Ritucharya (Spring cleansing)
Ayurvedic perspective to Cope Up With the Seasonal Effect on Our Body
The Kapha (water + earth) season is upon us - the period of winter when the earth begins to soften and thaw, creating a heaviness and density in the atmosphere. To those of us who live Ayurvedically, this transition signals one of our most important rituals is coming soon - spring cleansing!
Cleansing the body is an ancient practice, which can also be highly beneficial today. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of self-healing, offers safe, time-tested approaches to cleansing. In this story, local Ayurvedic experts share their wisdom on the benefits of Ayurvedic cleansing and why spring is an optimal time to cleanse.
What is Ritucharya?
Ritu means season & charya means following or discipline. Ritucharya in simple words means seasonal routine, the lifestyle & diet that need to be followed according to the particular seasonal requirement to maintain hormonal balance in our body & to be fit and healthy. Ayurveda divides the whole year into two kaals on the basis of position of the sun:
Aadaan Kaal (Uttarayan)
Viserga Kaal (Dakshinayaan)
Ever notice how each season influences you to dress, eat, or do different things? In summer, you’re likely to crave juicy fruits and chilled beverages and wear loose, breathable clothing. In winter, you’ll be pulling out warmer clothes and reaching for hot beverages.
Ayurvedic medicine is based on the theory that the human physiology has three humors, or doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. The doshas are biological energies that govern all physical and mental processes and derive from the five elements (earth, air, ether, water, and fire) and their related properties. Vata, composed of air and ether, governs movement and communication. Pitta, composed of fire and water, governs digestion and metabolism. And kapha, composed of earth and water, governs the principles of structure and lubrication. We are comprised of all three doshas, but they are expressed in each of us in different proportions that determine our unique constitution or our prakriti
Why Ritucharya is important?
Physicians have been seeing increasing symptoms of toxicity in their patients over the last few decades. Hormone imbalances, obesity, mental fog, memory loss, fatigue, lack of vitality, metabolic syndrome, sleep disturbances are all manifestations of a toxic body. Spring is upon us, a perfect time of year for detoxification. As the seasons change, many of us are motivated to do ‘spring cleaning’ in our homes and gardens. The same need applies to our bodies. When the body is detoxified, it can function more efficiently and gain resilience.
“The very center of your heart is where life begins – the most beautiful place on earth.”
SEASONAL TIPS
Ritucharya Springtime cleanse is simply a mindful choice to understand the rhythm of nature and choose the foods that support the transition from winter to spring. Here are simple tips to help with this transition:
Drink warm water (with or without lemon and ginger) first thing in the morning.
Focus on more semi-solid or liquid foods instead of heavy, creamy, and solid foods. Eat kitchari for dinner and lunch at least once a week.
Drink tulsi (holy basil) tea to strengthen the body’s immunity and mobilize kapha.
Massage the body with warm sesame oil to encourage lymphatic drainage and improve circulation of fluids. Alternatively dry brush your skin using silk gloves or chickpea flour.
Avoid kapha-building and -aggravating foods like cold milk, salted butter, bananas, avocados, creamy soups, white rice, root vegetables, and white sugar.
Practice sun salute A chant the gayatri mantra, practice surya and linga mudras (hand and body gestures), practice kapalabhati shat kriya (a breathing technique), do a sinus cleanse using a neti pot every other day, and practice agni sara and nauli (special abdominal exercises that promote digestion) and twisting postures on a regular basis.
Scrape the tongue using a copper or steel tongue scraper every morning to remove the buildup of toxins.
It is important to follow the Ayurvedic Daily Routines, it is equally important to follow the Ayurvedic Seasonal Routines or Ritucharya for us to stay in good shape and health. Seasons change and our eating habits, lifestyle, physical activity and everything else needs to change accordingly.
Want to learn how to brew a perfect cup of Tea?
Visit our Wellness centre for 101 consultation or book our cooking classes to learn tips on how to brew Ayurvedic Teas?
Learn about our carefully picked new line of Prajna Organic Ayurvedic Balance Teas, and for tips on how to stay balanced, while incorporating Ayurveda into your everyday life!
Important note: Before drinking any type of tea for medicinal purposes - including Ayurvedic blends - always consult your healthcare provider.
Why Take an Ayurvedic Cooking Class?
The Ayurvedic way of cooking is a preventative approach against disease and sickness. Ayurveda does not exclude any major food groups but teaches you how to prepare all types of food for optimal digestion and absorption.
It is the ONLY holistic healthy eating and cooking approach that considers eating according to your body type. It is a food therapy that can be customized to the individual to optimize healing and boost energy rapidly.