undefined Hemant Ritu 5 Sep Ayurvedic Ritucharya for Hemant Ritu Ritucharya means seasonal regimens (do and don'ts) regarding diet and lifestyle. Following a specific seasonal regimen helps your body to acclimatize with seasonal enforcements without affecting the body's homeostasis. The basic principle of the Ayurvedic system of medicine is given in the following Shloka: Swasthyashya Swasthya Rakshanam, Aturasya Vikara Prashamanancha Translation:- We should maintain the health of the healthy individual and treat the disease of the sick by following the basic principles of Dinacharya (daily regimen) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen). As per Ayurveda, Hemanta Ritu is winter season that occurs during Margashirsa and Pausha (Mid-November to Mid-January). This season belongs to Dakshinayana (Southern solstice). It is also called as Visarga Kala, wherein the human strength is relatively high. Enhancement in digestive power During Hemanta Ritu season, the blow of cold winds starts, digestive fire (Agni) is ignited and appetite increases. So the body is able to digest Guru Aahar (heavy food) easily. The digestive fire becomes more potent because it gets obstructed from flowing outwards due to the cold climate. Hence, digestive fire causes emaciation of the body tissues in a similar way as fuel engulfs the things that come into its contact. Knowing the suitable diet for every season and following it accordingly enhances the health of a person. "Tasya Shitadiya Ahaarbalam Varnascha Vardhate, Tasyartusatmayam Vaditam Chestaharvyapasrayam" Accordingly, the foodstuffs to be taken in Hemanta Ritu vary as given below: - 1. Foods which are Madhura (sweet), Amla (sour) and Lavana (salty) in taste are helpful in satisfying the metabolic requirements of the body. 2. Snigdha (greasy food) foods can counter the strong Jatharagni (digestive fire) & Agni does not start consuming the body's own energy. 3. Wheat, gram flour products, milk products, and corn (edible oils) should be taken as food. 4. Products of sugarcane like jaggery are beneficial for health. 5. The digestion power is high during this season so it's easy to digest heavy foods such as meat soup mixed with fats. Recommended lifestyle practices Warm water should be used for ablutions. Abhyanga (oil massage): Massage your body after attending ablutions every day. Massage with oils having Vata balancing properties and Udvartan with fine paste/powder of Kumkum (Kesar) is very beneficial for health. Apply natural oils to your head regularly and massage it gently. After this, oil is washed off with astringent powders. Then after, fine powder of saffron and Kasturi (musk) may be applied. Apply Lepa or paste of Agaru or Eaglewood (Aquillaria agallocha) to the body. It keeps the body warm. Thick sheet made of cotton, leather, silk, wool or bark of trees that are light in weight should be used during sleep. Atapa-sevana (sunbath) and exposure to sunlight/ fire should be resorted judiciously. Footwear should always be worn.