Sharad Ritu: autumn regimen – mid September to mid November
Known as Aswina–Kartika in the Indian calendar months, marking the transition to the autumn season.
Sarad ritu is one of the 6 seasons according to ayurveda
What happens in saradhritu, which corresponds to the autumn season?
Sky filled with scanty white clouds and earth remains damp with water .Heat is moderate and air remains damp Effect of moon is moderate .Water is clear and pure due to rays of rising star Agasti
Lakes are filled with blooming lotus and hans .
Predominant rasa in this season is lavana
What happens to doshas Insaradhritu?
An increase of fire element in saradh ,already existing heat leads to increase in pittha .Already accumulated pittha in the whole year has to be removed from the body .It can be done with the help of snehapanam and purgation
As per ayurvedic texts ,The body’s stored pittha frequently becomes worsened when a body is used to cold wind and rain and suddenly exposed to heat of sun
In this season ,foods which are predominant in sweet ,light ,cold and slightly bitter and having pittha pacifying properties should be taken when there is a good appetite
What are dos and donts in sarad
· When the rain clouds vanish ,its advisable to consume thikthakaghritham (A ghee infused with bitter herbs ) for purgation
· Avoid usage of curd ,alkaline and meat from aquatic animals ,muscular fat and oil
· Avoid exposure to sun, especially during the mid-September to Sarat transition period.
· Avoid sleep during day time
· Foods with thiktha, madhura, kashaya rasa should be taken during the varsha ritu to aid in digestion and balance doshas.
· Foods which has sheeta andlaghuguna is advised
· Cereals like shaali,wheat ,moong ,barley ,sati rice
· Milk, sugarcane juice, amla, draksha, patola are advisable to consume during Sharad Ritu for better digestion and to pacify aggravated doshas.
· Meat of Deer, lamb, and rabbit are recommended dietary options in the autumn season to balance aggravated doshas.
· One should apply Usheer (veteriveriazizanioides) on the body and then sit in moon light.
· Clothes should be loose and of light colored, particularly suitable for the varsha ritu or monsoon.
· One should purify his body by Virechanam to enhance digestion during the Sharad Ritu.and Raktmokshanam
· Person should consume sugar products, Honey, Parval (trichosanthescucmerina).
Hansodaka-
Water with properties similar to nectar is called hansodaka .It has significance in saradhritu.The word Hansodaka comes from the fact that a swan only consumes the cleanest form of water, hence in Sharad Ritu, water that is detoxified by the rising of Agasti star as well as by harsh sun rays is regarded to be in the purest form.It is free of physical, chemical, and biological contaminants, free of toxic materials, non-arid, pacifies the Dosha, and Anabhishyansdi (does not hinder the Rasvaha Sira). This Hansodak is suitable for drinking, bathing, and swimming.
Management of Pitta Dosha
Any treatment modalities used, such as oleation, purgation, fasting, massage, etc., have anti-Pittaja qualities should be done to manage saradhritu
Panchakarma Procedures During Sharad Ritu also known as the autumn season.
Virechan –
Virechan is the most important Panchkarma process to perform during the Sharad Ritu due to the Prakopa Avastha of Pitta Dosha, which tends to aggravate in this season. Virechan is the most effective method for expelling overly vitiated Pitta Dosha from the body via the anal canal with purgation. Pitta diseases in other areas of the body are naturally controlled when Pitta in the Amashaya is subdued through the administration of purgative drugs
Raktamokshan –
During Sharad Ritu, each individual's Rakta becomes naturally vitiated due to the presence of excessive Pitta, giving rise to a variety of skin ailments. So rakthamokshana has to be done to alleviate skin disorders, especially during the varsha ritu when such conditions may aggravate.
Ritu sandhi is an important in sarad like in vasantha ,when the weather changes ,it becomes mandatory for the body to get adopted to new conditions .Thats why during this period fasting is done .As a religious entity ,hindus perform navaratri fast and muslims perform ramzan fast during this period
The idea is to detoxify the accumulated doshas and cleanse
The increasing possibility of gall calculus is mainly due to accumulation of excess bile and that’s why people face hyperacidity ,indigestion and constipation .For all pittha related disorders ,virechana is the best panchakarma.
What is the Speciality of Sharad Ritu?
Saradh ritu onwards we can plan a fitness regimen since the energy levels and strength is middling or moderate and can reach its peak in hemanta or early winter .
Which month is Sharad Ritu?
Mid September to mid November
What is the dosha of Sharad Ritu?
Pittha dosha predominance in saradh ritu
What is the disease in Sharad Ritu?
People are susceptible to cough, cold, and flu during the varsha ritu, when such conditions tend to aggravate.
What is the festival of Sharad Ritu?
Durga pooja ,dwali ,navaratri
What to eat in Sharad Ritu?
Grains like wheat ,rice ,barley ,green gram ,tuvar dhal ,sweet and bitter ,astringent vegetables like bottle guords ,young raddish ,carrots ,beet roots ,milk,jagery ,plums ,pears ,honey ,banana ,grapes ,dry and lean meat Can be taken in abundance
Should we do abhyanga in sharadritu?
Yes. It helps in nourishing skin, calm the nerves, and improve the blood circulation, particularly beneficial during the autumn season.
Why is it important to follow Ritucharya?
As our biological energies changes every season , its important to follow certain easonal routine to keep and balance in doshas and also to lead a healthy life.
Q: What is Sarat Ritucharya in Ayurveda?
A: Sarat Ritucharya refers to the guidelines followed in Ayurveda during the autumn season, which is also known as Sharad Ritu. It involves specific practices and recommendations to maintain health and balance during this period.
Q: How does Ayurveda view the autumn season?
A: In Ayurveda, the autumn season is considered to have qualities that can aggravate the Vata dosha. It is a transitional period from the rainy season (Varsha Ritu) to the winter season (Hemant Ritu).
Q: What are some common Ayurvedic practices recommended during the autumn season?
A: Some common Ayurvedic practices during the autumn season include consuming foods that are easy to digest, following a regular routine, staying hydrated, and incorporating specific herbs in your diet.
Q: How long does the autumn season last according to Ayurveda?
A: According to Ayurveda, the autumn season, or Sharad Ritu, typically spans from mid-September to mid-November. It is characterized by clear blue skies, moderate temperatures, and occasional rainfall.
Q: What are the key characteristics of the autumn season according to Ayurveda?
A: The autumn season in Ayurveda is associated with qualities like dryness, lightness, clarity, and an increase in Vata dosha. It is a time of transition and preparation for the upcoming winter season.
Q: How can one balance their doshas during the autumn season?
A: To balance the doshas during the autumn season, it is recommended to focus on grounding practices, consume warm and nourishing foods, stay hydrated, maintain a regular routine, and incorporate Ayurvedic herbs into your diet.
Q: What are some examples of Ayurvedic herbs that can be beneficial during the autumn season?
A: Ayurvedic herbs like Chandana (sandalwood), Agaru, Lily, and others can be beneficial during the autumn season to support digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.