Seasonal Routine in Ayurveda (Rithucharya)

Dr Rafeena Kidavintavida
3 min readMar 30, 2022
Seasonal Routine in Ayurveda / Rithucharya — Dr Rafeena

The Sanskrit word, Rituacharya, is made up of two words — ‘Rithu’ and Charya’. According to Sanskrit, ‘Ritu’ means season and ‘acharya’ means regimen or discipline. Well! Let us talk about what is Rithucharya or Seasonal routines in Ayurvedic tradition. Ritucharya is an ayurvedic diet plan that Ayurveda recommends. It’s a fact that seasonal changes affect humans in their physical and mental conditions. The ultimate aim of the Ayurvedic Seasonal Routine is to deal with the mental and physical effects.

As you might know, the time of different seasons differs according to the countries. In Australia, summer is between December and February, winter in June to August, March to May is autumn and September to November is spring. However, there are three seasons according to Ayurveda: Vata season, Pitta season and Kapha season. Experts in Ayurveda Australia suggest following Ayurvedic seasonal routines to maintain health during these seasons.

Vata Season

The Vata season is considered to come between late Autumn and early Winter. When the weather becomes drier, colder, windier, and harsher, changes in our health occur throughout the Vata season. Your skin will get tight and dry, you will become cold and tired, and your joints will become dry and weaker.

During the Vata season, it is critical to be warm and comfy. To keep your insides warm, remember to consume hot foods and liquids. It’s also important to remember to change your lifestyle to keep your body warm by eating food that contains fat, protein and carbs. Stay inside on days when the wind is particularly strong and the climate is chilling.

Kapha Season

The chill seeps in more forcibly when Vata’s chilly winds turn into icy weather, and then gradually dissipates as the sun shines brightly again and flowers grow in Kapha season. These changes may be noticed by your body as well. As the winter weather sets in, you may begin to feel cold and sluggish. Weather changes can be shocking to your body and leave you feeling befuddled. To deal with these changes, you must maintain your health with extra care during this time.
Staying dry and warm is one of the most crucial tips for this season. Don’t be confused by the milder temperatures. You must continue to take care of your body. Continue to sip the calming warm beverages.

Pitta Season

The fiery spirit within us is heightened during the Pitta season. This can energise us and give us energy, but it also has drawbacks if we do not respond to the changing weather. Heartburn, rashes, irritation, rage, and acne can all be brought on by the heat.
With a proper grasp of the Ayurveda behind the Pitta season, many typical issues can be treated. Changes in yourself and your lifestyle are required, just as they are for the other seasons. Your diet, as well as the time you eat, will need to be altered. Ayurvedic teachings suggest eating early in the day. Remove the hot, spicy foods and replace them with cool, fresh and relaxing beverages.

Conclusion

In sum, Ayurveda suggests, following seasonal routines or Rituacharya is an important one because seasonal changes affect humans in their physical and mental conditions. If you do not adapt to seasonal change according to Kapha, Pitta and Vata, you have to deal with certain health problems. Get an Ayurvedic Consultation if you want to know whether you are Vata dominant or Kappa dominant and how to care for your health during each season.

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Dr Rafeena Kidavintavida

Dr. Rafeena, one of the most experienced and qualified Ayurveda expert in Sydney, Australia. https://www.drrafeena.com