Seasonal Wellness: Healthy Spring With Ayurveda (Vasanta Ritucharya)

Rituacharya is the traditional Ayurvedic practice and comprises two words, “Ritu,” which means season, and “charya,” which means Regimen or discipline. Ritucharya consists of a lifestyle and ayurvedic diet routine to cope with the bodily and mental impacts caused by seasonal changes, as recommended by Ayurveda.

According to Ayurveda, the entire year is divided into two periods; the first six months contain three seasons: Uttarayana, the cold months, which includes the seasons of Sharad, Hemanta, and Shishira; and Dakshinayana, the warm months, which contain the seasons Vasanta, Grishma, and Varsha.

There are six seasons explained in Ayurveda.

1. Sisira ritu

2. Vasanta ritu

3. Greeshma ritu

4. Varsha ritu

5. Sharat ritu

6. Hemanta ritu

This is the season of origin of new leaves and flowers. Mahabhuta and rasa during this season are kashaya(astringent) and Prithvi, and Vayu. The strength of an individual remains medium during this season, vitiation of kapha dosha occurs, and Agni, i.e. (digestion power) remains low.

Ahara recommendation during this season:

Easily digestible food should be taken in this season in which red rice, old barley, and cereals are suggested.
Lentil, Mung beans can be taken in pulses. Bitter, katu rasa (pungent), and kashaya rasa (astringent) tasting items should be taken. Honey can also be added.
Cold, heavy, and viscous food should be avoided.

Vihara’s recommendation during this season:

Exercising is very important during this season.
Massage with Chandan, Kesara, and Aagaru and bathing with tepid water are considered ideal.
Anjana (ollyrium), and evacuative therapies like Vamana and Nasya are recommended. Sleeping during day time should be avoided.

Recommended Ayurvedic Treatments during this season:

Nasya — During allergy season, it’s important to clean out your respiratory system, including your nasal passages. Nasya therapy helps to strengthen the sinuses and upper respiratory system.