchanti sAtmyaj~jAshceShTitaM cAdyameva ca||50||
sAtmyamicchanti sAtmyaj~jAshceShTitaM cAdyameva ca||50||
Experts of the principles of satmya (adaptation) consider that diet and behavior 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. [50]
Experts of the principles of satmya (adaptation) consider that diet and behavior 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. [50]
तत्र श्लोकः-
तत्र श्लोकः-
ऋतावृतौ नृभिः सेव्यमसेव्यं यच्च किञ्चन|
ऋतावृतौ नृभिः सेव्यमसेव्यं यच्च किञ्चन|
तस्याशितीये निर्दिष्टं हेतुमत् सात्म्यमेव च||५१||
तस्याशितीये निर्दिष्टं हेतुमत् सात्म्यमेव च||५१||
tatra ślōkaḥ-
tatra ślōkaḥ-
Rtāvr̥tau nr̥bhiḥ sēvyamasēvyaṁ yacca kiñcana|
Rtāvr̥tau nr̥bhiḥ sēvyamasēvyaṁ yacca kiñcana|
tasyāśitīyē nirdiṣṭaṁ hētumat sātmyamēva ca||51||
tasyāśitīyē nirdiṣṭaṁ hētumat sātmyamēva ca||51||
tatra shlokaH-
tatra shlokaH-
RutAvRutau nRubhiH sevyamasevyaM yacca ki~jcana|
RutAvRutau nRubhiH sevyamasevyaM yacca ki~jcana|
tasyAshitIye nirdiShTaM hetumat sAtmyameva ca||51||
tasyAshitIye nirdiShTaM hetumat sAtmyameva ca||51||
There is the verse:
There is the verse:
In this chapter of “One’s Diet etc”, general principles with respect to dietary habits and activities suitable to specific seasons, along with the principles of satmya (adaptation) have been described. [51]
In this chapter of “One’s Diet etc”, 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||
इत्यग्निवेशकृते तन्त्रे चरकप्रतिसंस्कृते श्लोकस्थाने तस्याशितीयो नाम षष्ठोऽध्यायः||६||
Ityagnivēśakr̥tē tantrē carakapratisaṁskr̥tē ślōkasthānē tasyāśitīyō nāma ṣaṣṭhō'dhyāyaḥ||6||
Ityagnivēśakr̥tē tantrē carakapratisaṁskr̥tē ślōkasthānē tasyāśitīyō nāma ṣaṣṭhō'dhyāyaḥ||6||
Thus the sixth chapter entitled Tasyashitiya (one’s diet and regimen for different seasons) of Sutra sthana is completed, in the treatise compiled by Agnivesha and revised by Caraka.
Thus the sixth chapter entitled Tasyashitiya (one’s diet and regimen for different seasons) of Sutra sthana is completed, in the treatise compiled by Agnivesha and revised by Caraka.
Tattva Vimarsha :
=== ''Tattva Vimarsha'' ===
* The strength of a person varies according to seasonal changes. The doshas undergo physiological variations as per change in season. 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 Sun and rotation of moon around 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 a microcosm.
The effect of seasonal variations on an individual’s physiological strength are as follows:
• One should follow the diet and lifestyle with opposite properties of the place of residence and season in order to preserve health and prevent diseases.
• One should follow the diet and lifestyle with opposite properties of the place of residence and season in order to preserve health and prevent diseases.
Vidhi Vimarsha – Practical Application of these Fundamental Principles
=== ''Vidhi vimarsha'' ===
==== Division of samvatsara (year) and ritus ====
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.1 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, sharad and hemanta.
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.1 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, sharad and hemanta.
By taking the river Ganga as a base line, the whole region (India) is divided, on the basis of intensity of cold and rain, into two parts ref. In regions south of Ganga, rain being more, two ritu i.e. pravuÔa 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.
By taking the river Ganga as a base line, the whole region (India) is divided, on the basis of intensity of cold and rain, into two parts ref. In regions south of Ganga, rain being more, two ritu i.e. pravuÔa 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.
Thus in Àyurveda, a year is divided in two ways on the basis of the following:
Thus in Àyurveda, a year is divided in two ways on the basis of the following:
1. Seasonal regimen for healthy
1. Seasonal regimen for healthy
Sharad (Autumn) Kartika and Magha [Mid October to mid December]
Sharad (Autumn) Kartika and Magha [Mid October to mid December]
==== Formation of Seasons ====
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 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 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 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 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.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) designates four different seasons – winter, summer or pre-monsoon, monsoon or rainy season, and post-monsoon season.
==== Qualities of seasons ====
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 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 characters of un-deranged (normal) seasons have been described in terms of various environmental factors. Knowledge of these characters is important to differentiate between deranged (abnormal) and un-deranged (normal) seasons so that precautions can be taken to prevent the adverse effect of abnormal seasons.2
The characters of un-deranged (normal) seasons have been described in terms of various environmental factors. Knowledge of these characters is important to differentiate between deranged (abnormal) and un-deranged (normal) seasons so that precautions can be taken to prevent the adverse effect of abnormal seasons.2
==== Importance of ritucharya ====
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.3
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.3
If one follows the regimen as described for different seasons, he never suffers from diseases due to the aggravated doshas under the seasonal impact.4, 5
If one follows the regimen as described for different seasons, he never suffers from diseases due to the aggravated doshas under the seasonal impact.4, 5
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.6
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.6
==== Basic principles of ritucharya ====
1. 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.
1. 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.
2. The basic principle of ritucharya is to preserve the equilibrium of dosha through the concept of samanya and vishesha.
2. The basic principle of ritucharya is to preserve the equilibrium of dosha through the concept of samanya and vishesha.
5. 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.
5. 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.
6. Follow the regimen carefully during ritusandhi and yamadamshtra(…) period to live healthy.
6. Follow the regimen carefully during ritusandhi and yamadamshtra(…) period to live healthy.
==== Dosha - rasa relationship ====
Different rasas present in our food have 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, katu.7
Different rasas present in our food have 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, katu.7
==== Concept of ritu sandhi ====
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.8 On the other hand, if they are discontinued or adopted suddenly, diseases due to unaccustomed foods and activities develop.9 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 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.8 On the other hand, if they are discontinued or adopted suddenly, diseases due to unaccustomed foods and activities develop.9 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.10
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.10
==== Concept of satmya and okasatmya ====
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:
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:
(1) Prakritisatmya
(1) Prakritisatmya
(iv) Ritusatmya: Seasonal adaptation has been described in the ritucharya (seasonal regimen), which is dependent upon ahara (food articles) and vihara (behavior).
(iv) Ritusatmya: Seasonal adaptation has been described in the ritucharya (seasonal regimen), which is dependent upon ahara (food articles) and vihara (behavior).
==== Charya / Regimen of different Seasons ====
Hemanta ritucharya (Dietetics and Regimen for Early winter)
Hemanta ritucharya (Dietetics and Regimen for Early winter)
Ahara(diet) Vihara(regimen)
Ahara(diet) Vihara(regimen)