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<big>'''Sutra Sthana Chapter 6. Seasonal Regimen or Qualitative Dietetics '''</big>

<big>'''Sutra Sthana Chapter 6. Seasonal regimen of diet and lifestyle '''</big>

<big>'''Abstract'''</big>

<big>'''Abstract'''</big>

<div style="text-align:justify;">This chapter describes seasonal regimen for preservation of health. The year is divided into seasons  based upon the changes in environmental conditions, changes in temperature, change in day-night cycle and circadian rhythm. Being an integral unit of the nature, these seasonal changes  in nature affect human physiology too. Therefore, one must follow the specific regimen for maintaining the equilibrium of body components in harmony with nature. The seasonal regimen is designed on the basis of changes in the [[dosha]], [[bala]] (physical strength), and [[agni]] (digestive power). This chapter continues the study of dietary regimen from the preceding chapters by adding the dimension of time and seasonal variations to it. </div>

<div style="text-align:justify;">This chapter describes seasonal regimen of diet and lifestyle for preservation of health. The year is divided into seasons  based upon the changes in environmental conditions, changes in temperature, change in day-night cycle and circadian rhythm. Being an integral unit of the nature, these seasonal changes  in nature affect human physiology too. Therefore, one must follow the specific regimen for maintaining the equilibrium of body components in harmony with nature. The seasonal regimen is designed on the basis of changes in the [[dosha]], [[bala]] (strength), and [[agni]] (digestive power). This chapter continues the study of dietary regimen from the preceding chapters by adding the dimension of time and seasonal variations to it. </div>

'''Keywords''':  ''Adana kala'', lifestyle, ''ritu'', ''ritucharya'', ''satmya'', seasonal regimen, strength in seasons,''visarga kala''

'''Keywords''':  [[Adana kala]], seasonal diet and lifestyle, regimen, ritu(season), satmya(adaptability), seasonal regimen,  [[bala]], strength in seasons, immunity, [[visarga kala]]

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{{Infobox

{{Infobox

|title = Tasyashiteeya Adhyaya

|title = Tasyashiteeya Adhyaya

|label1 = Section/Chapter

|label1 = Section/Chapter

|data1 = [[Sutra Sthana]] Chapter 6

|data1 = [[Sutra Sthana]] Chapter 6

=== Introduction ===

=== Introduction ===

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The primary objective of Ayurveda is to maintain good health. [[Ahara]] (diet) is the main basis of life, which should be taken in proper quantity and quality to maintain equilibrium and to promote strength, luster and healthy long life. It has been observed that a person taking food even in proper quantity may suffer from diseases in different seasons. It implies that apart from the quantity of [[Ahara]] (diet), the knowledge of regimen for different seasons also plays a significant role in the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases.

The primary objective of Ayurveda is to maintain good health. [[Ahara]] (diet) is the main basis of life, which should be taken in proper quantity and quality to maintain equilibrium and to promote strength, lustre and healthy long life. It has been observed that a person taking food even in proper quantity may suffer from diseases in different seasons. This implies that apart from the quantity of [[ahara]] (diet), the knowledge of regimen for different seasons also plays a significant role in the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases.

A person who has the knowledge of appropriate food articles and activities applicable to specific seasons and also the discipline and inclination to practice them (in accordance with those seasons) stays healthy, whereas a person without the knowledge (or with limited knowledge) of wholesome regimen for different seasons or without the discipline or temperament of following these seasonal practices is likely to suffer from various diseases. Seeking this objective, the chapter describes the [[ahara]] (diet) and ''vihara'' (behavior) to be followed in different seasons. The way we eat, exercise, rest, sleep, think, plan, carry out our routine work, and behave with others - are collectively termed '''Lifestyle'''. A year is divided into six seasons either on the basis of the position of the Sun with respect to the Earth or on the basis of purification period of ''dosha'' or on the basis of ''rashi'' (stellar constellations) or other geographical considerations such as traveling, etc. The qualities of different seasons need to be understood in three aspects viz. ''masa'' (month), ''rashi'' (stellar constellations) and ''svarupa'' (characteristic features pertaining to the season). While prescribing regimen for different seasons, importance should be given first to the appearance of ''svarupa'' in the prevailing season, then to the ''rashi'' and finally to the ''masa''.   

A person who has the knowledge of appropriate food articles and activities applicable to specific seasons and also the discipline and inclination to practice them (in accordance with those seasons) stays healthy. Whereas a person without knowledge (or with limited knowledge) of wholesome regimen for different seasons or without the discipline or temperament of following these seasonal practices is likely to suffer from various diseases. Seeking this objective, the chapter describes [[ahara]] (diet) and [[vihara]] (lifestyle) to be followed in different seasons. The way we eat, exercise, rest, sleep, think, plan, carry out our routine work, and behave with others - are collectively termed '''Lifestyle'''. In Indian subcontinent, there are six seasons in theyear on the basis of the position of the Sun with respect to the Earth. The qualities of different seasons need to be understood in three aspects viz. [[masa]] (month), [[rashi]] (stellar constellations) and characteristic features pertaining to the season. While prescribing regimen for different seasons, importance should be given first to the appearance of characteristic features in the prevailing season, then to the [[rashi]] and finally to the [[masa]].   

Health is a state of dynamic equilibrium between a man and his environment. The moment this ''Loka-Purusha Samya'' gets disturbed, ''doshas'' get imbalanced to cause diseases. The basic concept of prevention and cure of diseases is based on the ''tridosha'' (collective term for ''vata'', ''pitta'', and ''kapha dosha'') theory. A particular rhythmic pattern of the three ''dosha'' i.e. ''sanchaya'' (accumulation), ''prakopa'' (excitation) and ''prashamana'' (alleviation) occur in relation to six seasons, when the sun changes from one ''rashi'' to the other. Six different ''rasas'' present in our food have direct effect on three ''doshas''. ''Ritusatmya'' or seasonal adaptation is described under ''ritucharya'' (seasonal regimen), which is the variation in [[ahara]] and ''vihara'' to balance rhythmic seasonal variations of ''dosha'', ''bala'', ''agni'', and ''rasa'' etc. through the concept of ''samanya'' and ''vishesha''. Knowledge and regular observance of suitable ''ritucharya'' ([[ahara]] and ''vihara'' for different seasons) is mainly for the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases. For diseased persons ''ritucharya'' need to be modified accordingly.  

Health is a state of dynamic equilibrium between a man and his environment. The moment this [[Loka-Purusha Samya]] gets disturbed, [[dosha]] get imbalanced to cause diseases. The basic concept of prevention and cure of diseases is based on the [[tridosha]] (collective term for [[vata]], [[pitta]], and [[kapha]] [[dosha]]) theory. A particular rhythmic pattern of the three [[dosha]] i.e. [[sanchaya]] (accumulation), [[prakopa]] (aggravation) and [[prashama]] (alleviation) occur in relation to six seasons, when the Sun changes from one [[rashi]] to the other. Six different [[rasa]] present in our food have direct effect on three [[dosha]]. [[Ritusatmya]] (seasonal adaptation) is described under [[ritucharya]] (seasonal regimen), which is the variation in [[ahara]] and [[vihara]] to balance rhythmic seasonal variations of [[dosha]], [[bala]], [[agni]], and [[rasa]] etc. through the concept of [[samanya]] and [[vishesha]]. Knowledge and regular observance of suitable [[ritucharya]] ([[ahara]] and [[vihara]] for different seasons) is mainly for the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases. For diseased persons [[ritucharya]] need to be modified accordingly.  

''Adana kala'' or ''uttarayana'' (northward movement of the Sun) includes ''shishira'' (late winter), ''vasanta'' (spring) and ''grishma'' (summer) ritus and during ''visarga kala'' or ''dakshinayana'' (southward movement of the Sun) includes ''varsha'' (rainy), ''sharad'' (autumn) and ''hemanta'' (early winter) ''ritus'' or seasons. In these ''ritus'' there are specific changes in atmospheric conditions which influence changes in ''dosha'', ''bala'' (body strength) and ''agni'' (digestive power). These atmospheric changes affect all living beings in the universe. Due to changes in the external environment, the ''tridosha'' automatically pass through three different phases i.e. ''sanchaya'' (accumulation), ''prakopa'' (excitation) and ''prasamana'' (alleviation).

[[Adana kala]] or [[uttarayana]] (northward movement of the Sun) includes [[shishira]] (late winter), [[vasanta]] (spring) and [[grishma]] (summer) seasons . [[visarga kala]] or [[dakshinayana]] (southward movement of the Sun) includes [[Varsha]] (rainy), [[sharad]] (autumn) and [[hemanta]] (early winter) seasons. In these seasons,  there are specific changes in atmospheric conditions which influence changes in [[dosha]], [[bala]] (strength) and [[agni]] (digestive power). These atmospheric changes affect all living beings in the universe. Due to changes in the external environment, the [[tridosha]] pass through three different phases i.e. [[sanchaya]] (accumulation), [[prakopa]] (aggravation) and [[prashama]]'' (alleviation). The period of change in season is termed as [[ritusandhi]]. In this period, gradual decrease in diet and lifestyle of earlier season and gradual adaptation of the diet and lifestyle regimen of next season is advised to prevent the disorders due to change in season.  

To maintain the balance of rhythmic seasonal variations of ''dosha'', ''bala'', ''agni'', and ''rasa'' in our body (''samya''/normalcy/health),  Ayurveda has prescribed specific [[ahara]] and ''vihara'' to be followed (''prashasta'') and to be avoided (''varjya'') during six different seasons in terms of ''ritucharya'' (seasonal regimen). Special emphasis has been given to ''ritusandhi'', the transitional phase of 14 days between two seasons. During this period the ''ritucharya'' of both seasons need to be observed in a specific manner (''padanashikha krama''). At the end of this chapter, ''satmya'' and ''okasatmya'' have been explained. Any naturally suitable food or behavior beneficial to the self is considered as ''satmya''. ''Okasatmya'' is anything unnatural, unacceptable and acquired habituation to food and lifestyle. Even though, it has become a habit, it should be stopped gradually.

The concepts of [[satmya]] and [[okasatmya]] have been explained with respect to the adaptability. Any naturally suitable food or behavior beneficial to the self is considered as [[satmya]]. [[Okasatmya]] is anything unnatural, unacceptable and acquired habituation to food and lifestyle. Even though, it has become a habit, it should be stopped gradually.

 

In this fast moving era of science and technology, lifestyle changes in the form of non-observance of [[ritucharya]] (seasonal regimen) is a major risk factor for increasing prevalence of various diseases. The concept of [[ritucharya]] (seasonal regimen), in terms of self-management of lifestyle should be promoted universally for health and prevention of diseases in all individuals.

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athAtastasyAshitIyamadhyAyaM vyAkhyAsyAmaH||1|| iti ha smAha bhagavAnAtreyaH||2||  

athAtastasyAshitIyamadhyAyaM vyAkhyAsyAmaH||1|| iti ha smAha bhagavAnAtreyaH||2||  

Now I shall expound upon [[Tasyashiteeya Adhyaya]] (the chapter on diet and behavior during different seasons). Thus, said Lord Atreya [1-2]

Now I shall expound the chapter on Seasonal regimen of diet and lifestyle. Thus, said Lord Atreya. [1-2]

==== Benefits of following seasonal regimen ====

==== Benefits of following seasonal regimen ====

yasyartusAtmyaM viditaM ceShTAhAravyapAshrayam||3||  

yasyartusAtmyaM viditaM ceShTAhAravyapAshrayam||3||  

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A person who knows the ''ritusatmya'', i.e., getting accustomed to suitable changes in diet and behavior according to seasons, and practices such habits accordingly, and whose diet consists of various types of food articles (with properties such as ''ashita'', ''pitta lidha'' , and ''khadita''),  has his strength and luster enhanced, and he leads a healthy, long life.

A person who knows the [[ritusatmya]] (seasonal adaptations), i.e., getting accustomed to suitable changes in diet and lifestyle according to seasons, and practices such habits accordingly, and whose diet consists of various types of food articles (with properties such as [[ashita]], [[pita]] [[lidha]] , and [[khadita]]),  has his strength and lustre enhanced, and he leads a healthy, long life.

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tatrAdityasyodagayanamAdAnaM ca trInRutU~jchishirAdIn grIShmAntAn vyavasyet, varShAdIn punarhemantAntAn dakShiNAyanaM visargaM ca||4||

tatrAdityasyodagayanamAdAnaM ca trInRutU~jchishirAdIn grIShmAntAn vyavasyet, varShAdIn punarhemantAntAn dakShiNAyanaM visargaM ca||4||

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A year (''samvatsara'') is divided into six parts (by seasons). Amongst them, when the Sun is in ''uttarayana'' (northward to the Earth), that part of the year is called ''adana kala'' and includes three ''ritus'' starting from ''shishira'' to ''grishma'' (''shishira, vasanta'' and ''grishma''). When the Sun is in ''dakshinayana'' (southwards of the Earth), the period is called ''visarga kala'' and includes three ''ritus'' starting from ''varsha'' to ''hemanta'' (''varsha, sharad'' and ''hemanta''). This segmentation of the year (by seasons) is for the purpose of ''swasthavritta'' (healthy regimen) in different seasons.

A year ([[samvatsara]]) is divided into six parts (by seasons). Among them, when the Sun is in a position of [[uttarayana]] (northward to the Earth), that part of the year is called [[adana kala]] and includes three [[ritu]] starting from [[shishira]] to [[grishma]] ([[shishira]], [[vasanta]] and [[grishma]]).  

When the Sun is in a position of  [[dakshinayana]] (southwards of the Earth), the period is called [[visarga kala]] and includes three [[ritu]] starting from [[Varsha]] to [[hemanta]] ([[Varsha]], [[sharad]] and [[hemanta]]). This segmentation of the year (by seasons) is for the purpose of [[swasthavritta]] (healthy regimen) in different seasons.[4]

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==== ''Adana kala'' (the period with less strength) and ''visarga kala'' (the period with good strength) ====

==== [[Adana kala]] (the period with lesser strength) and [[visarga kala]] (the period with good strength) ====

विसर्गे पुनर्वायवो नातिरूक्षाः प्रवान्ति, इतरे पुनरादाने; सोमश्चाव्याहतबलः शिशिराभिर्भाभिरापूरयञ्जगदाप्याययति शश्वत्, अतो विसर्गः सौम्यः|  

विसर्गे पुनर्वायवो नातिरूक्षाः प्रवान्ति, इतरे पुनरादाने; सोमश्चाव्याहतबलः शिशिराभिर्भाभिरापूरयञ्जगदाप्याययति शश्वत्, अतो विसर्गः सौम्यः|  

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In ''visarga kala'' (period of emission) the wind is not as dry as it is in ''adana kala''. In this ''visarga kala'' the power of moon is dominant (as it is nearer to the earth), and it continuously replenishes/delights the world with its cooling rays. Hence, ''visarga kala'' is ''saumya'' (soothing) in nature.

In [[visarga kala]] (period of emission) the wind is not as dry as it is in [[adana kala]]. In this [[visarga kala]] the power of moon is dominant (as it is nearer to the earth), and it continuously replenishes/delights the world with its cooling rays. Hence, [[visarga kala]] is inherently [[saumya]] (soothing).

 

Contrary to this, [[adana kala]] is inherently [[agneya]] (heating). The Sun, wind and the Moon all are governed by time, and the path they follow in a year is responsible for different variations of [[kala]] (time), [[ritu]] (seasons), [[rasa]] (tastes), [[dosha]] and [[deha]] [[bala]] (body strength).[5]

Contrary to this, ''adana kala'' is ''agneya'' (heating) in nature. The Sun, wind and the Moon all are governed by time, and the path they follow in a year is responsible for different variations of ''kala'' (time), ''ritu'' (seasons), ''rasa'' (tastes), ''dosha'' (humors) and ''deha bala'' (body strength).

==== Effect of [[adana kala]] ====

तत्र रविर्भाभिराददानो जगतः स्नेहं वायवस्तीव्ररूक्षाश्चोपशोषयन्तः शिशिरवसन्तग्रीष्मेषु  

तत्र रविर्भाभिराददानो जगतः स्नेहं वायवस्तीव्ररूक्षाश्चोपशोषयन्तः शिशिरवसन्तग्रीष्मेषु  

tatra ravirbhAbhirAdadAno jagataH snehaM vAyavastIvrarUkShAshcopashoShayantaH shishiravasantagrIShmeShu yathAkramaM raukShyamutpAdayanto rUkShAnrasAMstiktakaShAyakaTukAMshcAbhivardhayanto nRuNAM daurbalyamAvahanti||6||  

tatra ravirbhAbhirAdadAno jagataH snehaM vAyavastIvrarUkShAshcopashoShayantaH shishiravasantagrIShmeShu yathAkramaM raukShyamutpAdayanto rUkShAnrasAMstiktakaShAyakaTukAMshcAbhivardhayanto nRuNAM daurbalyamAvahanti||6||  

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In ''adana kala'' the Sun with its hot rays absorbs moisture from the Earth/environment and the sharp and dry wind by its absorbing nature further causes dryness in ''shishira, vasanta,'' and ''grishma ritus'' progressively, leading to the predominance of ''tikta, kashaya,'' and ''katu rasa'' respectively and gradual increase of weakness in human beings during these three ''ritus''. [6]

In [[adana kala]] the Sun with its hot rays absorbs moisture from the environment. The excessively dry wind by virtue of its absorbing quality  further causes dryness in [[shishira]], [[vasanta]], and [[grishma]] seasons progressively, leading to the predominance of [[tikta]], [[Kashaya]], and [[katu]] [[rasa]] respectively and gradual increase of weakness in human beings during these three seasons. [6]

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वर्षाशरद्धेमन्तेषु तु दक्षिणाभिमुखेऽर्के कालमार्गमेघवातवर्षाभिहतप्रतापे, शशिनि  

वर्षाशरद्धेमन्तेषु तु दक्षिणाभिमुखेऽर्के कालमार्गमेघवातवर्षाभिहतप्रतापे, शशिनि  

varShAsharaddhemanteShu tu dakShiNAbhimukhe~arke kAlamArgameghavAtavarShAbhihatapratApe, shashini cAvyAhatabale, mAhendrasalilaprashAntasantApejagati, arUkShA rasAH pravardhante~amlalavaNamadhurA yathAkramaM tatra balamupacIyate nRuNAmiti||7||

varShAsharaddhemanteShu tu dakShiNAbhimukhe~arke kAlamArgameghavAtavarShAbhihatapratApe, shashini cAvyAhatabale, mAhendrasalilaprashAntasantApejagati, arUkShA rasAH pravardhante~amlalavaNamadhurA yathAkramaM tatra balamupacIyate nRuNAmiti||7||

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In ''varsha, sharad'' and ''hemanta ritu,'' the Sun is situated in southwards position and its heating power slackens due to the effect of time, its position with respect to the Earth, clouds, wind, and rain. The power of the Moon is predominant. Rainwater diminishes the heating effect of nature. All of these lead to the predominance of non-dry, ''amla'' (sour), ''lavana'' (salty), and ''madhura'' (sweet) ''rasa'' respectively and there is gradual increase of body strength in human beings during these three months. [7]

In [[varsha]], [[sharad]] and [[hemanta]] [[ritu]], the Sun is situated in southwards position and its heat slackens due to the effect of time, its position with respect to the Earth, clouds, wind and rain. The power of the Moon is predominant. Rainwater diminishes the heating effect of nature. All of these lead to the predominance of non-dry, [[amla]] (sour), [[lavana]] (salty), and [[madhura]] (sweet) [[rasa]] respectively and gradual increase of body strength in human beings during these three seasons. [7]

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भवन्ति चात्र-  

भवन्ति चात्र-  

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In the beginning of ''visarga kala'' and at the end of ''adana kala'', human beings on the Earth experience weakness. In the middle of these two ''kala'' or periods, humans possess medium strength. At the end of the ''visarga kala'' and at the beginning of ''adana kala'' the strength in human beings is maximum. [8]

In the beginning of [[visarga kala]] and at the end of [[adana kala]], human beings on the Earth experience weakness. In the middle of these two periods, humans possess medium strength. At the end of the [[visarga kala]] and at the beginning of [[adana kala]] the strength in human beings is maximum. [8]

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==== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in Hemant ritu (Winter season) ====

==== Diet and lifestyle guidelines in [[Hemant]] [[ritu]] (Winter season) ====

शीते शीतानिलस्पर्शसंरुद्धो बलिनां बली|  

शीते शीतानिलस्पर्शसंरुद्धो बलिनां बली|