Explaining Vasanta Ritu as per Ayurveda

In our previous post, we discussed Hemanta and Shishir Ritus as per Ayurveda. Now, let’s talk about Vasanta Ritu.

• Vasanta Ritu is the season that brings a feeling of joy and liveliness to our minds. The smell of flowers blooming, and cool breeze… yes we are talking about the Spring season.

• Ideal season for detoxification and cleansing of the skin and the body, Vasantha Ritu falls in the month of March (Chaitram) and goes on till May (Vaishakham).

• The Kapha Dosha that got aggravated and accumulated during the early and late winter, starts melting during this season, which results in diminished Agni or digestive fire. This weakens the digestive system and reduces the appetite.

• Hence, a light and healthy diet along with an active and clean lifestyle is extremely important during this season, as it helps in releasing the toxins from the body.

Diet to follow:

• Food that is light and easy to digest is recommended. One should avoid heavy, oily, sour and sweet foods, as they give rise to Kapha.

• Spices such as coriander, cumin, turmeric, and fennel helpful stimulate the digestion and detoxify the skin.

• Sipping on warm water mixed with honey or herbal teas is strongly recommended.

• Food made out of wheat and barley is apt for this season.

Lifestyle to follow:

• Workout like jogging, skipping and Yoga is recommended. Vasanta Ritu is the time when the body should get moving, as the weather is soothing and refreshing.

• Liver Asanas such as 'Pachimottasana' and 'Meru Varkrasana', that prevent the body from diseases related to digestion or weakening of the liver, should be practiced.

• Dry massage, before a shower is also recommended.

• Steam inhalation, as it helps in preventing sinus infections, cold and flu.

• Avoid afternoon siestas.

Now that you have understood Vasantha Ritu in detail, next we move on to Greeshma Ritu or Summer season. Which is the Dosha that gets aggravated during Summer, what is the diet and lifestyle that needs to be followed at this time… and so on? All this will be explained in our next post, so stay tuned!