(summer) season. Environment is prevalent with intense heat and unhealthy wind. The river-bodies dried and the plants appear lifeless. The predominant Rasa is Katu (pungent) and Mahabhuta (elements) are Agni (fire) and Vayu (wind). The strength of the person become less, deposition of Vata Dosha (humour) occurs, but the vitiated Kapha Dosha (humour) is pacified during this season. Agni (fire) of the person remains in mild state. Sun appears like Atasi Pushpa (red) and dries up the water reservoir. Trees shed their leaves, and there is no greenery around. All living creatures search for water bodies to quench their thirst.
Changes in the Body
Because of excessive heat from the Sun, it will dry up the moisture present in the environment. It dries up the Jaleeya Tatva in the body, which leads to depletion of the Kapha (moistness) and an increase of Vata (dryness) in the body. As Shleshma (Kapha) is considered Bala (strength) 6, lack of Kapha leads to the decrease in the Deha Bala (strength). Agni (fire) of the person will remain in mild state.[5]
Hitakar Ahar (Compatible diet)
Diet regimen Foods which are light to digest - those having Madhura (sweet), Snigdha (unctuous), Sheeta (cold), and Drava (liquid) Guna, such as rice, lentil, etc, are to be taken. There is a loss of Jaleeya Amsha (body fluids) in the body, so in this Ritu, more Drava Yukta (liquid) Ahara (diet) should be consumed. Drinking plenty of water and other liquids, such as cold water, buttermilk, fruit juices, meat soups, mango juice, churned curd with pepper, is to be practiced. At bedtime milk with sugar candy is to be taken.
Ahitkara Ahar (Non compatible diet)
Do not consume the food which is having Katu (spicy), Lavana (salt) and Amla (sour) Rasa. Even though Ayurveda explains the consumption of Shadrasayukta (all the 6 Rasa) Ahara, but according to Ritu (season), we have to balance the intake of Rasa. The intake of sour curd is to be avoided as it is Guru (heavy) and Abhishyandi; it will delay the digestion process and block the Rasavaha Strotas.[6]
Hitakar Vihar (Compatible routine)
As, in this Ritu (season) as strength is significantly less Vyayama (exercise) is not indicated, but it can be done occasionally and one should not expose
much to the sunlight.[7] Divaswapna (day sleep) is indicated in Greeshma Ritu (summer season) as the day is long and night is short and one should sleep in a house cooled by a water fountain. At night one should rest on the terrace having good moonlight. The body should be anointed with Lepa (paste) of Chandana (sandalwood).[7]
Discussion
In Ayurveda, the knowledge of Ritucharya is a firsthand guide to the concept of Kriya-Kala, which describes the modes and stages of the development of diseases, with regard to the state of different Doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in accordance with the changes of time. A good understanding of it is very much essential for early diagnosis and prognosis for adopting preventive and curative measures. It is to be known that disharmony in the Doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha results in Roga (disease). With changes in diet and lifestyle, there are changes in the state of Tridosha, which is bound to affect us, resulting disharmony, causing lifestyle diseases. Ritu acts as Vyanjaka or Nimittakarana in the aggravation and manifestation of disease.
Madhura Rasa, and Snigda Pradhana Ahara Sevana is mentioned as it is Vatahara, and it enhances the Kapha Dosa. Sheeta Guna Ahara Sevana helps combat the extreme heat, as in this Ritu Jataragni (digestive fire) is mild Laghu Ahara (light for digestion) should be consumed. Even though Ayurveda talks about Shadrasa Yukta Ahara Sevana but by Yukti, we must balance the Dosha by consuming suitable Rasa.
It is mentioned that Vyayama (exercise) is to be done half of the strength, as Bala (strength) of person is significantly less; Vyayama is not indicated in this Ritu. Diwaswapna (day sleep) is indicated in Greeshma Ritu as it helps to retain the Bala in this Ritu. Manidharana or Ratnadharana helps to give a coolant effect to the body due to its Prabhava (effect). Fragrant flowers and Chandanadi Lepa will avoid the foul odour due to sweat and benefits skin ailment during this season.
Peoples’ diet changed substantially in the second half of 20th century, generally with increased consumption of meat, dairy products, vegetable oils, fruit juice, and alcoholic beverages, and decreased consumption of starchy staple foods, such as bread, potatoes, rice, and maize flour.
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