Ayurveda traditionally treats three seasonal changes as important opportunities to cleanse, adapt to the seasons , and adjust your lifestyle routines for optimum health and comfort. Depending on your location this is adapted to the energetic principles of hot and cold, rain and drought, and other aspects of the environment and matched to your individual body type for specific lifestyle practices. The main seasonal periods (ritucharya) are:
- winter to spring, a generally beneficial time of the year where warming weather predominates and is considered the most important juncture of the seasons and a very good time to do a cleansing detox..
- summer, a continuing warming and growth period that is beneficial if not too hot and important to manage the excess heat that occurs in some regions.
- autumn and winter, a generally detrimental period as cooling weather affects growth and body temperature. It is an important time for self-care and rest to be at your best and resist the cold.
Ayurveda prescribes different diets, behaviors, lifestyle hacks, and medicines to achieve maximum benefits from the beneficial seasons and to protect the individual from detrimental effects. These lifestyle changes are very important adjustments for a healthy life and are not only followed Ayurveda but in cultures and spiritual practices around the world (like spring fasting or detoxing to release winter sluggishness, in cold climates extra clothing to stay warm and more).
When you have an ayurvedic exam with Jim, you will be provided with some basic information on the season and what is important for your body. We have some reference articles in our blog archives and on Dr. Rivene’s website (drzaidarivene.co.za). We offer courses and seasonal detoxes from time to time. We have many articles during the seasonal changes that will help you. Sign up for our newsletter for these articles and announcements of these courses.