According to Ayurveda Hemant and Shishir Ritu are winter season. English months Jan. 14 to Mar. 14 constitute the Shishir Ritu. Shishira marks the onset of aadaana kaala (Aadaan means taking away - the period of dehydration). Cold becomes severe and dryness increases further. Occasional clouds, wind and rainfall are also features of late winter. According to Ayurved during this period, the 'Sharir- bal' or physical strength and 'jathragni-bal' or digestive fire is at their maximum, by virtue of the Sun just coming out of its Southern cycle and moving into the Northern cycle. This is a prime time to build strength and stamina in our bodies. It is also the time to build the foundation for immunity (Ojus) for the spring months to come. It is also the time when ‘Vata’ dosha tends to get aggravated.
Ayurveda described do and don’ts for all the season, so that we can be Healthy forever. Scholars of Ayurveda know all the thigs that makes us healthy including Habits, Lifestyle, Herbs, and Medication etc. Here are some important tips Ayurveda gives us
What to eat in Shishir Ritu:
Foods that are sweet, sour and salty are especially beneficial in cold, dry winters. Bitter and spicy foods should be avoided as they tend to increase dryness in the body.
As the external atmosphere is cold, the body retains heat and attempts to preserve it. As a result, the digestive fire (jatharagni) becomes stronger and is able to metabolize heavy foods such as fats and dairy products like milk, cheese, butter, ghee etc.
Kidney beans, black beans (urad dal), grains and products made from grains (wheat, rice) should be consumed.
Sweet products made from sugarcane extracts like jaggery etc.
Wheat and wheat products, new grains such as rice, and other nutrition rich diet like dates, dry fruits, etc. are also recommended.
People who are non-vegetarian should eat meat which helps in providing good energy.
Special herbal wines (not to be consumed for intoxication) and honey can be taken.
One should particularly avoid taking cold foods and drinks and should drink warm water or ginger tea in winter.
Standard of living in Shishir Ritu:
There is a natural accumulation of kapha due to the cold and wet environment, so one should try to keep warm. Warm baths, sauna and living in a warm house are beneficial.
Heavy, warm, dry clothes should be worn.
Do vigorous exercises.
Regular body massage with oil according to individuals’ prakruti should be done. Head massage is also recommended. Massage not only generates heat, thereby providing respite from the cold, but it also keeps Vata dosha from getting aggravated.
Stream bath (swedan) should regularly be taken.
After bath, apply ‘lep’ (anointment) of heat generating herbs like ‘kesar’ , ‘aguru’ (aloe wood).
Do ‘dhoop’ (inundation of the room with smoke emanating from the embers of an herb) of aguru in the room. Inhalation of the ‘dhoop’ from aguru keeps the respiratory passage clear, and removes kapha
Expose oneself to morning sun rays for natural sudation
Author:
Dr Nirav Joshi, Ayurvedacharya
