Changes

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 the year 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]].   

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 the year 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 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.  

Health is a state of dynamic equilibrium between man and his environment[[Loka-Purusha Samya]]. The moment this equelibrium 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. accumulation [[sanchaya]], aggravation [[prakopa]] and alleviation ([[prashama]]) 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) 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.  

[[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.