Tune your body with nature’s rhythm – Ayurvedic wisdom for seasonal change!
As the blazing summer gives way to the cool vibes of the monsoon, your body undergoes an invisible shift. Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of natural healing, teaches us that seasonal transitions (or ritu sandhi) are critical times to reset and realign with nature. If ignored, they can promote digestion issues, low immunity, fatigue, and mood swings. But worry not - with a few Ayurvedic rituals and lifestyle tweaks, you can prepare your body for the pouring monsoon ahead.
According to Ayurveda, each season is governed by a dosha—Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. Summer is dominated by Pitta dosha, bringing heat, intensity, and dryness. The monsoon is taken over by Vata dosha, causing fluctuations, digestive imbalances, and joint stiffness.
To move smoothly from summer’s heat to the humidity of monsoon, your body must adapt. Here's how.
Water is your best friend, but stay away from ice-cold! Ayurveda recommends room temperature or lukewarm water infused with mint, fennel, or coriander seeds. These natural ingredients soothe Pitta without deteriorating your digestion.
Consume seasonal fruits like watermelon, mango (in moderation), and pomegranate during this time. Incorporate ghee, coconut water, cucumber, buttermilk, and herbal teas like hibiscus or rose. Avoid spicy, sour, and fried foods that spike Pitta.
Fresh aloe vera juice, if taken in the morning, acts as a powerful cooling agent, to cleanse the liver and calm the fiery Pitta.
Monsoon can suddenly dampen your Agni (digestive fire). Begin your day with a glass of warm water with lemon and ginger. Incorporate spices like hing, cumin, ajwain, and black pepper in your cooking to prevent unexpected bloating and indigestion.
In the monsoon, cold, raw, and heavy foods can lead to sluggishness. Switch to warm, cooked meals like moong dal khichdi, soups, and steamed vegetables. Skip curd at night and restrict oily foods.
Immunity tends to worsen in the monsoon. Boost it with Ayurvedic herbs like Tulsi, Giloy, Ashwagandha, and Turmeric. Sip on kadha prepared with ginger, clove, cinnamon, and holy basil at least once a day.
Before taking a bath, massage your body with coconut or sesame oil to calm nerves, nourish skin, and improve circulation. It balances both Pitta and Vata doshas.
Follow a consistent routine. Practice gentle yoga or pranayama after waking up, and eat meals at same times regularly. Routine is crucial during these transition periods to keep Vata in check.
Choose breathable cottons during summer and switch to slightly warmer layers during monsoon evenings. Keep yourself dry. Remember, getting soaked in rain can aggravate Vata.
Nasya Therapy: Put 2 drops of ghee or Anu Taila in each nostril in the morning to clear sinuses and improve respiratory health.
Foot Massage: Before bed, massage your feet with ghee or sesame oil for deep relaxation and improved sleep.
Triphala at Night: A teaspoon of Triphala powder with warm water helps you detoxify and regulate digestion during summer to monsoon transitions.
India’s ancient wisdom teaches us about maintaining harmony with nature’s rhythms. As you move from the sweaty summer into the cool and wet monsoon, take time to pause, cleanse, and adapt.
Let Ayurveda be your compass in this seasonal journey.
