Seasonal Routine

Day-time routine | Night-time Routine | Seasonal Routine | Causes Of Diseases

The seasons have a natural effect on the tridosha. According to Charaka Saàhitä, the strength of a person is enhanced by adopting suitable diets and routines according to each season. To attain this level of health, one must have knowledge of the qualities of each season and its influence on the tridosha. The doshas accumulate during seasons that share their similar elements or qualities. Once the dosha has accumulated beyond a certain limit, it becomes aggravated and symptoms of this may manifest. Seasons opposite in nature to a dosha pacify it.

For example, Väta is aggravated in dry, windy and cool conditions, such as during autumn. Kapha accumulates in winter, when it is wet and cold and Pitta increases in summers. Aggravated doshas are alleviated by diets and lifestyles that are opposite in nature to the prevailing conditions. So, cooling foods and drinks are beneficial for a Pitta aggravation, and heating foods for a Väta or Kapha aggravation. Seasonal routines to alleviate doshas when they are naturally aggravated are explained below.

Winter
In winter there is a natural accumulation of Kapha and Vata due to the cold and wet weather, so efforts should be made to keep warm and dry. Warm baths, sauna (Svedana), sunbaths and living in an insulated or heated house are beneficial. Heavy, warm and dry clothes should be worn. In winter, massage should mainly consist of dry rubbing. If there is a specific aggravation of Vata, warm oil may be used.

Warm drinks and foods that have a heating effect are preferable to cold or frozen foods and drinks. A light diet is recommended. As the external atmosphere is so cold, the body retains the heat and attempts to preserve it. Therefore, the internal digestive fire or Jaöharägni becomes stronger and is able to metabolize oils, fats and dairy products (yogurt, milk, cheese). Heavier foods can form a larger part of the diet, because they are easier to digest with a strong Jaöharägni.

Spring
As the heat of the sun increases in spring, accumulated Kapha starts to break up and disperse throughout the body. This weakens the digestive fire/Jaöharägni. and causes many Kapha related disorders. Coughs, sinus problems and hay fever are common during spring.

The heavy and heating diet adopted in winter should be replaced with foods more suitable for warmer weather. Lighter foods that are cooler in nature should be substituted. Sleeping during the day should be avoided as it aggravates Kapha. Regular physical exercise, gargling with warm water (or herbal decoctions) and drinking warm water are beneficial for preventing disease and alleviating symptoms of aggravated Kapha.

Summer
During summer, the sun is at its strongest and the heat increases Pitta. Staying in a cool room or shady place during the day is recommended. Excessive exposure to the heat and sun may cause sunburn, heat or sunstroke. Aromas or essential oils like sandal or rose - that give a cooling effect may be used. One should wear light loose and comfortable clothes.

The diet should mainly consist of cooling sweet foods and drinks. Cucumber, watermelon, fruits, fruit juices (not acidic or citrus varieties), grains, wheat, rice, and milk are ideal. Lots of water (6 to 8 glasses) should be consumed. Sour, pungent and salty foods should be avoided. Hot, spicy, and acidic foods such as chilies, onions, garlic and spices should be also be excluded from the diet or used in small quantities. Tea, coffee, alcohol and smoking should be avoided.

Autumn
In early autumn Pitta is aggravated, and as the conditions become cooler Väta increases. There is a lot of heat in the blood, causing skin irritations like rashes, inflammations, dryness and itching. Massage is good for the skin, and fluid intake should be maintained at 6–8 glasses to a day to cleanse the internal systems. Clothing should provide protection from the wind.

The digestive fire/Jaöharägni. is not very strong, so heavy foods should be minimized in the early part of the season. Sweet light foods are recommended. As it becomes colder and wetter, foods can become heavier and more heating in nature. Try to avoid sour and acidic foods, as they increase Pitta. Eat vegetables and fruits that are in season with rice, barley and wheat.