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=== Introduction ===
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== Introduction ==
 
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The primary objective of [[Ayurveda]] is to maintain good health. [[Ahara]] (diet) is the main basis of life, which should be taken in proper quantity and quality to maintain equilibrium and to promote strength, lustre and healthy long life. It has been observed that a person taking food even in proper quantity may suffer from diseases in different seasons. This implies that apart from the quantity of [[ahara]] (diet), the knowledge of regimen for different seasons also plays a significant role in the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases.
 
The primary objective of [[Ayurveda]] is to maintain good health. [[Ahara]] (diet) is the main basis of life, which should be taken in proper quantity and quality to maintain equilibrium and to promote strength, lustre and healthy long life. It has been observed that a person taking food even in proper quantity may suffer from diseases in different seasons. This implies that apart from the quantity of [[ahara]] (diet), the knowledge of regimen for different seasons also plays a significant role in the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases.
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=== Sanskrit text, Transliteration and English Translation ===
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== Sanskrit text, Transliteration and English Translation ==
 
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==== Six seasons according to (the position of the) Sun ====
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=== Six seasons according to (the position of the) Sun ===
 
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===== [[Adana kala]] (the period with lesser strength) and [[visarga kala]] (the period with good strength) =====
+
==== [[Adana kala]] (the period with lesser strength) and [[visarga kala]] (the period with good strength) ====
 
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Contrary to this, [[adana kala]] is inherently [[agneya]] (heating). The Sun, wind and the Moon all are governed by time, and the path they follow in a year is responsible for different variations of [[kala]] (time), [[ritu]] (seasons), [[rasa]] (tastes), [[dosha]] and [[deha]] [[bala]] (body strength).[5]
 
Contrary to this, [[adana kala]] is inherently [[agneya]] (heating). The Sun, wind and the Moon all are governed by time, and the path they follow in a year is responsible for different variations of [[kala]] (time), [[ritu]] (seasons), [[rasa]] (tastes), [[dosha]] and [[deha]] [[bala]] (body strength).[5]
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===== Effect of [[adana kala]] =====
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==== Effect of [[adana kala]] ====
 
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===== Effect of [[visarga kala]] =====
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==== Effect of [[visarga kala]] ====
 
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===== Seasonal variation in strength =====
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==== Seasonal variation in strength ====
 
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==== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[Hemanta]] [[ritu]] (Winter season) ====
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=== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[Hemanta]] [[ritu]] (Winter season) ===
   −
=====Status of [[agni]] =====
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====Status of [[agni]] ====
 
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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]
 
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=====
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====Diet and beverages in winter season====
 
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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]
 
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=====
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====Lifestyle in winter season====
 
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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]
 
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=====
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====Guidelines for sexual health====
 
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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]
 
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=====
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====Contra-indications in winter season====
 
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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]
 
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]] =====
+
=== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[shishira]] [[ritu]] (late winter) ===
 +
 
 +
==== Characteristics of [[shishira]] [[ritu]] ====
 
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[[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]
 
[[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=====
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==== Additional care in late winter season====
 
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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]  
 
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 =====
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====Contra-indication in late winter ====
 
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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]
 
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) ====
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=== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[vasanta]] [[ritu]] (spring season) ===
=====Status of [[agni]] in spring=====
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 +
====Status of [[agni]] in spring====
 
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[[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]  
 
[[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=====
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====Indications and contra-indications in spring====
 
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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]
 
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) ====
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=== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[grishma]] [[ritu]] (summer season) ===
=====Effect of excess Sun-heat in summer =====
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 +
====Effect of excess Sun-heat in summer ====
 
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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]
 
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=====
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====Diet and beverages in summer====
 
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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]
 
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=====
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====Contra-indications in summer====
 
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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]
 
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=====
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====Lifestyle in summer====
 
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In Summer, one should enjoy the coolness of gardens, cold water and flowers, and should abstain from sexual intercourse. [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) ====
+
=== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[Varsha]] [[ritu]] (rainy season) ===
=====Status of [[agni]] in rainy season=====
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 +
====Status of [[agni]] in rainy season====
 
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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]
 
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=====
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 +
====Indications and contra-indications in rainy season====
 
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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.  
 
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]
 
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=====
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====Specific diet in rainy season====
 
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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]
 
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=====
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====Lifestyle in rainy season====
 
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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]
 
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) ====
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=== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[sharada]] [[ritu]] (autumn season) ===
=====Status of [[pitta]] [[dosha]] in autumn season=====
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 +
====Status of [[pitta]] [[dosha]] in autumn season====
 
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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]  
 
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]]=====
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====Specific diet for pacification of [[pitta]] [[dosha]]====
 
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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]
 
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=====
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====Contra-indications in autumn season====
 
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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]
 
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)=====
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====[[Hamsodaka]] (pure water)====
 
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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]
 
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]
 
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=====Lifestyle during autumn season=====
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====Lifestyle during autumn season====
 
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In [[sharada]] [[ritu]], garlands of seasonal flowers, clean clothes (apparels), and exposure to moon-rays in early nights are very beneficial. [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) ====
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=== [[Okasatmya]](acquired adaptation or habituation) ===
 
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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]
 
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]
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==== Summary ====
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=== Summary ===
 
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Thus the sixth chapter entitled [[Tasyashiteeya]] (Seasonal regimen of diet and lifestyle) of [[Sutra Sthana]] is completed, in the treatise compiled by Agnivesha and revised by Charak.
 
Thus the sixth chapter entitled [[Tasyashiteeya]] (Seasonal regimen of diet and lifestyle) of [[Sutra Sthana]] is completed, in the treatise compiled by Agnivesha and revised by Charak.
   −
=== Tattva Vimarsha / Fundamental Principles ===
+
== Tattva Vimarsha (Fundamental Principles) ==
 
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<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.  
 
* 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.  
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*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.
 
*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 ===
+
== Vidhi vimarsha / Applied Inferences ==
   −
==== Division of [[samvatsara]] (year) and [[ritu]] ====
+
=== Division of [[samvatsara]] (year) and [[ritu]] ===
 
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<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
The [[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 [[ritu]]. This is known as [[rituchakra]] (cyclic rhythm) of six seasons. Six [[ritu]] 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 [[ritu]](Cha.Su.12).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]].
 
The [[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 [[ritu]]. This is known as [[rituchakra]] (cyclic rhythm) of six seasons. Six [[ritu]] 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 [[ritu]](Cha.Su.12).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]].
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Thus in [[Ayurveda]], a year is divided in two ways on the basis of the following:
 
Thus in [[Ayurveda]], a year is divided in two ways on the basis of the following:
   −
===== Division of year, [[ayana]], months, [[rashi]] =====
+
==== Division of year, [[ayana]], months, [[rashi]] ====
    
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|}
   −
===== Formation of Seasons =====
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==== Formation of Seasons ====
 
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<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 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.
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   −
===== Qualities of seasons =====
+
==== Qualities of seasons ====
 
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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 season 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 season 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 season 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 season 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]].
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==== Importance of [[ritucharya]](seasonal regimen) ====
+
=== Importance of [[ritucharya]](seasonal regimen) ===
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<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.(Cha.Su.6/3)  
 
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.(Cha.Su.6/3)  
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===== Basic principles of [[ritucharya]] =====
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==== Basic principles of [[ritucharya]] ====
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<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 regimen is followed in all seasons.  
 
#While passing through six seasons our body is bound to face different variations and accordingly it is likely to get affected if the same regimen is followed in all seasons.  
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===== Concept of [[ritu sandhi]] =====
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==== Concept of [[ritu sandhi]] ====
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<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]] (sequential regimen) has to be adopted i.e. Unhealthy things which one has become accustomed should be discontinued gradually. Similarly healthy things (food etc.) should be made use of (gradually) with intervals of one, two or three days.(Cha.Su. 7/36-37)  On the other hand, if they are discontinued or adopted suddenly, diseases due to unaccustomed foods and activities develop.<ref> Ashtanga Samgraha Sutra Sthana 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 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]] (sequential regimen) has to be adopted i.e. Unhealthy things which one has become accustomed should be discontinued gradually. Similarly healthy things (food etc.) should be made use of (gradually) with intervals of one, two or three days.(Cha.Su. 7/36-37)  On the other hand, if they are discontinued or adopted suddenly, diseases due to unaccustomed foods and activities develop.<ref> Ashtanga Samgraha Sutra Sthana 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.
=====[[Yamadamshtra]] (period of increased mortality) =====
+
 
 +
====[[Yamadamshtra]] (period of increased mortality) ====
 +
 
 
The duration of last eight days of [[Kartika]] month and first eight days of [[Margashirsha]] month is termed as [[yamadamshtra]]. It is advised to take little food during this period for healthy living otherwise it may be fatal.<ref> Sharangadhar Purva khanda 2/30 </ref>
 
The duration of last eight days of [[Kartika]] month and first eight days of [[Margashirsha]] month is termed as [[yamadamshtra]]. It is advised to take little food during this period for healthy living otherwise it may be fatal.<ref> Sharangadhar Purva khanda 2/30 </ref>
 
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==== Concept of [[satmya]] and [[okasatmya]] ====
+
=== Concept of [[satmya]] and [[okasatmya]] ===
 
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<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:
 
[[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:
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==== Seasonal Regimens ====
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=== Seasonal Regimens ===
    
===== [[Hemanta]] [[ritucharya]] (Regimen for Early winter) =====
 
===== [[Hemanta]] [[ritucharya]] (Regimen for Early winter) =====
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===== [[Shishira]] [[ritucharya]] (Regimen for Late winter) =====
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==== [[Shishira]] [[ritucharya]] (Regimen for Late winter) ====
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<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]](pungent), [[tikta]] (bitter), [[kashaya]](astringent), [[laghu]](light to digest), [[sheeta]] (cold) and [[vata]] provoking food and drinks.
 
[[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]](pungent), [[tikta]] (bitter), [[kashaya]](astringent), [[laghu]](light to digest), [[sheeta]] (cold) and [[vata]] provoking food and drinks.
 
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===== [[Vasanta]] [[ritucharya]] (Regimen for Spring) =====
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==== [[Vasanta]] [[ritucharya]] (Regimen for Spring) ====
    
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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|}
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===== [[Grishma]] [[ritucharya]] (Regimen for Summer) =====
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==== [[Grishma]] [[ritucharya]] (Regimen for Summer) ====
    
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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|}
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===== [[Varsha]] [[ritucharya]] (Regimen for Rainy season) =====
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==== [[Varsha]] [[ritucharya]] (Regimen for Rainy season) ====
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|}
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===== [[Sharada]] [[ritucharya]] (Regimen for Autumn) =====
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==== [[Sharada]] [[ritucharya]] (Regimen for Autumn) ====
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====Common diseases due to non-observance of [[ritucharya]]====
+
===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.  
 
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.  
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==== Effect of seasonal changes on health ====
+
=== Effect of seasonal changes on health ===
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
<div style="text-align:justify;">
 
Various researches have proved the direct relation of seasonal variation on physiological and pathological changes in body:   
 
Various researches have proved the direct relation of seasonal variation on physiological and pathological changes in body:   
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=== References ===
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== References ==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>