We're all a part of nature, made up of the ‘Panch Mahabhoot' or five key natural elements, namely, Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jal), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Space (Akasha). Hence, our inner balance is interconnected with nature, and shifts in the natural environment around us, like seasonal changes, directly affect our mind and body. The ayurvedic concepts of Dosha and Prakriti are also based on our connection to nature.
According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) is the root cause of all diseases. And among the many causes of dosha imbalance, seasonal influence is also an important contender, affecting everyone's Prakriti (constitution) differently and causing various issues like sluggishness, heaviness, or digestive discomfort.
In this post, we will explore the influence of seasonal changes on our body and discuss some practical, time-honoured Ayurvedic principles and lifestyle strategies to support digestive harmony throughout India's diverse seasons.
Meaning - The movement of the Sun from one Rashi to the other is known as Rutu, a cycle of six seasons. Chaya (mild increase), Kopa (more increase), and Samana (decrease to normal) of Doshas occur in this cycle.
Different seasons have different influences on the doshas. Depending on the property of the season, the related dosha in the body becomes predominant, which can then lead to various issues, especially related to the gut. Here's a simplified table of which dosha remains predominant in which season (Ritu):
Depending on your current Ritu, specific doshas are dominant, and your body
experiences specific changes. From the above table, it is clear that:
- Vata: It builds in Grishma, gets aggravated in Varsha, and subsides in Sharada. Vata vitiation causes dryness, pain, general discomfort, feelings of unease or restlessness, irregular bowel movements, etc.
- Pitta: It builds in Varsha, gets aggravated in Sharada, and is pacified in Hemanta. Vitiated Pitta triggers excessive internal heat, digestive discomfort, high sensitivity and irritability in the skin, etc.
- Kapha: It builds in Shishira, gets aggravated in Vasanta, and is pacified in Grishma. Kapha vitiation leads to feelings of heaviness, weight gain, fluid retention, lethargy, and discomfort and fullness in the respiratory passages.
Monsoon:
Since, majority of the country is enjoying monsoons currently, let's talk briefly about Varsha ritu and its effect on doshas and the body. For Monsoon, or Varsha ritu, Vata is aggravated, and Pitta is accumulated. The warm and humid weather dulls the digestive fire (Agni). A weak digestive fire affects your digestion, metabolism, and bowel movements, affecting the proper nourishment of the tissues (dhatus) and further contributing to Vata vitiation.
Symptoms:
- Irregular appetite, occasional bloating or flatulence.
- Feeling stiffness, dryness, or reduced flexibility in joints and limbs.
- Feeling restless, overthinking, or irregularity in sleep.
- Low stamina, fatigue, and laziness.
- Dryness in skin or scalp, heightened skin sensitivity.
Stoking Your Agni: Ayurvedic Wisdom for Gut Balance in Varsha Ritu
As the digestive fire (Agni) is low in Varsha Ritu, the body experiences reduced appetite, impaired digestion, and irregular bowel movement. Vitiated Vata also affects mobility and lubrication in the joints and limbs. That's why we feel low on energy, lazy, and fatigued in this season. To regain energy and strengthen the gut, Ayurveda offers various insights that are discussed below:
Hydration:
During the Monsoon, the air is warm and humid. So, it's natural to feel less thirsty. However, it's important to stay properly hydrated and drink boiled or warm filtered water. But more importantly, you can use your water intake as a chance to kindle your low Agni (Mandagni) through various time-tested Ayurvedic infusions. Adding ginger, cumin, curry leaves, fennel seeds, lemon juice, tulsi leaves, or honey to the water can help kindle the digestive fire and regulate bowel movements.
Mindful Eating (Ahara Vidhi):
Your body reacts to the food you eat, so to maintain a healthy gut in monsoon, it's essential to eat food that is Amla (sour), Lavana (salty), and Sneha (unctuous) in taste (Rasa), as these qualities help balance Vata and support Agni in this season.
Here's a helpful list of dietary practices for the monsoon:
- Use Saindhava Lavana in food preparations in Varsha Ritu. Saindhava lavana has tridoshahar and deepan properties, which support gut health.
- Try consuming food like old barley, rice, wheat, and other cereals.
- Eat warm and freshly prepared home-cooked meals.
- Also, eat less spicy, lighter, easily digestible foods like seasonal vegetables like carrots, beets, spinach, zucchini, etc., sweet and astringent fruits like apples, pomegranates, etc., and well-cooked grains and legumes.
- Use oil, ghee, or olive oil in moderate quantity to nourish the body, stimulate Agni, and balance Vata dosha.
- Avoid cold and raw food and drinks, raw salads, meat, and fermented foods like pickles, vinegar, etc., as they can disturb digestive balance and aggravate Doshas like Pitta and Vata.
- Reduce consumption of oily and fried foods, sweets and sugary foods, and dairy products like cheese, yoghurt, etc.
Spices for Agni (Deepana & Pachana):
Ayurveda also recommends adding spices like ginger, cumin, carom, fennel, turmeric, and asofoetida to food preparations. These spices are more than culinary aids to add flavour. They are traditionally valued for their profound benefits in balancing digestion.
Haritaki is traditionally valued for its role in helping to promote overall gut health, reduce the feeling of heaviness, and support healthy bowel function. In fact, Ayurveda also offers a seasonal guide to consuming Haritaki, called ‘Ritu Haritaki', which discusses which adjuvants should be taken with Haritaki in each season for maximum benefits. For example, in monsoon, Haritaki should be taken with rock salt as it helps maintain internal balance in the moist and humid environment. For a deeper understanding of Haritaki and its proper consumption in various Ritus, you may explore our article on Haritaki and its unique qualities.
Many other herbs like Amalaki, Guduchi, Pippali, etc. are also helpful in improving digestion and supporting a healthy gut. Punarvasu is always there to support you through the journey of maintaining good health in monsoon and other seasons. From various churnas like Pippali, Amala, and Haritaki Churna to different Kwatha, Avaleha, and tablet formulations, Punarvasu's wide range has many offerings to help you maintain a healthy and happy gut throughout the year.
However, each individual has their specific constitution (Prakriti), and the effects of the season and individual bodily needs may vary accordingly. Always seek the proper guidance from a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before altering your routine, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
Make Your Gut More Weather Resilient
Ultimately, keeping your gut healthy in the humid months of the Indian Monsoon comes down to maintaining dosha balance and supporting digestive functions. Altering your daily routine, food habits, and lifestyle according to the changing seasons can help your body stay in harmony with nature.
Ayurvedic texts offer helpful insights for Varsha Ritucharya, like staying hydrated, eating light and easily digestible food, and adding spices and herbs to your food to facilitate easier breakdown of food and regular bowel movements. With these helpful insights, you can nurture your digestive fire (Agni), enhance energy levels (Ojas), and achieve overall physical and mental well-being.
Don't just weather the gut storm – thrive through it! Begin your journey to balanced digestion with these Ayurvedic principles and Punarvasu's wide range of formulations today.
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