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Celebrating the spirit of Sharad Ritu
As the thick green hues of monsoon give way to the golden tones of autumn, India experiences a unique transformation in its climate. This transition, marked by a classic shift from heavy downpours of the cloudy monsoon to the dry, crisp air of winter, is not just a change in weather; it is a profound alteration that affects both nature and the human body. Also sometimes known as the "second summer,” this phenomenon is characterized by a sudden spike in temperatures before the onset of winter. When exposed to the Sun after long periods of clouds, there is an unexpected surge of heat within, a reaction which can easily impact and show its effect on daily life and health, hampering the quality of life. This can be noticed sooner especially by those attuned to the rhythms of nature. In Ayurveda, this season is recognized as Sharad Ritu, a time when the body’s internal dynamics begin to shift, augmenting the pitta increase that has already begun to take place during the preceding Varsha Ritu. Though the heat of the Sun’s rays is important to balance Vata (a cosmic balance in real terms), when left on its own, this heat can agitate pitta resulting in fluctuations in various body functions provoking digestion, energy levels, and even mood. With awareness and adaptability these shifts can be quickly recognized. Routine health care practices are tweaked and so subtly incorporated into Indian tradition by making this season more like a festival of good times, interweaved with mindful quiet observances, making this a bridge connecting the colder days to come. It serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our environment and the importance of humbly adapting to it.
Understanding the body’s perspective
The body is constantly changing in response to various extrinsic factors, and seasonal changes are the ones with strongest influence. The effect is gradual but the outcome is very visible. During Sharad Ritu, there is an added increase in Pitta dosha. Pitta in its functional state is associated with heat, metabolism, and transformation, and a deranged Pitta can manifest as various physical and mental disturbances. The heat and moisture of this dosha can cause various expressions of itself and when associated with disturbed vata, it can further create havoc, with more pronounced symptoms. Understanding this perspective can ensure preparedness, enabling a more sorted transition without spillover into the subsequent seasons.
1. Dehydration: Summers are for hydrating but not many of us are prepared for the heat in this comeback season. Thirst can be a tricky sensation which can be easily missed out. Moving ahead from the wet monsoons, it can get difficult to get into the practice of drinking sufficient water to suit the environmental changes. Thirst and hunger tend to increase during these months, so watch out for signs of dehydration like dry skin and mouth, nausea, frequent headaches, and spontaneous muscle cramps
2. Fatigue: Though the humidity is relatively low, the heat can cause sweating which can be excessive in people who are pitta dominant by nature (prakruti). This can deplete the body’s electrolytes, causing a feeling of exhaustion and tiredness with an overwhelming urge to sleep but never feeling rested. This leads to low energy and motivation, affecting general sense of well- being.
3. Allergies and Inflammation: The sudden change in temperature along with the shift from moist to dry environment can cause an increase in allergies and inflammatory conditions. Flare- ups of previously existing health conditions can happen especially when there are dietary indulgences, which is quite expected considering the changing mood outside.
4. Gastric irritation: There is a transition in metabolism resulting in increased hunger and thirst. Not attending to the needs of the body or over consumption of food/ drinks, or excessively cold or spicy foods, to compensate this, without mindful consideration can cause gastric upset. The allergic responses and weather changes lead to increased histamine which can cause disruption in the gastric mucosal barrier resulting in symptoms of acid reflux like, bitter taste in the mouth, burning sensation in the chest and stomach, abdomen pain, feeling of fullness and bloating after eating, increased bowel movement, nausea and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea.
5. Different kinds of burning sensation: Pitta means burning sensation and it can be felt differently by people of different constitutions. This season is known for its incidence of UTI (urinary tract infections), increased hot flashes and genital irritation. There can be a general increase in body temperature as well, due to seasonal transitions of external weather and associated lifestyle adaptations, resulting in the sensation of a “hot” feeling from within.
6. Sleep disturbances: Changes in circadian rhythm and altered metabolic demands through the night can cause disturbed and shallow sleep. This can add to the sensation of muscle fatigue and a feeling of weakness in the senses. The cognitive ability can be disturbed, affecting decision making and productivity.
7. Mood changes: Anger outbursts and mood swings are common expressions of aggravated pitta, which can be projected due to various underlying reasons. Quiet introspection and watchful anticipation can help.
8. Acne and ulcers: Increased heat and moisture within can cause acne breakouts, aggravation of ulcers, eczema flare up and increase in foul-smelling discharges from pre-existing lesions.
9. Hair fall: This season is known for its complaints of increased hair fall. This could be due to the increase in heat and humidity, like summer, added with the decreased vitamin D due to the monsoon.
10. Menstrual disturbances: Seasonal transitions with changes in circadian rhythm result in hormonal changes that can cause increased bleeding during periods and/or shorter cycles with associated symptoms of Pitta as listed above.
11. Paittik manifestations: The involvement of Pitta can cause foul smelling sweat, random reddish pigmentations or rashes, frequent episodes of light headed feeling, dizziness, and fainting spells.
Supportive measures
To maintain health during this phase, it is essential to balance Pitta dosha, while keeping in mind that the Vata also is attempting to balance itself. Ideally it would be wise to proactively approach these issues with the idea of preventive health in mind, instead of looking to problem-based intervention.
Drink and eat well, but be mindful:
It is important to adapt to changing metabolic and nutritional requirements without giving in to cravings mindlessly. The diet should be focused on tastes like madhura (sweetish), tikta (bitter) and kashaya (astringent), reducing katu (spicy), amla (sour), lavana (salty) food. This plan can nourish the body adequately without spiking the pitta. Well-cooked red rice, barley, and wheat, cooked green gram, mishri (sugar candy), Indian gooseberry, pointed gourd, pumpkin, cucumber, honey, and chicken soup can be beneficial. Raisins, dates and pomegranate can be packed for a quick healthy snack. It is important to not give in to craving and avoid pickles, excessive salt, curd, and too much oil in food (irrespective of the type of oil used).
Eating style:
Work out style:
Lifestyle adaptations:
Meditation:
Kitchen hacks:
Ayurveda intervention:
Celebrating the spirit of Sharad:
The second summer is a remarkable time in India, offering a unique opportunity for health recovery, to recalibrate practices and an opportunity to do the same through togetherness and joy. By understanding the impact of this season on the body and mind, practitioners and health enthusiasts can make informed choices that promote well-being. Incorporating Ayurvedic principles, making timely appropriate changes to lifestyle, adjusting yoga practices – especially pre and post yoga diet and recovery are the key steps to thrive during this transition. Remember, the key to maintaining health is in our ability to adapt and harmonize with the rhythms of nature. Let us celebrate the spirit of Sharad in all its vibrancy!
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