World climate is so diverse. Its influenced not just by the distance from the sun but also by other regional factors like wind speed, distance from the sea, ocean currents, shape of the land, distance from the equator and many geographical phenomena.. These diversities result on changes in culture, food habit, clothing, types of shelter and other lifestyles. So, it is necessary to interpreted Ayurvedic concepts of Rtu charya(Seasonal regimes) in accordance with climatic region on which its about to apply..
Ayurveda enumerate six seasons namely Sisira (Extreme winter), Vasanta (Spring), Greeshma ( Summer) Varsha (Rainy ), Sarath ( Autumn), Hemanta (Early winter). Each one of these six season has direct impact on three doshas, either by increasing or decreasing each doshas. This disbalance can be corrected with proper Dinacharya ( daily routine ) and Rtucharya ( Seasonal regimes).
One of the most crucial season for people who are in northern temperate region is winter. Ayurveda considers Hemanta as early winter and Sisira as extreme winter. In hemanta, cold atmosphere increases Agni (the digestive power) and in the absence of adequate food, it break down body tissues. Inorder to prevent this depletion, it is advisable to consume Madhura(sweet), Amla( Sour) and Lavana(Salty) rasas. These rasas will increase Kapha and decrease Vata.
Daily routines.
During Hemanta, people who may sleep earlier as the night falls soon, will feel hungry in the early morning itself. After doing their morning routine, they have to do Abhyanga ( oil massage), Murdhataila ( oil application on head), with vata pacifying preparations. High pressure massages with feet is also mentioned in this context by the name Padaghata. After these exercises, the ideal shower should be with water added with drug powders that are kashaya rasas ( Astringent ). The logic behind using kashaya rasas is to remove oils after the massage properly. These kashaya rasa substances are generally Ruksha( Dry) in property that can wipe out the snigda ( oily) in the body. One can use barks of Panchavalkala( group of 5 types of banyan tree) to prepare the water for bathing. If not so available, can use any toiletries that can remove the oil from the body properly. Ayurvedic texts also advice the people to apply paste of saffron and musk on the body and fumigate with agar. Although its not very practical in today’s lifestyles, people can take steam bath without such external applications as well. New year resolutions of youth to start going to Gym, is also supported by Ayurveda with respect to the seasonal regimes it mentions. Its also helps people to keep the body warm enough.
The Diet.
The Ashtanga Hridaya text tells us that the 3 primary tastes we must eat in Hemanta Ritu are Madhura (sweet) Amla (sour) & Lavana (salty).Meats and meat soups prepared with oils/fats, salty and sour juices of healthy aquatic and marshy animals are specifically recommended. In this season, we should regularly eat preparations of cow’s milk, sugarcane juice, fats, oils (like sesame oil), beverages made with molasses & rice flour, pastries made with wheat or rice flour or black gram, new rice (from fresh paddy). We should also regularly drink warm water throughout the day in winter inorder to assure proper digestion. Its better to avoid taking raw vegetables in this season. Though we have a strong digestive fire, there is a chance of getting indigestion after eating raw vegetables as the atmosphere is comparatively cold.
Lifestyle adaptations.
Ayurveda suggests thick clothing in this season. Usage of blankets, hot water for toiletry purposes, thick shoes and Fomentation therapies are highly recommended. It is also said that the one who stays underground, warmed with burning charcoal at the hearth will never be affected with intense cold. The intention of these lifestyle changes is to keep the body warm without being subjected to hypothermia. Ayurveda also says, Hemanta season is very suitable for having sex though the popular social media campaign NNN stands in contrary to it during the month of November.
To sum up, Hemanta season is a period of increased Agni. Our digestive capability will be more in thus season so that we have to consume heavy foods to satisfy the biofire. Lifestyle modifications to keep out the cold is to be practiced based on the situation at which one lives. Exercises are also recommended to develop the physique and also to maintain the body temperature. By following such principles, one can get the best out of this season without any if its negative impacts so that the lifespan of the individual will be increased.
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