Varsha Ritu (Monsoons) provides new life to all living beings: the plants look lush green and verdant, and the surrounding is teeming with new species. It also brings a prospect of consciousness, whether it drizzles or occurs as a wall of water, the soft musical vibrations over the flora silencing the noise of our daily life, slowing us down from the intense and monotonous world.
This extended quietness, which we perceive through the senses, makes the rainy season a time of introspection, a period which, through nature’s support, is ideal for nurturing, learning and reflection.
What Happens During The Rainy Season?
When life journeys through the heat and parchedness of the summer months, advancing towards the rains, the ämlata (acidity) in the environment during this interim interval naturally creates aggravation of the Vata dosha (air bioenergy) and accumulation of the pitta dosha (fire bioenergy) leading to weakening of individuals’ strength. This imbalance imparts fragility and dryness of tissues, making one vulnerable to lower immunity, allergies, indigestion, infection and sluggish metabolism.
What Are Some Rituals That Ayurveda Lists To Combat Illnesses During Monsoon?
- Bath custom
Hot water baths help pacify Vata dosha and are highly recommended in monsoons to keep the skin clean and and healthy and prevent skin problems. These baths also assist in removing the toxins. Massaging your body with sesame oil relieves fatigue, provides stamina, pleasure, and perfect sleep, enhances the complexion and the lustre of the skin, promotes longevity, and nourishes all body parts.
- Exercise regime
Monsoon is not a reason to be slothful. Light exercise and yoga are recommended. Create a simple, practical and doable exercise routine and strictly follow it. Breathing exercises can do wonders for one’s well-being. Doing them regularly can calm the mind and optimise health. Practising Pranayama revitalises pranic energy.
Dietary recommendation –
- Consume light and fresh foods prepared from barley, rice and wheat. Steamed and lightly seasoned pumpkin and moong dal are beneficial.
- Consume small pieces of ginger with rock salt before every meal.
- Adding a few tulsi (basil) leaves to tea is good for cold, cough and indigestion.
- Avoidance of curd, red meat and any foodstuff which takes a longer time to digest is good during the monsoon.
- Drinking boiled and cooled water mixed with little honey is recommended.
- Eating warm food with ghee and avoiding uncooked food and salads is better.
- Seasonal vegetables like bottle gourd, snake gourd and okra should be consumed.
- Drink CCF tea daily to support digestion: cumin, coriander, and and fennel tea.
- Drink celery juice a few times a week to get rid of bloating.
- Forego or reduce fermented and spicy foods like pickles, kimchi, etc.
- Having Chayawanprash daily can provide a vitamin C dose to build up resistance.
The wisdom of Ayurveda allows us to enjoy the beauty of rain and nature and appreciate the beauty of an enhanced lifestyle. Let’s live in harmony with the season’s attributes and accept her benefits in its totality.
