RUTUCHARYA

The word 'Rutucharya' is formed by two words 'Rutu' and 'Charya'. Here 'Rutu' means the division of 'Kala' (Season) or time. And 'Charya' means following certain rules and regulations according to 'Shastras'. Thus it together means that, the food and mode of life (Aaharavihara), which has to be adopted according to the seasonal variations (Rutu). According to Hindu calendar, a year has been divided into 6 'Rutus' (seasons): 1) 'Shishira' (January and February) 2) 'Vasanta' (March and April) 3) 'Greeshma' (May and June) 4) 'Varsha' (July and August) 5) 'Sharada' (September and October) 6) 'Hemanta' (November and December - approximately).

Among these, the first 3 'Rutus' i.e. 'Shishira', 'Vasanta' and 'Greeshma' are called as 'Aadhanakala' or 'Uttarayana' due to the fact that the earth while revolving around the sun goes nearer to the sun in these seasons. While the second 3 'Rutus' i.e. 'Varsha', 'Sharada' and 'Hemanta' are called as 'Visargakala' or 'Dakshinayana' as the earth moves away from the sun. Thus the 'Charyas' (deeds), which are supposed to be followed mainly, depends on the climatic condition of that season, as well as the effect on 'Surya' (sun) and 'Chandra' (Moon) on the body in these seasons. So before going into the details of 'Rutucharya', it is necessary to know the effect of these 'Rutu's on the human body as well as the climatic condition of 'Aadhanakala' and 'Visargakala'.

Aadhana Kala:

'Aadhanakala' is said to be 'Agneya' in nature - due to the fact that the earth moves closer and closer to the sun as the days passes leading, while revolving around the sun. Thus the intensity of sun increases day by day, leading to adsorption of moisture and the 'Snehamsha' (body oils) from the body. As a result, the body goes on becoming more and more 'Ruksha' (Dry) as the days passes. Even the wind becomes 'Ruksha' (Dry) due to intensity of sun, which in turn dries up the 'Sowmyamsha' (Soothing effect of Moon) of Moon. Thus the body goes on becoming more and more weaker in these seasons, as the days passes. Also the immunity (Kala Bala) of the body goes on reducing day by day.

Visarga Kala:

The nature of this 'Kala' is said to be 'Sowmaya'. In this 'Kala' (Seasons) the earth moves farther away from sun and is nearer to Moon. So the 'Rukshata' (dryness) caused by sun in 'Aadhanakala' is neutralized by the 'Sowmyata' Moon in this 'Kala'. As the effect of Moon increases day by day, the atmosphere becomes more and more cooler. Due to the dampness caused by rain and cooling effect of Moon, the 'Snighdata' (unctousness) of body goes on increasing day by day.

Immunity of body according to 'Rutus' (Kala-Bala):

Immunity of body is 'Uttama' (good) in 'Hemanta' and 'Shishira-rutu' it is 'Madhyama' (Moderate) in 'Vasanta' and 'Sharada-rutu', whereas it is 'Heena' (poor) in 'Greeshma' and 'Varsha-rutu'. Thus depending on these climatic conditions and their effect on the body in each season, one have to follow some rules and regulations, in order to keep ourselves free from the seasonal diseases, which in long course can turn into chronic diseases leading to bad prognosis. Following is the importance of Rutucharya:

It maintains the climatic homologation in form of dosh samya (equilibrium) in different seasons to promote swassthvrutha (preventive & social medicine) on which ayurveda has laid a great stress since prevention is better than cure.

Hemant (winter season):

This is the season of cold, where the atmosphere temperature drops down, the environment becomes chilly and this leads to the disequilibrium of vata dosha and kapha sanchay. In the winter season Vayu is accentuated and needs to be satisfied by a heavy diet (snigdha, Madhura & lavanrasa). The diet in hemant must include wheat, gram, milk & milk products, jaggery, cane sugar, figs, carrots, tomatoes, and dates to prevent the disequilibrium of vata dosha. Til oil massage is suggested to prevent disequilibrium of vata dosha and excess sanchay of kapha. Daily exercises or yoga is beneficial. To avoid cold woolen clothes must be worn and married couple should use aphrodisiacs.

Vasant (spring season):

The sanchit kapha is accentuated in this season by the sun rays thus the susceptibility of kapha Roga (e.g. cough, cold, tonsillitis etc) increases and thus reduces the Agni (bio- transformation). In ayurveda vaman (vomiting) karma is also advocated i.e. one of the pancha karma's to get rid of excess kapha sanchay and hence kapha Roga. Sleeping during the day and use of Madhura, Alma, and lavan is contraindicated as these accentuate the kapha dosha. Instead, the use of honey and or dry ginger is indicated.

Grishma (summer season):

Heat of the sun reduces the moisture in the atmosphere and thus increases the ruksh guna of vata dosha, which causes sanchay of vata dosha. By this way Ahaar and vihar that accentuate its sanchay can be avoided. Thew examples are that of the use of katu tikta kashya Rasa, exercises, sexual intercourse, etc. it is advisable not to take honey and intake of liquids should be increased to prevent dehydration due to excessive sweating. Use of cotton clothes is beneficial.

Varsha (rainy season):

In this season the atmosphere is although cool due to rainfall but the humidity increases and this causes vata dosha prakopa. In this season ayurveda insists on avoiding Ahaar & vihar, which attribute to prakopa. Drinking of boiled water (shrut, sheeta jal) is advisable. Use of rittu hari taki as a rasayan i.e. hari taki is suggested with different anupanas in different seasons.