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Review Article
WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL
Bishnoi et al. World Journal
AND MEDICAL RESEARCH of Pharmaceutical and Medical ISSN
Research2455-3301
www.wjpmr.com WJPMR

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF RITUCHARYA: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Dr. Khushboo Bishnoi*1 and Dr. Anupam Pathak2

1
PG Scholar Deptt of Swasthvritta & Yoga Sriganganagar College of Ayurvedic Science & Hospital, Tantia
University, Sriganganagar – 335001, India.
2
HOD & Professor Swasthvritta & Yoga, Sriganganagar College of Ayurvedic Science & Hospital, Tantia University,
Sriganganagar – 335001, India.

*Corresponding Author: Dr. Khushboo Bishnoi

PG Scholar Deptt of Swasthvritta & Yoga Sriganganagar College of Ayurvedic Science & Hospital, Tantia University, Sriganganagar –
335001, India.

Article Received on 15/07/2019 Article Revised on 05/08/2019 Article Accepted on 26/08/2019

ABSTRACT
Ritu, the season, classified by different features expresses different effects on the body as well as the (Charya),
regarding diet and behavior to acclimatize seasonal enforcement easily without altering body homeostasis. The
prime principle of Ayurvedic system of medicine is preventive aspect, can be achieved by the change in diet and
practices in response to change in climate condition. This is very important aspect of preventive medicine as
mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. Life style disorders are very common in the present era, basically originating from
lack of following seasonal regimens due to lack of concentration in seasonal characteristics. A firm scientific
analysis is the base, which holds true even on date. In this review article, various regimens in diet and lifestyle as
mentioned in the classics of Ayurveda and their importance on life style disorders has been discussed.

KEYWORDS: Lifestyle disorders, seasonal regimens, seasonal variations in India.

INTRODUCTION dressing, and others regimen to be followed in particular

season, this leads to derangement of homeostasis and
Ayurveda, the age old science of life, has always
causes various diseases, such as obesity, diabetes,
emphasized to maintain the health and prevent the
hypertension, cancer, and so on. Lifestyle diseases are a
diseases by following proper diet and lifestyle regimen
result of an inappropriate relationship of people with
rather than treatment and cure of the diseases. The basic
their environment. Onset of these lifestyle diseases is
principle followed in the Ayurvedic system of medicine
insidious, delayed development, and difficult to cure. In
is Swasthyashya Swasthya Rakshanam, which means to
our country the situation is quite alarming due to rapid
maintain the health of the healthy, rather than Aturashya
changing of disease profile. The World Health
Vikara Prashamanancha, means to cure the diseases of
Organization has identified India as one of the nations
the diseased. For this purpose the Dinacharya (daily
that is going to have most of the lifestyle disorders in the
regimen) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) have been
near future. Nowadays, not only are lifestyle disorders
mentioned in the classics of Ayurveda. With the change
becoming more common, but they are also affecting
in season, the change is very evident in the environment
younger population. Hence, the population at risk shifts
we live in. We see various changes in bio-life around us,
from 40+ to maybe 30+ or even younger. Already
such as flowering in spring and leaf- shedding in autumn
considered the diabetes capital of the world, India now
in the plants, hibernation of many animals with the
appears headed toward gaining another dubious
coming of winter, and so on. As human being is also part
distinction of becoming the lifestyle-related disease
of the same ecology, the body is greatly influenced by
capital as well. A study conducted jointly by the All
external environment. Many of the exogenous and
India Institute of Medical Sciences and Max Hospital
endogenous rhythm have specific phase relation-ship
shows the incidence of hypertension, obesity, and heart
with each other; which means that they interact and
disease is increasing at an alarming rate, especially in the
synchronize each other. If body is unable to adopt itself
young, urban population. According to the doctors, a
to stressors due to changes in specific traits of seasons, it
sedentary lifestyle combined with an increase in the
may lead to Dosha Vaishamya, which in turn may render
consumption of fatty food and alcohol is to blame cases
the body highly suscepti-ble to one or other kinds of
of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and so on.
disorders. As adaptations according to the changes, is the
key for survival, the knowledge of Ritucharya (regimen
Ritucharya is prominently discussed in the first few
for various seasons) is thus important. People do not
chapters of most of the Samhitas of Ayurveda.
know or ig-nore the suitable types of food stuffs,

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Prevention of disease to maintain health is being the first Dakshinayana and Its Effect
and foremost aim of the holistic science of Ayurveda. Dakshinayana indicates the descent of the sun or
movement of the sun in southern direction. In this period,
In Tasyashitya chapter of Charaka Samhita, it is said the wind is not very dry; the moon is more powerful than
Tasya Shitadiya sun. The earth becomes cool due to the clouds, rain, and
Ahaarbalam Varnascha Vardhate. cold winds. Unctuousness sets in the atmosphere and
Tasyartusatmayam Vaditam Chestaharvyapasrayam, Amla (sour), Lavana (salty), and Madhura (sweet) Rasa
are predominant, so the strength of person enhances
Which means the strength and complexion of the person during this period. It is also called Visarga Kala.
knowing the suitable diet and regimen for every season
and practicing accordingly are enhanced. Main theme of According to modern science, this can be compared with
this chapter is to make people aware concerning the the gradual movement of the earth around the sun to the
methods to live in accordance with the environment. In position, in which the rays of the sun fall over 30 degree
this article, the Ritucharyas mentioned in the classics of meridian of the South Pole perpendicularly on December
Ayurveda have been discussed and emphasis has been 21st every year, is called as winter solstice. The
given on the likely impact of Ritucharya on lifestyle southward movement of the Sun occurs from Tropic of
disorders. Cancer to Tropic of Capricorn.

Classification of Season State of Strength

The year according to Ayurveda is divided into two In the beginning of Visarga Kala and ending of Adana
periods Ayana (solstice) depending on the direction of kala, that is, during Varsha and Grishma, weakness
movement of sun that is Uttarayana (northern solstice) occurs. In the middle of the solstices, that is, during
and Dakshinayana (southern solstice). Each is formed of Sharata and Vasanta, strength remains in moderate grade
three Ritus (seasons). The word Ritu means ―to go. It is and in the end of Visarga Kala and in the beginning of
the form in which the nature expresses itself in a Adana Kala, that is, during Hemanta and Shishira,
sequence in particular and specific in present forms in maximum strength is seen.
short, the seasons.
Shishira (Winter)
A year consists of six seasons, namely, Shishira (winter), General condition
Vasanta (spring), and Grishma (summer) in Uttarayan Mid-January to mid-March (approximately) is
and Varsh (monsoon), Sharada (autumn), and Hemanta considered as Shishira Ritu (winter). During this season,
(late autumn) in Dakshinayana. As Ayurveda has its the environment remains cold, along with cold wind. The
origin in India, the above seasonal changes are observed predominant Rasa and Mahabhuta during this season are
pre-dominantly in Indian subcontinent. Tikta (bitter) and Akasha, respectively. The strength of
the person becomes less, depo-sition of the Kapha Dosha
Uttarayana and Its Effect occurs and Agni (catabolism) remains in a higher state.
Uttarayana indicates the ascent of the sun or northward
movement of the sun. In this period the sun and the wind Diet regimen
are powerful. The sun takes away the strength of the Foods having Amla (sour) as the predominant taste are
people and the cooling quality of the earth. It brings preferred. Cereals and pulses, wheat/gram flour products,
increase in the Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent), and new rice, corn, and others, are advised. Ginger, garlic,
Katu (pungent) Rasa (taste), respectively, which brings Haritaki (fruits of Terminalia chebula), Pippali (fruits of
about dryness in the body and reduces the Bala Piper longum), sugarcane products, and milk and milk
(strength). It is also called Adana Kala. products are to be included in the diet.

According to modern science, this can be compared with Foods having Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), Kashaya
the gradual movement of earth around the sun to the (astringent) predominant Rasa are to be avoided. Laghu
position, in which the rays of the sun falls (light) and Shita (cold) foods are advised to be
perpendicularly at 30 degree meridian of the North Pole prohibited.
on June 21st every year, called as summer solstice. The
northward journey of the Sun from Tropic of Capricorn Lifestyle
to Tropic of Cancer happens. Massage with oil/powder/paste, bathing with lukewarm
water, exposure to sunlight, wearing warm clothes is
During Uttarayana the seasonal changes in Indian mentioned to follow. Vata aggravating lifestyle like
subcontinent is from Shishira (winter) to Vasanta exposure to cold wind, excessive walking, sleep at late
(spring) and to Grishma (summer). The period can be night, are to be avoided.
compared to mid-January to mid-July, when warmness
and dryness in weather increases. It has an overall
debilitating effect on environment, to which human
being is also a part.

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Vasanta (Spring) moonrays with breeze. Excessive exercise or hardwork is

General condition to be avoided; too much sexual indulgence and alcoholic
The approximate time is from mid-March to mid-May. preparations are prohibited.
This season is considered as season of flowering and
origin of new leaves. Predominant Rasa and Mahabhuta Varsha (Monsoon)
during this season are Kashaya (astringent), and Prithvi General condition
and Vayu, respectively. Strength of the person remains in Mid-July to mid-September (approximately) is
medium degree, vitiation of Kapha Dosha occurs and considered as Varsha Ritu. During this season the sky is
Agni remains in Manda state. covered by clouds and rains occur without thunder-
storm. The ponds, rivers, etc., are filled with water. The
Diet regimen predominant Rasa and Mahabhuta during this season are
One should take easily di-gestible foods. Among cereals, Amla (sour), and Prithvi and Agni, respectively. The
old barley, wheat, rice, and others are preferred. Among strength of the person again becomes less, vitiation of
pulses, lentil, Mugda, and others, can be taken. Food Vata Doshaand deposition of Pitta Dosha, Agni also gets
items tasting Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent), and Kashaya vitiated.
(astringent) are to be taken. Besides those, honey is to be
included in the diet. Meats like that of Shahsa (rabbit), Diet regimen
which are easy to digest can be taken. Foods which are Foods having Amla (sour) and Lavana (salty) taste and
hard to digest are to be avoided. Those which are Sheeta of Sneha (unctuous) qualities are to be taken. Among
(cold), Snigdha (viscous), Guru (heavy), Amla (sour), cereals, old barley, rice, wheat, etc., are advised. Besides
Madhura (sweet) are not preferred. New grains, curd, meat soup, Yusha (soup), etc. are to be included in the
cold drinks, and so on, are also to be prohibited. diet. It is mentioned that one should take medicated
water or boiled water.
Lifestyle
One should use warm water for bathing purpose, may do Intake of river water, churned preparations having more
exercise during Vasant Ritu. Udvartana (massage) with water, excessive liquid and wine are to be avoided. The
powder of Chandana (Santalum album), Kesara (Crocus foods, which are heavy and hard to digest, like meat,
sativus), Agaru, and others, Kavala (gargle), Dhooma etc., are prohibited.
(smoking), Anjana (collyrium), and evacuative measures,
such as Vamana and Nasya are advised. Day-sleep is Lifestyle
strictly contraindicated during this season. Use of boiled water for bath and rubbing the body with
oil properly after bath is advised. Medicated Basti
Grishma (Summer) (enema) is prescribed as an evacuative measure to expel
General condition vitiated Doshas. Getting wet in rain, day-sleep, exercise,
Mid-May to mid-July (approximately) is considered as hard work, sexual indulgence, wind, staying at river
Grishma (summer) season. Environment is prevalent bank, etc., are to be prohibited
with intense heat and unhealthy wind. The river bodies
dried and the plants appear lifeless. The predominant Sharat (Autumn)
Rasa is Katu (pungent) and Mahabhuta are Agni and General condition: The period between mid-September
Vayu. The strength of the person become less, deposition to mid-November is Sharat Ritu (autumn). During this
of Vata Dosha occurs, but the vitiated Kapha Dosha is time the Sun becomes bright, the sky remains clear and
pacified during this season. Agni of the person will sometimes with white cloud, and the earth is covered
remain in mild state. with wet mud. The predominant Rasa is Lavana (salty)
and predominant Mahabhutas are Apa and Agni.The
Diet regimen: Foods which are light to digest—those strength of the person remains medium, pacification of
having Madhura (sweet), Snigdha (unctuous), Sheeta vitiated Vata Doshaand vitiation of Pitta Dosha occur,
(cold), and Drava (liquid) Guna, such as rice, lentil, etc, andactivity of Agni increases during this season.
are to be taken. Drinking plenty of water and other
liquids, such as cold water, buttermilk, fruit juices, meat Diet regimen
soups, mango juice, churned curd with pepper, is to be Foods are having Madhura (sweet) and Tikta (bitter)
practiced. At bedtime milk with sugar candy is to be taste, and of Laghu (light to digest) and cold properties
taken. are advised. Foods having the properties to pacify
vitiated Pitta are advised. Wheat, green gram, sugar
Lavana and food with Katu (pungent) and Amla (sour) candy, honey, Patola (Trichosanthes diocia), flesh of
taste and Ushna (warm) foods are to be avoided. animals of dry land (Jangala Mamsa) are to be included
in the diet. Hot, bitter, sweet, and astringent foods are to
Lifestyle: Staying in cool places, applying sandal wood be avoided. The food items, such as fat, oils, meat of
and other aromatic pastes over the body, adorning with aquatic animals, curds, etc., are also to be not included in
flowers, wearing light dresses and sleeping at day time the diet during this season.
are helpful. During night one can en-joy the cooled

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Lifestyle: Habit of eating food, only when there is a

feeling of hunger is recommended. One should take
water purified by the rays of sun in day time and rays of
moon at night time for drinking, bathing, etc. It is
advised to wear flower garlands, and to apply paste of
Chandana (Santalumalbum) on the body. It is said that
moonrays in the first 3 h of night is conducive for health.
Medical procedures, such as Virechana (purging),
Rakta-Mokshana (blood letting), etc., should be done
during this season.

Day-sleep, excessive eating, excessive exposure to

sunlight, etc., are to be avoided.

Hemanta (Late Autumn)

General condition
Mid-November to mid-January is considered as Hemanta
(late autumn) Ritu. Blow of cold windsstarts and
chillness is felt. Predominant Rasa during this season is
Madhura and the predominant Mahabhutas are
Prithiviand Apa. The strength of a person remains on
highest grade and vitiated Pitta Doshagets pacified.
Activity of Agni is increased.

Diet regimen
One should use unctuous, sweet, sour, and salty foods.
Among cereals and pulses, new rice, flour preparations,
green gram, Masha, etc., are mentioned to be used.
Various meats, fats, milk and milk products, sugarcane
products, Shidhu (fermented preparations), Tila
(sesame), and so on, are also to be included in the diet.
Vata aggravating foods, such as Laghu (light), cold, and
dry foods are to be avoided. Intake of cold drinks is also
contraindicated.

Lifestyle: Exercise, body and head massage, use of

warm water, Atapasevana (sunbath), application of
Agaru on body, heavy clothing, sexual indulgence with
one partner, residing in warm places is recommended.
Exposure to strong and cold wind, habit of day sleep,
etc., are mentioned to be avoided.

REFERENCES
1. Kushwaha HC, editor. Pratham Bhag. Varanasi:
Chowkhamba Ori-entalia; Acharya Charaks‘Charak
Samhita, 2009.
2. Tripathi B, editor. Acharya Charaks‘ Charak
Samhita. Vara-nasi: Chowkhamba Surbharati Pra-
kashan, 2007.
3. Mallika KJ. Critical study of Swastha-Catuska w.s.r.
to Bio-physical and Biochemical changes in
Rtusandhi. MD (Ayu) Thesis. Jamnagar: Gujarat
Ayurved Uni-versity, 2002.

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