Change in seasons, Change in body

In Ayurveda, health is considered to be created when a balance between mind, body and the environment is maintained, and so with the changing seasons. It is important to follow the body’s natural inclination to respond to the seasons by adapting our diet and activities. As the days lengthen in Spring, you may have noticed being more cheerful and lively. The urge to exercise and reconnect with nature is generally more, like working in the garden or by spending time outside in the sunshine. It is a Uttarayana Kala or Adana Kala, ie.. northward movement of the sun. In this period the sun and the wind are powerful. The sun/ heat reduces the physical strength and causes dryness in the individual

Spring Season also is known as the flowering season or new growth season, During this period the kapha (Kapha dosha) accumulated during the previous winter season is liquefied due to the heat of the sun, affecting the power of digestion and metabolism. The Predominant Rasa in this ritu is Kashaya (astringent) and Predominant Mahabhutas are Prithvi (earth) and Vayu (Air), Strength of the person is moderate and causes vitiation of Kapha dosha.

The Agni or digestive capacity and metabolism is low and aggravated Kapha dosha causes many health problems related to the digestive system and respiratory system. One should concentrate on keeping/maintaining their digestive fire intact and follow the regimen which does not lead away for aggravation of Kapha, causing respiratory problems.

Good digestive system improves immunity power. The good digestive system also depends on our good physical and mental health. Immunity power is the natural mechanism of the body to fight against disease or one’s disease resistance power. If our immunity power is good, we can fight minor health ailments like seasonal flu, cold, cough, running nose, headache, fever etc. A healthy mind in a healthy body. If our health is good, we can achieve anything we wish too. It gives cheerfulness, interest and good thinking to our mind which helps to follow our success path. Thus health is the most important factor for our body and soul.  To keep the digestive fire intact one should follow daily regimens and seasonal wise regimen.

Diet regimen in Vasanta Ritu

Ahara Niyama  - One should adopt a freshly cooked, balanced diet, follow the timely intake of food, easily digestible and warm while having. Fresh food carries high energy which when eaten transforms into bio-energy

Dos and Don’t’s to support and protect your immune system

Do’s

• One should adopt easily digestible foods.
• Among cereals, old barley, wheat, rice etc
• Pulses like lentil, green gram, toor dal, etc
• Vegetables like Bottle gourd, Ridge gourd, Ash gourd, drumstick, etc
• Spices like Turmeric, pepper, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, mustard, etc
• Serbs like Neem, Acacia, Tulasi, Guduchi (amruthaballi), Amla etc.
• Always take cooked food.
• Honey can be included in the diet.
• Meats which are easy to digest can be taken.
• Warm water to drink

Don’t’s

• Foods which are difficult to digest are to be avoided like cold items, oily, heavy, sour, sweets.
• Newly harvested grains, Urad dal, curds, cold drinks, juices taken out from refrigerators, ice-creams, cold water or fridge water, chocolates, sweets etc.

Lifestyle

• Warm water for bathing and cleaning purpose,
• Exercise is recommended
• Gargling with warm water/ saltwater
• Steam inhalation -  plain hot water or with tulasi leaves
• Nasya - Nasal drops (if recommended by a doctor)
• Day-sleep is not recommended.

Benefits :
Following the regimens accordingly improves strength and keeps physical and mental health in balance and leads to happiness. These regimens help to keep the Kapha dosha in balance and avoid vitiation of kapha dosha. Thus preventing or provides immunity against diseases.

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Extracts or information from the desk of Doctors from Integrative Medicine (Allopathy, Ayurveda, Naturopathy) at WELLBEEING, an Integrated Health centre, Bangalore.
Contribution from: Dr Vatsala BAMS, MD and team, WELLBEEING Integrated Health Centre

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