Keep your Doshas and digestion in check during monsoon season
We know the 3 Doshas in the body are Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Vata has the energy of movement like the wind.
Pitta has the energy of metabolism and digestion.
Kapha the energy of lubrication , cohesion and building.
As the environment changes outside, so does the inner environment in the body. The 3 Doshas fluctuate in each season. Hence, Ayurveda propounds ‘Ritucharya’ (Seasonal Conduct)
Each Dosha goes through 3 stages-
1st is Accumulation of the Dosha
2nd is Aggravation of the Dosha
3rd is spreading of the Dosha
Based on the season, a particular Dosha will start accumulating, then aggravate and finally this Dosha travels in the whole body. If it is not balanced then it disturbs all parts of the body. It is better to control it at the beginning stage itself.
Its important to avoid these food from the rainy season itself so the body is ready for the next season
: Very hot food
: Spicy food like green chillies and garam masala
: extremely oily food
: Excess chai (tea)
The extract of the food consumed is called ‘Ahar Rasa’ . If this is healthy it seeps into the tissues leading to health. If it is not healthy it invites trouble all over the body through the digestive system. Indigestion causes ‘Ama’ which are toxins. Then these toxins will reach the whole body with the help of the aggravated Vata Dosha.
Signs of Ama in body
– Feeling feverish
– Aches and pains
– Uneasiness
– Heaviness
What can we do?
Hence, both Vata and Pitta have to be taken care of in this season. It all depends on our digestive system. We must maintain Pitta in Accumulation state and not entice it with wrong food. Simultaneously we must stop Vata from getting further aggravated.
Panchakarma treatments right now especially Basti Chikitsa. (Either with medicated oil or medicated water) can be helpful. This must not be done at home. Please consult a Vaidya to study your body and prescribe the right medicated concoctions. Snehana (oilation therapy) or Swedana (steam therapy) before the Basti Chikitsa under guidance of a Vaidya is also helpful.
Overall, in this Season what we must do
– Stay warm
– Be comfortable, warm and cozy indoors
– Enjoy time with yourself and family
– Eat and sleep at a regular timing
– Avoid Vata aggravating activities
– Avoid Pitta Aggravating food
– Snehana, Swedana, Basti
Food Intake Tips
– Have boiled vegetables in place of Raw Vegetables
– Have warm, light food
– Sprouts are to be avoided unless boiled or made into a soup
– Lentil soup is a good option
– Avoid fruit juices
– Sip on warm water and not boiling hot water
