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Given
that the term prakriti denotes both body constitution
and nature, it is only expected that with the changing seasons of
nature there will be corresponding effects on the bhutas
and thereby the doshas of the constitution. Cold,
dry weather for instance enhances vata, hot humid climate increases
pitta, while cold, wet
weather aggravates kapha.
To
avoid such continued aggravation leading to imbalance of the
doshas, Ayurveda prescribes a seasonal routine to preserve
the doshic balance as the seasons change. For each season therefore,
there is a unique diet (ahar), a distinct mode of
living (vihara) and routine living (karya).
These keep your doshas in a state of equilibrium and help you cope
with the stresses and strains of changing seasons.
In
Ayurvedic literature the year is divided into six ritus (seasons)
– varsha (monsoon), sharada (autumn), hemanta (winter), shishira
(late winter), girshma (summer) and vasanta (spring). The
effects of these ritus on the three doshas and the suggested lifestyle
for each is as indicated below :
Click
here to see the figure of the Biological Clock
Monsoon
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Diet
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Conduct
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Digestive power weakens and bodily vata
is aggravated.
It is
advisable therefore to be moderate in your diet.
Come rains, tuck into astringent, bitter and pungent food
along with wheat & rice.
Never forget to boil & cool your water. And if possible,
add a little honey.
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Go for oil massages and regular baths.
Do not indulge in daytime sleeping.
Avoid moving in the sun, and excessive physical exercise
Do not indulgence in excessive sex.
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Autumn
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Diet
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Conduct
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Yummy dishes with astringent, bitter or sweet tastes are
for you to enjoy.
Have lots of rice, barley, wheat, along with curd, cabbage,
cheese, milk.
Avoid meat, yoghurt.
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This is the right time to go through purgation &
blood letting treatment.
(for detail see Panchkarma)
Avoid excessive sunbathing
Do not expose yourself to easterly winds.
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Winter
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Conduct
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Dig into piping hot, oily, sour & salty food along with
rice. Also plenty of cows milk & cane juice.
Drink warm water and it will improve your life span.
Avoid light food to pacify vata.
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Dont
expose yourself to cold.
Go for an invigorating oil massage followed by tepid water
bath.
Cover your body with sufficient warm wraps
Indulge
in intense sexual pleasure.
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Spring
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Summer
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Diet
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Conduct
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Take in plenty of fluids. Avoid dehydration.
Avoid
food with pungent, acid & salt tastes.
Tuck
into sweet, cold & oily foods. Meat of birds & animals
are good for you.
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Avoid
excessive physical exercises & excessive sex.
Avoid
sunlight and harmful UV rays.
Enjoy
the cool breeze of your garden & fragrance of flowers.
Try
to take a short nap.
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Dinacharya

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