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 The year is divided into six seasons1 according to the
movement of the sun. When the sun moves northward (uttaraayana
or the Northern Solstice), the sun’s rays are direct,
strong and sharp, and the wind is dry. The sun absorbs moisture
from the earth, causing dehydration in all living entities.
Human beings tend to feel weak during this period because
of the heat and dry weather. This period of dehydration
is called "aadaana kaala" and consists of three
seasons2:
- Shishira (late winter) - January, February
- Vasanta (spring) - March, April
- Greeshma (summer) - May, June
When the sun moves southward (dakshinaayana or the Southern
Solstice), its rays are not direct and they tend to be less
hot. The moon is more powerful in this period and hence
nourishes the herbs and living beings because of its cooling
effect. This period is called visarga kaala as it augments
physical strength, and consists of the following three seasons.
- Varsha (rainy season) - July, August
- Sharad (autumn) - September, October
- Hemanta (early winter) - November, December
As every season has a different natural effect on the
tridosha (the three biological energies), it is essential
to follow special routines that are unique and suitable
to the respective seasons. Ayurveda expounds the seasonal
regimens under ritucharya. Ritu means season and charya
means routine or regimen.
Regimen for winter (hemanta ritucharya)
Physical strength and appetite is highest in winter. In
winters, the body retains heat and protects itself from
the cold weather. This strengthens the digestive system
and makes it capable of digesting large amounts of food.
Seasonal food available in this period is also rich and
nutritious. This season is particularly good for enhancing
immunity (ojas).
Diet
During the winter, one can take oils, fats, fresh milk products
(yogurt, cheese), and sweet, sour and salty foods. As the
external atmosphere is cold, the body retains heat and attempts
to preserve it. As a result, the digestive fire (jatharagni)
becomes stronger and is able to metabolise heavy foods such
as fats and dairy products. Kidney beans, black beans (urad
dal), grains and products made from grains (wheat, rice),
special herbal wines (not to be consumed for intoxication)
and honey can be taken. One should also drink warm water
or ginger tea in winter.
Ayurveda discusses six tastes of food – sweet, sour,
salty, bitter, pungent and astringent. Foods that are sweet,
sour and salty are especially beneficial in cold, dry winters.
Bitter and spicy foods should be avoided as they tend to
increase dryness in the body.
Cold water, ice cream and frozen foods and drinks are not
recommended. Care should be taken not to over eat and eat
enough to satiate hunger. Reduced food intake in winter
leads to aggravation of vata dosha.
Activity
There is a natural accumulation of kapha due to the cold
and wet environment, so efforts should be made to keep warm.
Vata dosha tends to aggravate in cold weather. Warm baths
and sauna, sunbaths, and living in a warm house are beneficial.
Heavy, warm, dry clothes should be worn. One should massage
the body and head (mainly dry rubbing) but in case there
is aggravation of vata, a little warm oil (sesame, mustard
or olive) may be used for better results. Oil massage eradicates
dryness and replenishes the skin with moisture. Application
of natural moisturizers after a bath in the morning is also
advisable.
Regimen for late winter (Shishira
ritucharya)
The hemanta (beginning of winter) and shishira (late winter)
seasons are almost similar. Together, they are referred
to as the “sheeta kaala” (cold season). Shishira
marks the onset of aadaana kaala (the period of dehydration).
Cold becomes severe and dryness intensify further. Occasional
clouds, wind and rainfall are also features of late winter.
The regimen of hemanta should be followed in shishira too.
One should particularly avoid taking cold foods and drinks
and vata-increasing diets (bitter, astringent and pungent
tastes).
- The position of India is such that effect of sunrays
is specific and that is the reason for six seasons of
equal duration in India. The following description of
seasons and months is based on India's location on the
map, the months and seasons may vary in other regions.
But you may follow the region according to the corresponding
season in your zone.
- Please note that the actual classification (as given
in Ayurveda texts) is done according to the lunar calendar.
The solar months indicated above may not exactly match
with lunar months but are just approximate equivalents
of the corresponding lunar months. For example, when it
is winter in India (December-January), it is summer in
Australia, so people living in that region should follow
the regimen for summer and not for winter.
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