AUTUMN-EARLY WINTER RITUCHARYA: SEASONAL ROUTINE
HEMANTA RITU (autumn- early winter season)
October to January is considered as hemanta ritu (autumn- early winter season). In Finland autumn is known as Ruska, when the autumn leaf colour acts as a messenger bidding a sweet farewell to long summer days and serves as a reminder to the darkness that lay ahead. During this season the wind blows and cold weather sets in. Predominant rasa (taste) during this season is madhura (sweet) and the predominant mahabhutas (great elements) are prithivi (earth) and apa (water). The strength of a person remains on highest grade and vitiated pitta dosha gets pacified. Activity of agni is increased. Hemanta is difficult season for vata, if a rich and healthy diet is not followed the agni consumes the tissues (autolysis), aggravating vata dosha in the body, leading to imbalance. It is a season for balanced kapha constitution to thrive.
DIETARY GUIDELINE FOR BALANCING AUTUMN SEASON
Every autumn, as the temperatures drop, summer fruit and vegetables begin to die without the protection of glasshouses. This is the time of year to focus on eating root vegetables and to make soups and stews with Halloween pumpkins. Fatty, sweet, sour, and salty foods are advised. Various grains, beans, meats, fats, milk products, sugarcane products, sesame products, honey and high quality oils are recommended. Fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut are an excellent addition. Quinoa, millet, oats, basmati rice, seeds, nuts, pumpkin, onions, carrots, figs, root vegetables, beets, parsnips, rutabaga, cabbage, spinach, corn, potatoes, carrots, sweet potato, apple, pear, plum, grape, guava, sheep, chicken, goat, pork and seafood. Vata aggravating foods, such as laghu (light), cold, and dry foods are to be avoided. Intake of cold drinks is also contraindicated. Herbs and spices are recommended in ample amounts, cardamon, cinnamon, red chili, turmeric, and ashwagandha. Amla juice or chywanprash with warm milk on an empty stomach is an excellent way to start the day. T'is the season to drink 3-4 oz daily of red spiced wine. The traditional grape wine with 5-8% alcohol, that Ayurveda recommends is called draksha, made with fermented herbs. Reminiscent of a low alcohol version of glögg.
50% whole grains, whole grain cooked cereals.
20% proteins of eggs, dairy, poultry, seafood, fish, beef, mung beans and red lentils.
30% fresh fruit and vegetables.
LIFESTYLE
It is recommended during hemanta season to use warm water, steam bath, sauna, abhyanga massage and exercise regularly. The use of agarwood, sandalwood, rosewood, ho wood or ashwagandha oil is recommended externally for skin. These oils are traditional infused herbal oils that contain a broader spectrum of the plant material than essential oils. Traditionally, patar potli is a massage performed with an herbal pouch full of heated medicinal herbs, stimulating circulation, reducing inflammation, and freeing muscle tension. Alternatively abhyanga self massage or massage by an Ayurvedic practitioner can be done with an herbal oil as suggested above. Lepana, the application of herbal paste is an excellent addition to reduce pain and keep the body strong. PRASAD Ayurveda treatments include infused oil massage and lepana. The essential oils of PRASAD Vata Perfum are perfect for misting over the body to ground the elements. Sandalwood oil, Ashwaganda oil are also available on PRASAD web shop. Being in love and enjoying sex is especially favored during this season. Exposure to strong and cold wind, habit of day sleep, etc., are to be avoided.
WHAT CAN I DO TO BALANCE THE EFFECTS OF AUTUMN- EARLY WINTER SEASON?
- Abhyanga self oil or professional massage
- Eat plenty of root vegetables. Luckily there is a big variety in Finland. Try something new like Black Salisfy (mustajuuri).
- Increase heavy and nourishing foods