Rain is like magic for nature. The rainy season opposes the hot summer, bringing back the energy and comfort we missed. It offers cozy temperatures, trees dripping with rain, raindrops tapping on the window, and sometimes a flash of lightning. The monsoon has its own unique vibe. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to snuggle up in bed all day!
However, every good thing has its downsides—during the rainy season, it’s our health. From a mild runny nose to serious infectious diseases, this season can bring various health issues. It’s a great time to rethink your health habits, take precautions, and prepare your body for the rain.
Varsha Ritu, the beautiful monsoon season, blesses the Indian subcontinent from June to September. In Ayurveda, this season is linked with the water element and is seen as a time for nourishment, rejuvenation, and transformation. During Varsha Ritu, the atmosphere and environment undergo significant changes that can affect our physical and mental health.
This season is viewed as a time for purification and detoxification. Rain acts as a natural cleanser, removing toxins and impurities from the air and the earth. This is evident in the increased growth of medicinal plants and herbs during this period, which are known for their healing properties.
Let’s get more into Varsha Rutu, Ayurvedically.
Balancing Vata Dosha During Varsha Ritu
The rainy season, known as Varsha Ritu, brings damp and humid weather that can affect our body’s doshas, or energy forces. Vata dosha, which controls movement, is especially prone to imbalance during this time and may require careful attention through diet and lifestyle changes. Additionally, our digestive fire, or Agni, can weaken during this season, making it crucial to maintain a healthy digestive system for overall well-being.
To keep Vata dosha balanced during Varsha Ritu, focus on practices that counteract its qualities. Vata dosha is linked to air and ether, and when out of balance, it can cause dryness, anxiety, and digestive issues.
1. Eat Warm and Moist Foods: Include soups, stews, and well-cooked grains with mild spices in your diet to counteract Vata’s dryness.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of warm water and herbal teas to keep your body hydrated.
3. Avoid Cold and Raw Foods: These can aggravate Vata, so stick to warm, cooked meals.
4. Keep a Regular Routine: Maintaining a consistent daily schedule helps balance Vata dosha.
5. Practice Gentle Exercise: Activities like yoga and walking can help keep Vata in check without overexerting your body.
6. Get Plenty of Rest: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep to support your body’s natural rhythms.
Understanding the Impact of Varsha Ritu on Your Body
Varsha Ritu, with its changing temperatures and high humidity, can affect our bodies in various ways. It’s important to be aware of these changes and take steps to stay healthy. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Susceptibility to Common Illnesses
The fluctuating weather during Varsha Ritu can make us more prone to colds, coughs, and indigestion. To stay healthy, it’s crucial to boost your immune system. Drinking warm water with ginger and honey can naturally strengthen your immunity and promote overall well-being.
- Staying Cozy & Warm
As the rain brings cooler temperatures, it’s important to keep your body warm and cozy. Dressing in layers and wearing suitable clothing can help you maintain your body temperature and protect you from the cold and dampness.
- Protecting form getting Wet
While dancing in the rain can be fun, it’s best to avoid getting wet during Varsha Ritu. Excessive exposure to rainwater can weaken your immune system and increase the risk of infections. Carry an umbrella or wear a raincoat when going outside to stay dry and protected.
- Maintaining Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene is critical during the rainy season. Rainwater can be contaminated, and poor hygiene can lead to infections. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating, and keep your surroundings clean to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Immunity Boosters
In addition to drinking warm water with ginger and honey, include immune-boosting foods in your diet. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These foods can help strengthen your immune system and keep you healthy.
Tips for Embracing a Nutritious Diet During Varsha Ritu
As we welcome the enchanting season of Varsha Ritu, nourishing our bodies with a balanced diet is essential for staying healthy. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life, offers valuable advice on the ideal diet for this season. To keep our bodies energized and in sync with the rains, consider these dietary suggestions:
- Indulge in Warmth: Choose warm meals and drinks that provide comfort and aid digestion. Savor hearty broths, herbal infusions, and freshly prepared dishes that calm the body and mind. Use warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom to enhance digestion and boost immunity.
- Avoid Heavy and Greasy Foods: During Varsha Ritu, it’s best to avoid heavy, greasy, and overly spicy foods that can upset digestion and cause discomfort. These foods can increase Vata dosha and disrupt body balance. Instead, choose lighter cooking methods like steaming, sautéing, or boiling to preserve the nutritional value of your meals.
- Keep Hydrated: Maintain hydration by drinking warm water mixed with our Vedic Kadha. This blend not only helps with hydration but also aids digestion and boosts immunity. Incorporate other herbal teas like chamomile, tulsi, or mint into your daily routine for their calming and rejuvenating effects.
- Relish Seasonal Produce: Enjoy the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables that flourish during Varsha Ritu. Add seasonal produce like leafy greens, cucumbers, melons, and berries to your diet. These fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals and help keep you cool and hydrated.
Lifestyle Tips for Thriving During Varsha Ritu
Alongside dietary changes, adopting specific lifestyle practices during Varsha Ritu can greatly improve your overall well-being. Here are some tips to make the most of this enchanting season:
- Keep Your Surroundings Clean and Ventilated: The rainy season brings more moisture, which can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi. To prevent this, ensure your living spaces are clean, dry, and well-ventilated. Regularly clean and disinfect your home, especially areas that tend to get damp, such as bathrooms and basements.
- Stay Physically Active with Moderate Exercise: Although the monsoon might restrict outdoor activities, staying active is essential. Engage in moderate exercises like indoor workouts, yoga, or tai chi. These activities not only help maintain fitness but also boost your mood and reduce stress. Incorporate them into your daily routine to remain active and energized throughout the season.
- Adopting Ayurveda Practices:
1. Abhyanga; Warm Oil Massage: Abhyanga involves massaging the body with warm, nourishing oils. This practice helps soothe Vata dosha, which can become aggravated during the rainy season. Use oils like sesame, coconut, or our Abhyanga Body oil infused with 16 Ayurvedic herbs which is known for their grounding and hydrating properties. The warm oil helps to calm the nervous system, improve circulation, and keep the skin supple and moisturized.
2. Nasya (Nasal Therapy) /Nasal Oil Drops: Nasya involves the application of herbal oils or ghee into the nasal passages. This therapy is designed to cleanse and nourish the nasal cavity, which can be beneficial during the rainy season to combat dryness and support respiratory health.
3. Basti : Basti is a therapeutic procedure in Ayurveda that involves administering medicated oils or decoctions into the rectum to balance Vata dosha. During Varsha Ritu, this treatment is particularly effective in alleviating Vata imbalances caused by the rainy season’s dampness and cool temperatures. Performed by and under a trained Ayurvedic practitioner, Basti helps detoxify the body, improve digestion, and restore overall vitality and effective for many disorders. - Celebrate Nature’s Splendour with positivity: Varsha Ritu presents a special chance to experience the enchanting beauty of nature at its peak. Welcome the rain showers with a cheerful attitude, allowing yourself to enjoy the soothing rhythm of raindrops, the invigorating aroma of fresh earth, and the verdant landscapes all around. Take time to marvel at nature’s marvels and embrace the gratitude for the seasonal gifts that this vibrant time brings.
To sum up,
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of following Rutucharya, the seasonal regimen, to maintain balance and health. During Varsha Ritu, paying special attention to Vata Rutucharya is crucial. This involves adopting an appropriate diet and lifestyle that pacify Vata dosha and support overall well-being.
By embracing Ayurvedic principles, such as eating warm, easily digestible foods, staying hydrated, and practicing good hygiene, we can harmonize our bodies with the changing season. These practices not only enhance our immunity but also ensure that we remain healthy and vibrant throughout the monsoon.
Incorporating Ayurveda into your daily routine can transform your health, helping you to thrive in every season. As Varsha Ritu graces us with its presence, let Ayurveda guide you in nurturing your body and mind, ensuring you stay balanced, healthy, and full of life.
