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=== Introduction ===

=== Introduction ===

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The primary objective of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Ayurveda] is to maintain good health. ''Ahara'' (food) 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'' (food) 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.

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 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''.   

''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) 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).

To maintain the balance of rhythmic seasonal variations of ''dosha'', ''bala'', ''agni'', and ''rasa'' in our body (''samya''/normalcy/health), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda 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.

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.

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

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