Spring Ritual in Ayurveda

“The strength and complexion of the person knowing the suitable diet and regimenfor every season and practicing accordingly are enhanced.” Charaka Samhita

Spring has arrived. Along with it, it brings a plethora of symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, allergies amongst other things. In Ayurveda, this seasonal junction is called RituSandhi. Wash your eyes with rose water (organic), eat cooked food with turmeric, pippali (long pepper) and avoid milk and gluten for a few weeks. Kapha is high during this season and cows milk and gluten will aggravate kapha if you are congested. Eat cooked breakfast, biggest meal at noon with kitchadi (rice and mung beans) and, take soups with kapha vata pacifying spices at dinner. This season is the best time for Detoxifying.

Seasonal Regimen is called Ritucharya.

This can be translated as • Ritu - Month, Season •Charya = To Follow •Ritucharya = To follow Seasonal Regimen

The calendar year is divided into two periods in Ayurveda. 1. Aadaan Kaal (Northern Solstice)-When the Sun travels in the Northward direction 2. Visarga Kaal (Winter Solstice) Sun travels on the Southward direction

The changes in the diet for each dosha will be different during these times. Some of these seasonal junctions times for 2017 are:

Vernal Equinox - March 20(five days before and five days after)

Summer Solstice- Jun 21 (five days before and five days after)

Autumnal Sep 20-Sept 21 (five days before and five days after)

Winter Solstice- Dec 21 (five days before and five days after)

Spring and Autumn are great time for Detox and Panchakarma, or, Dosha Pacifying (Shamana) therapies.

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Monica Grooveris the author of Ayurveda and the Feminine, and, Essential Guide to Ayurveda, A textbook for students and Counselors. Ms Groover is the director of Narayana Ayurveda and Yoga Academy in Austin, Texas.