Transition to Fall Season

Each of the three dosha namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha governs a specific season. Pitta governs the summer. Vata governs the fall through early winter and Kapha governs late winter through spring. Knowing the dominance of dosha for each season has a great practical value as this knowledge helps us decide our seasonal regime to keep the dosha balanced. To give an example, Pitta governs the summer. Hence during summertime we need to eat sweet, cooling food which keeps Pitta’s hot nature in balance.

It is equally important to know about the Transitioning between seasons because the sudden changes in the nature and our body tend to make is sick. As the season passes, our body gets used to the routine and lifestyle suited for that particular season. The transition period basically comprises of last few days (8 to be exact) of earlier season and the first few days of the new season. This is called Ritusandi. We Texans are just in the middle of the Ritusandhi (meaning the transition from one season to another). We have had a really hot summer this year and we are stepping into the most awaited fall. The air is starting to get cooler and this change in weather tends to bring the respiratory troubles in kids and elderly people. This is the time when a lot of people start getting infections such as influenza. Ayurveda provides specific guidelines on how to help our body to make this transition smooth.

Ayurveda recommends that during this transition period, we should gradually stop following the routine suitable for summer and start with the regime good for fall. To be specific, one should drink warm water. One should stop consuming icecream, smoothies and popsicles. It is advised to take warm water for shower. It is okay to eat food that is hot, sour and salty in taste. Warm soups and Khichadi (a combination of rice and mung beans) are especially helpful. One can really pick up his/her exercise schedule at this time. It is a good idea to consume season vegetables and fruits as they occur fresh in the market. If you see yourself bothered by the cold in the air during night and early morning, give yourself a warm gargle (You can add a pinch of turmeric and sea salt to warm water). Ayurveda also recommends keeping our body well-oleated during this period with the use of oil and ghee. If you have time and resources available, it is a good idea to get the cleansing therapies (the Panchakarma) done during Ritusandhi.

Seasonal Guide: Summer

We have been experiencing severe heat with a fair amount of humidity for past few weeks in Texas. Some very general guidelines based on principles of Ayurveda can help us all to better cope up with this extreme weather.As happens in the nature, the heat pumps out the water content of the body. Hence plenty of fluids are necessary to the body. Those can be taken in the form of plain water, fruit juices (better if made fresh at home). A simple combination of water, salt and sugar provides a good alternative to a ready made energy drink. Again is it important to take just enough fluids and not too much more that your body needs. Too much fluid can hamper the digestive power and subsequently the appetite. It is a good idea to process water with a few grains of cumin and coriander seeds by boiling these together. The processed water works really well to satisfy the thirst and keep the skin cooler. If you are peeing 7-8 times a day (or the no of times you would normally do in spring/fall) and you are not seeing dark yellowing coloration of urine, you are probably drinking enough. Eating fresh vegetable such as cabbage, tomatoes, or fresh fruits such as apple, orange, peach, nectarine, watermelon, cantaloupe also helps to keep the water content of the body maintained.

Ayurveda recommends eating less spicy, less hot food during summer. Food that is easy to digest is advisable. One should eat fresh fruits, and vegetable, mild and milk derivatives such as buttermilk, butter. Food items such as carrots, squash, cucumber, cabbage should be consumed. Alcohol intake should be kept to minimum in this weather.

We all know to keep ourselves off the sun whenever possible during summer time. I am sure most of us know about use of sunscreen to protect the skin. If you still need to go out during the day and if you are prone to sun-burns, here is an easy solution. Take a cotton pad and soak it in milk. Apply that pad over your eyes or sun-burned skin. You can also use this as a protective measure before you go out for water activities. This helps keep it cool and moist, reduces the burning sensation and later helps rejuvenation of the harmed skin cells.  


For more information and services, visit Ojal Ayurveda