Six Seasons of Ayurveda

Nature is constantly evolving, bringing changes in days, months and years, and most importantly, seasons. Our health thrives when our actions mirror this universal rhythm.   “Ritucharya” or seasonal regimen is a routine designed around the six seasons of the year to keep us healthy. The word Ritucharya is a combination of two words- “Ritu” (season) and “Charya” (practice). It emphasizes aligning our lifestyle, diet and daily habits with nature’s cycles for holistic wellness.   In this blog, let’s delve deep into each season and learn what Ahara (food), Vihara (lifestyle) and regimen to follow to keep us healthy.    Hemanta (Winter)   Winter brings cold temperatures and biting winds. According to Ayurveda, during the winter season, Agni (digestive fire) is at its peak. This season calls for deep nourishment to calm aggravated Agni and prevent tissue depletion.   Diet and lifestyle   Go for heavier and warm food added with good fats. Khichdi made with rice and lentils and topped with ghee is a perfect lunch recipe for winter.    Include sour and salty flavors Dig into freshly cooked rice, sugarcane juice, jaggery, and dairy products Also add green leafy vegetables like spinach, celery, cabbage and lettuce to your diet Avoid light, dry, and Vata-aggravating foods such as raw vegetables, salads and puffed rice   Daily routine   Use sesame oil for Abhyanga (oil massage) as a morning routine Do dry powder massages and expose your body to sunlight for some time Dress warmly and cover your hands and feet Engage in intimate activities before sleep for warmth and relaxation   Vasanta (Spring)   Spring is when all the Kapha we have accumulated during winter starts melting. After winter is over, the increased Agni starts to decline leading to potential imbalances if Kapha is not expelled properly.     Diet and lifestyle   Have light warm, digestive meals Avoid heavy and fatty foods. You can still have barley and wheat Moderate exercise and oil pulling are good morning practices     Daily routine   Do Nasya – Istil 2 drops of Nasya Oil everyday in each nostril, ideally in the morning (1 hour before or after shower). Do a dry powder massage after Abhyanga. I prefer a mixture of sandalwood  and Triphala for this. Later, take a warm shower. Sip water with dry ginger or nut grass throughout the day Do not sleep during the day. Keep a cool head and happy mind.   Grishma (Summer)   Summer is a season marked by high temperatures and increased dryness. This is also a time when your Agni is weakened as the body tries to cool down through sweat. It is the season for cooling and hydrating practices.     Diet and lifestyle     Eat food that has cold potency e.g. ghee, milk, and freshly harvested rice Stay away from salty, sour and spicy foods Eat seasonal fruits like mangoes and melons, but in moderation   Daily routine   Spend the day indoors as much as possible Dress lightly and refrain from heavy exercise     Varsha (Rainy Season)   In rainy weather, both body and Agni become weak and all three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) get vitiated. This season also requires a focus on strengthening Agni and balancing Doshas.   Diet and lifestyle   Eat warm foods that are easily digestible Have foods added with good fats, with the predominance of sour, salty tastes to calm Vata Opt for soups made from barley, wheat and freshly harvested rice with spices and ghee Do not consume yoghurt Water should be boiled and cooled before drinking to ensure that it’s germ-free   Daily routine   Avoid daytime naps, sun exposure and heavy exercise to a minimum Opt for dry powder massage to improve blood circulation Dress lightly and comfortably and take frequent showers     Sharad (Autumn)   Once the monsoons subside and the sun shines brightly, it aggravates the Pitta Dosha which was dormant during the monsoons. This season calls for cooling, Pitta-reducing practices.   Diet and lifestyle   Light foods rich in a sweet and bitter taste, with cold potency, are favored to subside Pitta Eat only when hungry Newly harvested rice, barley and wheat are good grain options in this season Avoid sesame oil, animal fat, yogurt and fish as all these aggravate Pitta   Daily routine   Do not step out in the sun often, and exposure to winds Avoid daytime napping Take a stroll in the moonlight after sunset to nourish the body and mind     Shishira (Late Winter)     This is the season of late winter, starting from mid-January to mid-March. Although the intensity of cold decreases, dryness and dehydration increase, leading to the accumulation of Kapha and the aggravation of Vata Dosha.   Diet and lifestyle   The diet is more or less like Hemanta (winter) season with more emphasis on Vata subsiding foods.  Drink warm water first thing in the morning. Also sip herbal teas made with dry ginger, licorice and cinnamon throughout the day.    Daily routine   Follow winter-related practices like oil massages and warm baths Dress in thick layers of clothing to ward off the cold Dry powder massage is great for blood circulation and expelling mucus  Getting enough sunlight during the safe sun hours     How Ayurveda Helps You Adapt to the Six Changing Seasons     Every season comes with its beauties and challenges. Adapting your lifestyle according to these changes instills balance and harmony in our bodies. Ayurveda emphasizes:   Seasonal detoxes: Panchkarma therapies are beneficial as detox that are recommended as per your body needs. Always consult a doctor before opting for one.    Nutrition: Eating right food according to the seasons helps your body digest the food better and absorb the nutrients well.   Holistic practices: From Abhyanga to herbal remedies, Ayurveda provides tools to adapt to seasonal shifts effectively.     Ayurvedic Herbs for Each Season of the Year     Here are some herbs that are beneficial during… Continue reading Six Seasons of Ayurveda

Obesity Treatment in Ayurveda

Obesity is one of the major causes of concern today, and it has become a critical health problem in recent years. According to the estimates of 2022, 890 million adults and 160 million children around the world were living with obesity.  Being obese can raise the chances of getting type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It can also harm your bones, affect your reproductive health and increase the risk of some types of cancer. Obesity can even make everyday activities like sleeping and moving around more difficult.     Obesity According to Ayurveda     According to Ayurveda, obesity or Atisthaulya is the result of an excessive accumulation of fat tissue (Medha Dhathu). The main causes of obesity are lack of exercise, day napping and consuming foods that aggravate Kapha Dosha. This leads to food not being digested properly. As a result, Sneha (oiliness) and fat are accumulated in the body.  Therefore, Ayurvedic treatment to reduce obesity focuses on balancing the Doshas, mainly through diet, exercise and lifestyle corrections.    Effect  of  Obesity  on  Agni   The excessive accumulation of fat tissues aggravates Vata Dosha within the alimentary canal. The result is an increase in Agni (digestive fire). Consumed food gets digested quickly, resulting in binge eating that can eventually affect your health. Though obesity causes the Agni to be high, excessive consumption of Kapha aggravating food will eventually weaken the Agni. This affects your digestion, leading to accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body and the result is diseases.    How  to  Treat  Obesity  with  Ayurveda ?   In my Weight Loss Program, the primary focus is on balancing the Doshas and correcting the Agni. This is done primarily through dietary changes, lifestyle corrections, exercise and cleansing therapy to flush out toxins from the body.   Diet   Accumulation of fat aggravates Vata and Kapha Doshas and even causes fluctuations in your Agni. Therefore, consult a qualified Ayurvedic doctor to come up with a diet plan that aligns with your Prakriti (body type), Dosha imbalances and  health conditions. Avoid processed and junk foods. Having light, easily digestible foods is the best.   Kashaya Vasti   It is one of the five steps of Panchakarma where an enema with herbal decoction is administered to the patient. It helps balance your Vata Dosha and improves your overall health.   Rooksha Udvartana   Dry powder massage of Rooksha Udvartana involves massaging the body with herbs that are dry in nature.   This treatment helps reduce fat in the stomach, thighs, and buttocks.   Ayurvedic herbs and spices   Buttermilk with spices helps bring out changes in the fat tissues. Ayurveda also recommends a variety of Ayurvedic herbs, such as Guduchi, Amla and Agnimantha to treat obesity.   Exercise   Exercise regularly. You don’t have to go for intense workouts. Walking, cycling or jogging is more than enough.   Ayurvedic  tips  for  obesity   Here are some Ayurvedic tips that can help you beat obesity:   Practice mindful eating Eating food while involving all your senses gives you control over the quality and quantity. It also stops you from overeating.    Avoid Kapha-inducing foods Foods that are excessively salty, sour, sweet or oily aggravates your Kapha Dosha, which is also one of the attributes of obesity.   Drink lots of water Drinking water reduces hunger, thus preventing overeating.    Do not sleep right after dinner Have dinner at least 2 hours before going to bed.    Be consistent Be consistent with your daily routines, diet and exercise.   Stay stress-free Follow practices, such as meditation to stay away from stress. The connection between your mind and body certainly causes stress to be one of the reasons for obesity.   Also read: Are Flaxseeds Healthy?   Ayurveda not only provides a comprehensive strategy for treating obesity but also  targets the underlying causes of physical and mental imbalance. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight, encourage optimum digestion and metabolism, and support general well-being by implementing Ayurvedic principles into lifestyle and dietary habits.      If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Contact Dermatitis Treatment in Ayurveda

Though not transmittable, contact dermatitis is a skin condition that causes great deal of pain and discomfort. If left untreated for an extended period, it has the potential to result in lasting scars and harm to the skin. To address the issue, one must select an effective treatment rooted in Ayurvedic traditions.    What is contact dermatitis?   Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition that affects millions worldwide. It happens when your skin is exposed to something that it reacts negatively to. This may be a substance that triggers an allergic reaction or discomfort. It can manifest as redness, itching, swelling, and sometimes even blistering, often resulting from direct contact with certain substances.    Types  of  Contact  Dermatitis   It is a type of skin inflammation caused by direct contact with irritants or allergens, and it has two main types: Irritant contact dermatitis: This occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance that damages or irritates it. For instance, common culprits include detergents, soaps, acids, and solvents. Allergic contact dermatitis: This occurs when the skin has an allergic reaction to a specific substance, such as certain metals (e.g., nickel), cosmetics, plants (e.g., poison ivy), or medications. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, irritant contact dermatitis accounts for up to 80% of cases, while allergic contact dermatitis accounts for the remaining 20%. Its symptoms can vary in intensity; moreover, they may include redness, itching, swelling, dryness, and even blistering.  Managing this skin disease effectively requires identifying and avoiding triggers while soothing the irritated skin.   Ayurvedic Perspective on Contact Dermatitis   Ayurveda views skin diseases like contact dermatitis as a manifestation of imbalances within the body, particularly involving the Doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. According to Ayurvedic principles, an imbalance in these Doshas can disrupt the body’s natural harmony and lead to various health issues, including skin conditions. Vata: When Vata Dosha is aggravated, it can cause dryness, roughness, and itching of the skin, making it more susceptible to irritants. Pitta: Aggravated Pitta Dosha can result in inflammation, heat, and sensitivity, exacerbating symptoms like redness and swelling in contact dermatitis. Kapha: Imbalances in Kapha Dosha may lead to excessive oiliness and skin congestion, worsening symptoms such as itching and irritation. According to Ayurveda, it is also known as Udarda, can result from exposure to potent chemicals, soaps, cleaning agents, or prolonged water exposure.    Ayurvedic Treatments for Contact Dermatitis   Ayurvedic treatment for contact dermatitis aims to rebalance the Doshas, cleanse the body of toxins, and promote skin healing. Here are some Ayurvedic remedies and practices that may help alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrences:   Dietary Adjustments Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet to maintain overall health and well-being. Individuals with contact dermatitis may benefit from consuming cooling and soothing foods to pacify aggravated Pitta Dosha. This includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and herbal teas. Avoiding spicy, oily, and processed foods can also help prevent further irritation.   Herbal Remedies Ayurvedic herbs possess potent anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and skin-soothing properties that can aid in managing  it.  Some commonly used herbs, for example, include neem, turmeric, aloe vera, and licorice.  These herbs can be applied topically as creams, ointments, or poultices to reduce inflammation and promote healing.   Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Massage) Regular self-massage, known as Abhyanga can help nourish and moisturize the skin while calming the nervous system. Massaging the affected areas with gentle, circular motions can improve circulation, reduce itching, and promote the elimination of toxins from the body.   Lifestyle Modifications Healthy lifestyle habits can be crucial in managing contact dermatitis. Avoiding exposure to known irritants and allergens, wearing protective clothing, practising good hygiene, and managing stress through yoga and meditation can help prevent flare-ups and promote skin healing.   Ayurvedic Formulations Ayurvedic practitioners may prescribe specific formulations tailored to an individual’s unique constitution and imbalances. These formulations, contain herbs, minerals, and natural ingredients to address the underlying causes; in addition, they aim to restore skin health.   Utilizing home remedies  Home remedies are crucial in managing and addressing contact dermatitis. Home remedies involve using readily available items like plants and food for treatment. These can be beneficial, cost-effective choices that are free from chemicals. Many DIY remedies can improve the skin and prevent it from drying, benefiting those with contact dermatitis. There are specific items in your household that can provide a cooling sensation to your skin and alleviate discomfort from sore or swollen skin. The symptoms can be effectively managed using Ayurvedic treatments and natural home remedies. Ayurveda effectively controls its symptoms and, in addition, educates individuals on how to prevent its recurrence and promote skin well-being.   Final takeaway   Contact dermatitis, a troublesome skin condition, can find relief and healing through Ayurvedic treatment.  Individuals can manage symptoms effectively and prevent recurrences by addressing imbalances in the Doshas, detoxifying the body and adopting natural remedies and lifestyle practices. However, consulting a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized guidance and treatment recommendations tailored to your specific needs is essential. With dedication and patience, you can restore balance to your skin and experience lasting relief from contact dermatitis.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.