Grishma Ritu Charya: Ayurveda’s Summer Wellness Guide

Introduction

As the scorching sun dominates the sky and temperatures soar, the summer season—known as Grishma Ritu which the last among Adanakala—brings intense heat and dryness. To maintain balance and well-being, Ayurveda prescribes a special seasonal regimen called Grishma Ritu Charya that helps cool the body, prevent dehydration, and sustain energy levels.

Understanding Grishma Ritu in Ayurveda

1. Timeframe: Mid-May to Mid-July 

According to the Hindu Calander- Jyeshtha and Ashadha months

1. Dominant Dosha: Vata begins to accumulate (Chaya) and Kapha gets pacified (Prashama).

During Grishma Ritu (Summer), Vata Dosha gradually increases due to excessive heat and dryness, while Kapha Dosha, which was dominant in spring, naturally subsides. maintain balance and prevent seasonal imbalances during this period.

1. Qualities of the Season:

Under the intensified power of the sun, the wind transforms into a dry, searing force. The sun itself takes on the fiery hue of the Atasi flower (red), relentlessly drawing moisture from the land and shrinking water reservoirs.

Despite the challenging conditions, some animals, like the ruddy shelduck (chakravaka bird), can be seen wandering in search of sustenance.  

The once vibrant greenery fades as trees shed their leaves, leaving a barren landscape in their wake. Driven by a desperate thirst, all living things instinctively seek out any remaining source of water.

Common Health Issues Should Concern in Grishma Ritu

1. Accumulation of Vata Dosha: The dryness of summer gradually increases Vata, leading to dehydration, dry skin, and fatigue.
2. Weak Digestive Fire (Agni): The digestive fire will remain in mild state due to the extreme heat, causing reduced appetite and sluggish digestion.
3. Loss of Strength (Deha Bala Kshaya): The heat drains energy, causing tiredness, excessive sweating, and exhaustion.

Dietary Guidelines for Grishma Ritu (Ahara)

During Grishma Ritu, it is essential to consume cooling, hydrating, and light foods to balance doshas and prevent dehydration. Here are some key dietary recommendations of Ayurveda:

Foods to Include- Wholesome Diet:

Madhura (sweet) taste, Sheeta (cold), Drava (liquid), Snigdha (unctuous) and Laghu (light) foods:

1. Shali rice (White colour boiled rice), lentils etc, that are easy to digest.
2. Food added with ghee, sweet and liquids, followed by boiled milk sweetened with sugar/jaggery at night.

Beverages:

1. Fragrant and cold drinks mixed with sugar should be used, cold water, fruit juices and meat soup. Coconut water is useful.
2. Ksheera Varga: Dugda (milk), Ghrita (ghee)
3. Paniya: Sheethala Panaka, Panchasara Panaka, Sattu Preparation (a drink prepared by a fine powder of dry roasting grains or pulses), Tender Coconut water, Fresh Takra-not sour (buttermilk)
4. Mantha: Kharjuradi Mantha
5. Alcoholic drinks are generally prohibited however those who are addicted to drinking in smaller quantity is prescribed but it should be diluted by mixing with plenty of water
6. During the night one should take buffalo milk with sugar candy/Suger.

Dhanya varga (Grains): Shali Dhanya (Boiled rice, which is white in colour) should be eaten along with the meat of animals from desert regions, Godhuma (wheat), Mudga (Mung bean)

Shaka varga (Vegetables): Patola (snake gourd), Kooshmanda (pumpkin), Bottle Gourd

Fruits: Seasonal fruits like Watermelon, Mango and Grapes (sweet)

Mamsa varga (Meat):

1. The meat of animals or birds from arid, desert lands is desirable.
2. Goat meat, chicken, and rabbit are recommended.

Special preparations in Ayurveda

1. Rasala: Curds churned and mixed with pepper powder and sugar
2. Raga: A syrup that is sweet, sour, and slightly salty
3. Khandava: A syrup that contains all tastes and is prepared with various ingredients
4. Panchasara: A syrup that is prepared with five types of sweet ingredients.

Foods to Avoid- Unwholesome diet

1. Katu (spicy), Lavana (salty), and Amla (sour) foods
2. Fermented foods – Vinegar, and alcohol prohibited. However, those who are addicted to drinking in smaller quantity is prescribed but it should be diluted by mixing with plenty of water
3. Hot beverages and caffeine – Excessive tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks dehydrate the body.
4. Heavy foods- Difficult to digest because of the mild state of Agni.

Lifestyle Recommendations (Vihara)

Wholesome Lifestyle

1. Exposure to cool breezes and staying in shaded or cool places
2. Engaging in recreational activities near lakes, wells, rivers, and forests helps maintain freshness.
3. Clothing should be made of thin, light fabrics and infused with fragrant perfumes.
4. Sleeping in well-ventilated apartments with water fountains during the day and in open areas at night promotes comfort.
5. Applying sandalwood paste (Chandana Kalka) on the body provides a cooling effect.
6. Daytime sleep/napping is advised to restore energy and prevent exhaustion.

Mental and Emotional Health

1. Practice Sheetali and Sheetkari Pranayama (cooling breath techniques)

Sheetali (cooling breath) and Sheetkari (hissing breath) are calming pranayama techniques known for their cooling effect on the body. They are particularly beneficial in hot weather (Grishma Ritu) or for counteracting the heat generated by dynamic pranayama or yoga practices.

Unwholesome Lifestyle

1. Intense physical exertion
2. Prolonged sun exposure
3. Strenuous activities or heavy labour
4. Overindulgence in sexual activity
5. Drying therapies or practices

Conclusion

Grishma Ritu Charya offers a holistic Ayurvedic approach to maintaining health and vitality during summer. By adjusting your diet, lifestyle, and self-care routine according to Ayurveda’s wisdom, you can stay cool, energized, and balanced throughout the season. Embrace the Ayurvedic summer regimen and experience well-being despite the intense heat!

Are you ready to welcome summer with Ayurveda? Start implementing Grishma Ritu Charya today for a naturally cool and vibrant season!!