ddf48d6606f22c66d77bd8b8b6c8f94f
ddf48d6606f22c66d77bd8b8b6c8f94f
1
Post Graduate Scholar, Dept. of Swasthavritta and Yoga, SDM college of Ayurveda and
Hospital, Hassan.
2
Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta and Yoga, SDM college of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan.
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can align their health with the seasons, improving their physical, mental, and spiritual well-
being while protecting themselves from seasonal illnesses. This ancient knowledge offers
simple, lasting ways to stay healthy and in harmony with nature.
INTRODUCTION
Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, has long emphasized the importance of maintaining
health and preventing diseases through proper diet and lifestyle practices, rather than
focusing solely on the treatment and cure of illnesses. The core principle of Ayurveda is
Swasthyashya Swasthya Rakshanam, which advocates for preserving the health of the
healthy, rather than Aturashya Vikara Prashamanancha, which aims at curing diseases in the
sick. To achieve this, the Ayurvedic texts highlight the importance of Dinacharya (daily
regimen) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) as essential practices for overall health and well-
being. Adapting to changes is crucial for survival, making the understanding of Ritucharya
(seasonal regimen) is essential. Many individuals are unaware of, or neglect, the appropriate
foods, clothing, and lifestyle practices to follow during specific seasons. This lack of
awareness disrupts the body's homeostasis, leading to various health issues such as obesity,
diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and more. Lifestyle diseases arise from an improper
relationship between individuals and their environment.[2] Lifestyle diseases are linked to
common risk factors such as prolonged exposure to three modifiable behaviours’—smoking,
poor diet, and lack of physical activity, the harmful use of alcohol. These factors contribute to
the onset of chronic conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, metabolic
syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and certain types of cancer.[3]
cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD (Non-Communicable Disease) deaths, or at
least 19 million deaths in 2021, followed by cancers (10 million), chronic respiratory diseases
(4 million), and diabetes (over 2 million including kidney disease deaths caused by diabetes).
These four groups of diseases account for 80% of all premature NCD (Non-Communicable
Disease) deaths.[4] Ritucharya is extensively covered in the early chapters of most Ayurvedic
Samhitas. The primary goal of Ayurveda, as a holistic science, is the prevention of disease
and the maintenance of health.[2] In Ayurveda, each season affects the body's Tridoshas (Vata,
Pitta, and Kapha), and Ritucharya offers guidance on maintaining balance with nature for
optimal health throughout the year. By following the seasonal regimens outlined in
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Ritucharya, individuals can reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases by promoting proper
digestion, enhancing immunity, and supporting overall health. The article offers practical
recommendations for each season, including dietary (Ahara) and lifestyle (Vihara)
modifications, based on the physiological changes (Caya Lakshana) that occur during
seasonal transitions. Adopting Bhavamishra’s Ritucharya practices allows individuals to align
with nature, improve their health, and prevent seasonal illnesses, providing straight forward
and sustainable approaches to maintaining well-being and balance with the environment.
RUTU[5]- चयकोऩशमा यस्ममन्दोषाणाां सम्भवस्न्ि हह ऋिुषट्कां िदाख्यािां रव् राशशषु सांक्रमाि ् ३०९
The movement of Sun from one Rashi to the other is known as Rutu cycle of six seasons.
Chaya (mild increase), Kopa (more increase), Samana (decrease to normal) of Dosha’s occur
in this cycle.
RUTU -RASHI[6]
Each Rutu occurs when the sun is in particular Rashi. In Ayurveda, each Rutu (season) is
associated with the sun's position in a particular Rashi (zodiac sign). The movement of the
sun through different Rashi influences climatic and seasonal changes, which in turn affect the
body's internal balance.
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RUTU-MASA[7]
Sisira, Vasantha, Grishma, Varsha, Sarad and Hemanta are the six Rutu happening
respectively from the combination of two Masa commencing with Magha.
Ritu- Masa Sambandha links the progression of time with the cyclical patterns of Vata, Pitta,
and Kapha. It aids in understanding Dosha dynamics Caya (accumulation), Prakopa
(aggravation), and Samana (pacification) influenced by seasons. This knowledge enables
tailored Ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle), and Aushadha (medicines) to maintain balance and
prevent seasonal imbalances for optimal health.
Northern India (Uttare Deshe): In the northern regions, where the climate is colder with
snow, the seasons are described as Hemanta (early winter) and Śiśira (late winter) separately,
excluding Pravrth Rutu.
The verse highlights the diversity in seasonal patterns across India and how they are
connected to geographical and climatic conditions. The different climates require different
health and lifestyle practices as prescribed in Ritucharya to maintain balance in the body.
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RUTU GUNA[10]
Rutu Guna refers to the qualities of each season in Ayurveda that influence the body's
Doshas. Understanding these seasonal qualities helps maintain balance by adjusting diet
(Ahara) and lifestyle (Vihara) to prevent imbalances. By aligning with the seasonal Gunas,
individuals can optimize health, prevent diseases, and promote well-being by harmonizing
with nature's cycles.
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Vata (Samirana) undergoes Chaya (Sanchaya) in Grishma Rutu due to the dominance of
Laghu (light) and Ruksha (dry) properties in food crops and in the bodies of individuals
exhibiting similar qualities, but does not undergo Prakopa due to the heat (Ushna) of the
season.
Pitta undergoes Chaya (Sanchaya) in Varsha Rutu due to the consumption of foods (Plants)
and water that become sour after digestion (Amla Vipaka), but does not undergo Prakopa
because the cold nature (Sheetha) of the season helps to suppress its aggravation.
Kapha undergoes Chaya (Sanchaya) in Shishira Rutu due to the predominance of Snigdha
(unctuous) and Sheetha (cold) qualities in water, plants, and the bodies of individuals with
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similar characteristics, during this period, despite the accumulation, Kapha does not undergo
Prakopa (aggravation) because it remains in a Skanna (latent, stable) state in the body.
Thus, due to the nature of the seasons and the influence of diet and other factors, Doshas are
subject to changes over time. The Doshas Chaya (accumulation), Prakopa (aggravation),
Prashama (pacification)] undergo changes according to the specific time and season, and
they can shift abruptly as per their seasonal nature.
Doshas undergo Caya, Prakopa, and Prashamana through the influence of Ahara (diet),
Vihara (lifestyle), and other factors that possess similar qualities to the Doshas, even outside
their respective seasons. Conversely, indulgence in food, activities, or practices with qualities
opposite to those of the Doshas can cause the opposite effects, even when performed during
the appropriate season or time.
Aversion towards the cause of such increase (Dwesha), are the signs of Chaya
(accumulation), the phase when doshas accumulate in the body.
Dosha’s if eliminated during Sanchaya Avastha do not develop in to further stages, if Dosha’s
not eliminated during the Sanchaya Avastha they will become stronger in successive stages.
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RUTU NIYAMA[13]
Table 7: Niyama to be followed in each Rutu.
RUTU NIYAMA TO BE FOLLOWED
Rasa- Prabhala Vata (i.e., Prakopa of Vata)- to mitigate Vata, Ahara having
Madhura, Amla, Lavana Rasa should be used.
The body tends to become excessively moist or damp (Klinna), owing to the
surrounding environment- To counteract this moistness or dampness, tastes
like pungent (Katu), bitter (Tikta), and astringent (Kashaya) should also be
consumed appropriately.
Ahara and Vihara- Practices like Svedana (mild sweating therapies),
Mardana (massage), consumption of (Dadhiushna) curd that has been
churned and warmed, or to buttermilk (a light, easy-to-digest preparation
Varsha
made by churning curd and removing butter) and meat of animals from arid
regions (Jangala Mamsa) are beneficial. Shali rice, barley (Yava), wheat
(Godhuma), Water from deep well (Kaupa) and spring (Chyuta) should be
used.
Should be avoided -Eastern breeze (Poorva Pavana), drenching in rain,
exposure to sun and mist/fog, overexertion, one should refrain from staying
near riverbanks (Naditeeram), daytime sleep (Divaswapna), dry foods
(Ruksha), and frequent indulgence in sexual activities (Nitya Cha
Maithunam).
Ahara- Use of Ghrita and foods having Swadu(sweet), Kashaya(astringent),
Tikta(bitter) Rasa, Shita(cool) and Laghu(light) Ahara Sevana,
Milk added with clear white sugar, use of little quantity of salt, Meat of desert-
dwelling animals,
Godhuma(wheat). Yava(barley), Mudga (green gram) along with Shali(rice),
Use of Nadeya Jala (river water), Amsudhakam (water which is exposed to
sun’s rays during day and moonlight at nights, this is Snigdha and mitigates all
three Dosha).
Use of Ikshu (sugarcane products), Shali(rice), Mudga (green gram), water from
lakes, boiled water/Milk.
Sarad Vihara- Use of Chandra(camphor), Chandana(sandalwood) Lepa(paste) all
over the body, exposing to moonlight at night, wearing garlands (Malya),
and clean dress (Pato Nirmala) are ideal. ववश्राम्(rest), सुहृदाां गणषु मधुरा
वाच् (happy and sweet conversation with friends), सर् क्रीडनां (water sports)
To eliminate the Prakupita Pitta- Virechana is given to the strong person
(Balavan Purusha), and also Shira Mokshana (letting out blood appropriately
by cutting the vein)
Should be avoided- use of Dadhi(curds), Vyayama(exercise), Amla(sour),
Katu(pungent), Ushna(hot), Tikshna(penetrating) Ahara, Divaswapna (day
sleep), Hima(cold), Atapa (exposure to sunlight).
Ahara- In the morning meal, one should include Amla(sour),
Madhura(sweet) and Lavana (salty foods),
Godhuma(wheat), Ikshu (products of sugarcane- sugar, jaggery etc.,),
Hemantha
Shali(rice), Masha (Black gram), Pishitha (meat), Pishta(flour), Tila(sesamum),
Navanna (food from freshly harvested grains).
Vihara- Abhyanga (oil massage), Exposure to sun, Shrama(exertion). The
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idea of including oil massages implies care for the skin and body, which can
become dry during winter. Warmth and effort (which could be physical
activity) are emphasized to maintain vitality.
Use of Kasthuri(musk), Kumkuma, Agaru in warm water for cleaning the water
and also for bathing, this could be part of a cleansing routine for both the body
and mind, emphasizing purification and proper hygiene in the cold season.
स्मनग्धां मरीषु सुखां -Copulation with the women who is loved, dressed with
गुरूष्णवसनां (heavy and warm clothes).
शशशशर शीिमधधकां रौक्ष्यां चादानकाऱजम ्
Sisira Cold (शीि) and dryness (रौक्ष्यां) are intensified during the winter season. Hence
in this Rutu all regimen (Ahara, Vihara, etc.,) prescribed for Hemanta rutu
should be adopted in greater measure.
Vamana, Nasya, licking powder of Abhaya (Haritaki) with honey, Vyayama
(exercise), Udvartana (Powder massage)
Kavala (mouth gargle) done with Madhu(honey), or any other Dravya
which mitigate Kapha and Shula(pain)
Ahara- Use of Godhuma (wheat), Bahu Shali Bheda (Rice of many
varieties), Mudga (green gram), Yava (Barley), Shashtika (Variety of rice),
Vasantha Jangala Mamsa Rasa (meat of animal of desert region), use of Food which
are Ruksha(dry), Katu(pungent), Ushna(hot), Laghu (light)
Vihara- Lepa (anointing the body with the paste of) with Dravyas such as
Chandana, Kumkuma, Agaru
Should be avoided- Food which are Sweet, Sour, Dadhi(curd), Snigdha
Ahara, Food which are hard to digest, Divaswapna (day sleep), exposure to
mist or fog (Avashyaya).
Ahara -use of Madhura(sweet), Snigdha(unctuous), Hima(cool).
Laghu(light), predominantly of Dravya(liquids), Rasala refers to a type of
Śikhariṇi which is a curd drink, this is prepared by mixing curds, sugar with
the spices. Saktu (flour) mixed with Sita (sugar), Ksheera(milk) of Jangala
(desert region) Desha animal mixed with Sita(sugar), Shali(rice), Mamsa
Rasa.
Grishma Vihara- Shitamshu (Exposure to moonlight), Shayanam Diva (sleeping at
day time), Lepa(anointing) the body with cold paste of Malayaja
(Chandana)-sandalwood, intake of Sheetha Paya (cold milk), Panaka -a
liquid extracted from certain fruits, added with sugar, essence, etc. for
drinking purpose.
Should be avoided- Avoid food which is Katu(pungent), Kshara (alkaline),
Amla(sour), Exposure to sunlight and Shrama(exertion).
He who adheres to the regimen prescribed for each Rutu (season) does not suffer from
diseases arising from effect of seasons at all.[14]
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DISCUSSION
भावप्रकाश्/ऩूवख
व ण्डे प्रकरण - अथ ऩञ्चमं ददनचयावददप्रकरणम ् ५ – has explained in detail about
Rutucharya, Bhavamishra has started his discussion about Rutu with the movement of Sun
from one Rashi to the other which is known as Rutu cycle of six season, then he started with
Rutu-Rashi Sambandha, this relationship provides deeper insight into how the sun’s journey
through the Rashi’s influences seasonal changes, and how these changes impact health,
digestion, and overall well-being. Rutu-Masa Sambandha (Season-Month Relationship) is a
core concept in Ayurveda that connects the changing seasons (Rutu) to the months of the
Hindu lunar calendar (Masa). This relationship helps in understanding how seasonal changes
influence our physical and mental health, and guides us on how to maintain balance by
aligning with nature. The differences in Rutu (seasons) between Northern India (Uttare
Deshe) and Southern India (Ganga Ya Dakṣiṇe Deshe) reflect the vast geographical and
climatic diversity of the Indian subcontinent. This diversity influences not only the seasonal
patterns but also the lifestyle practices and health routines (Ritucharya) prescribed for
maintaining balance in the body. Understanding these regional variations is crucial for
effective health management based on Ayurvedic principles. Then he started with Uttarayana
and Dakshinayana which are two significant periods in the annual solar cycle that influence
Ritucharya (seasonal routines) and help maintain balance in the body according to Ayurveda.
These phases are marked by the movement of the Sun—Uttarayana represents the Sun's
movement towards the northern hemisphere (from winter to summer), and Dakshinayana
represents the Sun's movement towards the southern hemisphere (from summer to winter).
Both have distinct impacts on the body, mind, and the environment. Rutu-Guna, Each Rutu
has its unique characteristics that influence the body’s Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).
Balancing the impact of these seasons requires adjusting Ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle), and
daily routines. The key is to stay attuned to these changes and adapt accordingly to maintain
harmony with nature’s rhythm. Then he talks about Rutu-Dosha, In Ayurveda, each Dosha
accumulates during specific seasons: Vata in Grishma, Pitta in Varsha, and Kapha in Sisira.
The Doshas can be aggravated or pacified depending on the Rutu Guna and external factors
like Ahara (diet) and Vihara (lifestyle). Balancing Ahara and Vihara with opposing qualities
to the Dosha can help maintain equilibrium. Further he mentions about Chaya Lakshana’s,
The Chaya phase is the critical early stage of Dosha accumulation, where the Doshas are
naturally increasing in strength but have not yet become overly aggravated. If the Doshas are
not addressed at this point, they progress into Prakopa, leading to more severe imbalances.
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Recognizing the signs of Chaya and intervening with proper treatments is key to preventing
the Doshas from causing more significant health issues. By aligning Ahara, Vihara and
therapies with the body’s needs during the accumulation phase, one can prevent further
disturbances and maintain balance. At last, he talks about the Niyama which is to be followed
in each Rutu. Each season has specific diet and lifestyle guidelines to maintain balance in the
body. These practices help counteract the effects of the season, preventing imbalances and
promoting overall well-being. Following them helps the body stay in harmony with nature. In
this way Bhavamishra has talked about Rutucharya in a detailed manner.
CONCLUSION
Ritucharya, as outlined by Bhavamishra, is a vital Ayurvedic practice that emphasizes
aligning lifestyle and diet with seasonal changes to maintain balance and health. By
understanding the Dosha dynamics and their influence during different seasons, individuals
can adopt personalized regimens to prevent diseases and promote well-being. Bhavamishra’s
guidelines on Ahara, Vihara, and seasonal regimens help mitigate the impact of seasonal
shifts on physical and mental health. Ritucharya offers sustainable and practical approaches
for preventing lifestyle diseases and maintaining homeostasis with nature. Ultimately,
adhering to Ritucharya supports holistic health and longevity.
REFERENCES
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routine/ritucharya#:~:text=Rituacharya%20is%20the%20ancient%20Ayurvedic,changes
%20as%20recommended%20by%20Ayurveda%20.
2. Bishnoi K, Pathak A, Understanding the importance of Ritucharya: a review article.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, 2019; 5(9): 115-118.
3. LIFESTYLE DISEASES: An Economic Burden on the Health Services.
https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/lifestyle-diseases-economic-burden-health-
services
4. Non-communicable diseases. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-
sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases
5. Murthy K.R. Srikantha, English translation on Bhavaprakasha of Bhavamisra, Purva
Khanda, Dinacharyadi Prakarana, 5, verse 309, Varanasi, Chowkhamba Krishnadas
Academy, 2004; 117.
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