Rutucharya
Rutucharya – Seasonal Guide
Rutucharya is mentioned prominently in the chapters of Ayurvedic Samhita. Rutucharya means a seasonal regimen followed to gain and maintain a healthy and peaceful life. The primary goal of this regimen is to educate people on how to live in harmony with the environment.
Rutucharya, as described in Ayurvedic classics, discusses the impact of seasonal changes on the body and lifestyle, with particular emphasis on lifestyle disorders.
According to Ayurveda, the year is divided into two parts based on the movement of the sun: Uttarayana (northern solstice) and Dakshinayana (southern solstice). Each consists of three Rutus (seasons). The Sanskrit word Rutu means “to go,” describing the way nature expresses itself in a cyclical and specific sequence.
Shishira (winter), Vasanta (spring), and Grishma (summer) occur during Uttarayana, while Varsha (monsoon), Sharad (autumn), and Hemanta (late autumn) occur during Dakshinayana.
Shishira (Winter)
General condition
Shishira rutu is observed from mid-January to mid-March. The environment remains cold, accompanied by cold winds. During this season, the predominant Rasa and Mahabhuta are Tikta (bitter) and Akasha, respectively. Physical strength remains at its peak, Kapha Dosha accumulates, and Agni remains elevated.
Dietary regimen
Foods with Amla (sour) taste are preferred. Cereals, pulses, wheat, gram flour products, rice, and corn are recommended. Ginger, garlic, Haritaki, Pippali, sugarcane products, and milk and milk products are beneficial. Foods with Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), and Kashaya (astringent) rasa should be avoided, as well as Laghu (light) and Shita (cold) foods.
Lifestyle
Oil or powder massage, bathing with lukewarm water, sun exposure, and wearing warm clothing are recommended. Exposure to cold winds, excessive walking, and late-night sleeping should be avoided.
Vasanta (Spring)
General condition
Vasanta rutu occurs from mid-March to mid-May. It is characterized by flowering and the emergence of new leaves. The predominant Rasa and Mahabhuta are Kashaya (astringent), Prithvi, and Vayu. Strength remains moderate, Kapha Dosha becomes vitiated, and Agni remains in a Manda state.
Dietary regimen
Light and easily digestible foods are recommended. Old barley, wheat, rice, lentils, and Mugda are preferred. Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent), and Kashaya (astringent) foods should be consumed. Honey may be included. Heavy, cold, oily, sour, and sweet foods should be avoided, along with new grains, curd, and cold drinks.
Lifestyle
Bathing with warm water and regular exercise are recommended. Udvartana, Kavala, Dhooma, Anjana, and seasonal detoxification therapies may be practiced. Daytime sleep should be avoided.
Grishma (Summer)
General condition
Grishma rutu occurs from mid-May to mid-July. The season is marked by extreme heat and dry winds. Strength is reduced, Vata Dosha accumulates, Kapha Dosha is pacified, and Agni remains mild.
Dietary regimen
Sweet, unctuous, cold, and liquid foods are recommended. Rice, lentils, water, buttermilk, fruit juices, meat soups, mango juice, and churned curd may be consumed. Salty, sour, pungent, and warm foods should be avoided.
Lifestyle
Staying in cool environments, applying sandalwood paste, wearing light clothing, and resting during the day are beneficial. Excessive exercise, physical exertion, alcohol, and overindulgence should be avoided.
Varsha (Monsoon)
General condition
Varsha rutu occurs from mid-July to mid-September. The season is marked by cloud cover and rainfall. Vata Dosha becomes aggravated, Pitta Dosha accumulates, and Agni becomes weakened.
Dietary regimen
Amla (sour), Lavana (salty), and Sneha (unctuous) foods are recommended. Old cereals, soups, and light meat preparations may be consumed. Boiled or medicated water is advised. Heavy and difficult-to-digest foods should be avoided.
Lifestyle
Bathing with boiled water, oil massage, and medicated Basti therapies are recommended. Exposure to rain, day sleep, excessive exertion, and wind should be avoided.
Sharad (Autumn)
General condition
Sharad rutu occurs from mid-September to mid-November. The climate remains clear and bright. Pitta Dosha becomes aggravated, and Agni activity increases.
Dietary regimen
Sweet and bitter foods with light and cooling properties are recommended. Wheat, green gram, sugar candy, honey, Patola, and light meats may be consumed. Hot, oily, sour, and fermented foods should be avoided.
Lifestyle
Water exposed to sunlight and moonlight is recommended for use. Chandana paste and moonlight exposure during early night hours are considered beneficial. Excessive sun exposure, overeating, and excessive sleep should be avoided.
Hemanta (Late Autumn)
General condition
Hemanta rutu occurs from mid-November to mid-January. Cold winds begin to appear. Strength remains at its peak, Pitta Dosha is pacified, and Agni becomes strong.
Dietary regimen
Sweet, sour, salty, and unctuous foods are recommended. Rice, grains, pulses, and nourishing preparations may be consumed. Cold, dry, and light foods should be avoided.
Lifestyle
Exercise, oil massage, warm water bathing, sun exposure, warm clothing, and staying in warm environments are recommended. Exposure to cold winds and daytime sleep should be avoided.