Mind & Body Wellness
Explore the ancient sciences of Yoga, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Dincharya, and Rutucharya. Discover the ultimate balance for your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
1. Introduction to Yoga & Ashtanga
"Ashta + Anga" = Eight Limbs. Sage Patanjali formulated this eight-fold path in the Patanjal Yoga Sutra — a complete framework for personal and spiritual development.
Eight Limbs — Detail View
🕊️ Yama
Ethical Restraints
Understanding and respecting others' boundaries while introspecting about personal morality.
📜 History of Yoga
Yoga has its roots about 5000 years BC in Vedic Philosophy and Tantras. Sage Patanjali composed this path in the Patanjal Yoga Sutra — formulating Yoga as an Eight Limbs (Ashtanga) path, a complete framework for physical, mental, and spiritual development.
2. Yoga Asanas & Practices
Tadasan - 142
3. Human Anatomy & Directional Terms
Importance of Directional Terms in Yoga:
Anatomy and directional terms like Superior, Inferior, Flexion, and Extension are essential for Yoga. They provide a clear understanding of how to bend each body part. Proper understanding maximizes the benefits of the posture and prevents muscle or joint injuries.
Organ systems of the Human Body
4. Patanjali Yoga Sutras
EP #1 | महर्षि पतंजलि का परिचय
🌍 English Translation
🕉️ ગુજરાતી ભાષાંતર
5. Naturopathy (Healing Power of Nature)
Naturopathy is the most ancient health care mechanism that amalgamates modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. Relying on the healing power of nature, Naturopathy stimulates the human body’s ability to heal itself. It is the science of disease diagnosis, treatment, and cure using natural therapies including dietetics, botanical medicine, fasting, exercise, lifestyle counseling, detoxification, and chelation, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, naturopathic manipulation, spiritual healing, environmental assessment, health promotion, and disease prevention.
By educating you about the root cause of your health issues, Naturopathy always aims to make you aware of healthy changes in order to get well. From advising on dietary and lifestyle changes to guiding you towards achieving emotional wellbeing; Naturopathy holds a prominent place in the world of medicine. If we take a broader glance at today’s scenario, Naturopathy is widely known for its advantages and hugely applauded for its various modes of therapies. It has been accepted as an independent system of medicine and presently.
Principles of Naturopathy▼
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine▼
Comprehensive Naturopath Principles▼
Naturopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasizes the natural healing power of the body and the importance of addressing the underlying causes of disease. Naturopathic principles include:
- First, do no harm: Naturopathic doctors (NDs) aim to use the least invasive and least harmful treatments to help their patients achieve optimal health. They also avoid using treatments that may suppress symptoms without addressing the underlying cause of the disease.
- The healing power of nature: NDs believe in the inherent ability of the body to heal itself. Naturopathic treatments aim to support and stimulate the body's natural healing processes.
- Identify and treat the root cause: NDs seek to identify and address the underlying causes of disease, rather than just treating the symptoms. This involves looking at the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person's health.
- Treat the whole person: NDs take into account a person's physical, emotional, and spiritual health when developing a treatment plan. They also consider the individual's lifestyle, environment, and genetic factors.
- Prevention is key: NDs place a strong emphasis on disease prevention through healthy lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep hygiene.
- Doctor as teacher: NDs aim to educate and empower their patients to take an active role in their own health and wellbeing.
- Individualized care: NDs develop personalized treatment plans based on each individual's unique needs and circumstances.
- Support the whole person: NDs aim to support the whole person by addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of health. They recognize that health and illness are not just physical conditions, but are also affected by the mind and spirit.
- Treat the individual, not the disease: NDs take an individualized approach to care, recognizing that each person is unique and may have different factors contributing to their illness. They develop treatment plans that are tailored to the individual's needs, rather than just focusing on the disease or condition.
- Emphasize self-care and self-healing: NDs empower their patients to take an active role in their own health and healing. They provide education and guidance on self-care practices that can help support the body's natural healing processes.
- Use evidence-based treatments: While naturopathic medicine often uses natural remedies, NDs rely on scientific evidence to support the use of these treatments. They also integrate conventional medical techniques and diagnostics when appropriate.
- Emphasize disease prevention: NDs recognize that the best way to promote health is to prevent illness before it occurs. They provide education on healthy lifestyle habits and preventive measures, such as diet, exercise, and stress management.
- Focus on health and wellness: NDs aim to promote overall health and wellness, not just treat disease. They encourage patients to strive for optimal health, rather than just managing symptoms.
- Balance is key: NDs recognize that the body has an innate ability to maintain balance and harmony, and that disease occurs when this balance is disrupted. Naturopathic treatments aim to restore balance in the body and support overall health and wellbeing.
- Collaborative approach: NDs often work in partnership with other healthcare practitioners, including conventional medical doctors, to provide the best possible care for their patients. They recognize the value of a collaborative approach and aim to work together with other practitioners to promote the health and wellness of their patients.
- Focus on education and prevention: NDs place a strong emphasis on education and prevention, recognizing that this is the most effective way to promote health and prevent disease. They provide education on healthy lifestyle habits and preventive measures, and work with their patients to develop personalized health plans that focus on long-term wellness.
- Natural treatments: Naturopathic medicine often uses natural treatments, including herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and lifestyle changes, to support the body's natural healing processes. These treatments are typically safe and effective, with few side effects.
- Healing environment: NDs recognize the importance of a healing environment, and aim to create a supportive and nurturing environment for their patients. This may include creating a calm and relaxing space, or providing emotional support and guidance.
- Emphasis on nutrition: NDs recognize the importance of nutrition in promoting health and preventing disease. They work with their patients to develop personalized dietary plans that are tailored to their individual needs and support their overall health and wellbeing.
- Use of complementary therapies: In addition to natural treatments, NDs may also use complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, and hydrotherapy, to support the body's natural healing processes and promote health and wellness.
- Empowerment of patients: NDs believe in empowering their patients to take an active role in their own health and wellbeing. They provide education and guidance on self-care practices, and work with their patients to develop personalized health plans that emphasize preventive measures and natural treatments.
- Treat the whole family: Naturopathic medicine is a family-oriented practice that aims to support the health and wellbeing of the entire family, from children to adults. NDs work with families to develop personalized health plans that promote overall health and wellness.
- Environmental health: NDs recognize the impact of environmental factors on health and wellness, and aim to promote a healthy environment for their patients. They provide education on environmental toxins and work with their patients to reduce their exposure to harmful substances.
- Root cause resolution: NDs seek to identify and treat the root causes of illness, rather than simply addressing the symptoms. By addressing the underlying imbalances or dysfunctions in the body, NDs aim to support the body's natural healing processes and promote long-term health and wellness.
- Emphasis on mental health: NDs recognize the importance of mental and emotional health in promoting overall health and wellbeing. They may use techniques such as counseling, mindfulness, and stress reduction to support mental and emotional health.
- Personalized treatment plans: NDs work with their patients to develop personalized treatment plans that are tailored to their individual needs and goals. This may involve a combination of natural treatments, lifestyle changes, and conventional medical treatments, depending on the individual's unique circumstances.
- Prevention of chronic disease: NDs place a strong emphasis on preventing chronic disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. They provide education and guidance on healthy lifestyle habits, such as diet and exercise, which can help prevent the development of these conditions.
- Support for acute and chronic conditions: Naturopathic medicine can be used to support both acute and chronic conditions. NDs may use natural treatments, such as herbal remedies, to support the body's natural healing processes and promote a faster recovery from acute illnesses. For chronic conditions, NDs work with their patients to develop long-term health plans that focus on prevention, natural treatments, and lifestyle changes.
- Focus on functional medicine: NDs often use a functional medicine approach, which involves identifying imbalances in the body's biochemical, hormonal, or other physiological systems. By addressing these imbalances, NDs aim to support the body's natural healing processes and promote overall health and wellness.
- Respect for individual differences: NDs recognize that each person is unique, and may require different treatments or approaches to achieve optimal health. They respect individual differences and work with their patients to develop personalized treatment plans that are tailored to their individual needs.
- Use of diagnostic testing: NDs may use a variety of diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, stool tests, and hormone tests, to identify imbalances or dysfunctions in the body. By using these tests, NDs can develop personalized treatment plans that are tailored to the individual's unique needs.
Overall, naturopathic medicine emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach to healthcare. NDs aim to support the body's natural healing processes and address the root causes of illness, while empowering patients to take an active role in their own health and wellbeing.
Naturopathic medicine is a patient-centered, holistic approach to healthcare that aims to support the body's natural healing processes and promote overall health and wellbeing. NDs work in partnership with their patients to develop personalized treatment plans that focus on education, prevention, and natural treatments, and a supportive and nurturing environment.
6. Ayurveda (The Science of Life)
The Science of Life & Complete Health
1. What is Complete Health?▼
"Samadosha Samagnischa Samadhatu Malakriyah Prasanna Atma Indriya Manah Swastha Ityabhidhiyate" - Maharishi Sushruta Acharya
- All three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) are in equilibrium.
- The digestive fire (Agni) is functioning properly.
- All tissues (Dhatus) - Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (marrow), and Shukra (reproductive tissue) are balanced.
- The excretory functions (feces, urine, sweat) are regular and normal.
- The five senses of perception,
- The five organs of action,
- The four inner faculties (Mind, Intellect, Consciousness, and Ego) are functioning well,
- And the Soul is joyful and pleasant. A person with these qualities is considered completely healthy.
2. What is Prakriti? (Body Constitution)▼
- Prakriti is a specific physical and psychological constitution of the human body that remains from birth to death.
- It is a psycho-somatic constitution.
- Once determined, Prakriti remains the same throughout life.
- The dominance of particular Doshas in a person's body structure determines their Prakriti.
- Here, 'Dosha' refers to the component of the human body's psycho-somatic constitution with certain specific qualities.
- There are three types of Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
- Our body is made up of the Five Great Elements (Panchamahabhutas): Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether/Space.
- Doshas are formed with the help of these Panchamahabhutas: (Earth + Water = Kapha), (Water + Fire = Pitta), (Air + Space = Vata).
- When the Doshas corresponding to one's Prakriti increase, disease is produced.
- How is Prakriti formed? During conception, it depends on the parents' Doshas, the mother's diet and lifestyle during pregnancy, and other factors like race, caste, religion, society, geography, etc.
- Types of Prakriti: Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Vata-Pitta / Pitta-Vata, Pitta-Kapha / Kapha-Pitta, Kapha-Vata / Vata-Kapha, and Vata-Pitta-Kapha (Tridoshaja).
3. Benefits of Knowing Your Prakriti & Functions of Doshas▼
Benefits of knowing Prakriti:
- Personal health can be well taken care of.
- Daily activities can be planned to maintain good health.
- It becomes easier to follow precautions regarding diet and lifestyle according to seasons.
- Common health issues can be prevented.
- Knowing the other person's Prakriti makes dealing with them much smoother.
Functions and Locations of Doshas in our Body:
- Function of Kapha: Kapha controls and influences the structure (build) of the body.
- Function of Pitta: Pitta controls and influences the digestive processes in the body.
- Function of Vata: Vata controls and influences all types of movements happening in the body.
Locations of Doshas:
- Vata: The main location is the large intestine. Other places include the waist, leg bones, ears, skin, and generally the whole body.
- Pitta: Liver, spleen, heart, eyes, skin, and the lower stomach (Grahani - between stomach and intestines).
- Kapha: Chest, throat, head, pancreas/trachea (Kloma), joints, neck, nose, hands, and upper stomach.
Inheritance from Parents:
A person inherits their Prakriti and body parts from their parents.
- From Mother: Skin, blood, flesh, fat, navel, heart, liver, spleen, kloma, kidneys, bladder, large intestine, stomach, rectum, small intestine, and the fat located in the heart.
- From Father: Hair, beard, nails, body hair, teeth, bones, veins, muscles, arteries, and semen (Shukra).
- Prakriti: Also inherited from parents. During conception and pregnancy, it is influenced by the mother's diet, home environment, geographical region, time, religion, caste, etc.
4. Influence of Doshas, Dhatus & Tastes (Rasa)▼
The specialty of Ayurveda is that it provides a very classical and special understanding. The presence of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha varies from person to person, during parts of the day, in different seasons, and according to a person's age.
- Age: Childhood is dominated by Kapha, youth by Pitta, and old age by Vata. No matter what a person's original Prakriti is, older people tend to have Vata-related problems (like waking up early). Early morning also has a Vata dominance. If a person's Prakriti is already Vata, it causes more difficulty. Knowing this helps in taking precautions and appropriate treatments.
- Time of Day/Night: 6 to 10 (Kapha dominance), 10 to 2 (Pitta dominance), 2 to 6 (Vata dominance).
- Digestion: Beginning of digestion (Kapha), middle of digestion (Pitta), end of digestion (Vata).
According to Ayurveda, our body is made up of seven Dhatus. If these are balanced, the body is healthy. To maintain this, one should eat according to their Prakriti and take medicines if needed. The 7 Dhatus are: Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (marrow), and Virya/Shukra (reproductive tissue). Food first forms Rasa, and then sequentially forms the rest. Sometimes, if the process stops at fat (Meda), the body becomes obese. It is necessary to ensure all Dhatus are formed properly.
Seven Dhatus (Tissues):
Six Tastes (Rasa) and their Effects on Doshas:
Food and drinks consist of one or a mixture of these six tastes: Sour (Amla), Salty (Lavan), Pungent/Spicy (Tikt/Katu), Astringent (Kashaya), Sweet (Madhur), and Bitter (Kadu).
- Vata Pacifier (Shamak): Sweet, Sour, Salty, along with heavy, oily, and hot food.
- Vata Aggravator (Prakopak): Bitter, Pungent, Astringent, along with light, dry, and cold food.
- Pitta Pacifier (Shamak): Astringent, Pungent, Sweet, along with heavy, dry, and hot food.
- Pitta Aggravator (Prakopak): Bitter, Sour, Salty, along with light, oily, and hot food.
- Kapha Pacifier (Shamak): Bitter, Pungent, Astringent, along with light, dry, and hot food.
- Kapha Aggravator (Prakopak): Sweet, Sour, Salty, along with heavy, oily, and cold food.
5. Causes of Disease according to Ayurveda▼
If all three Doshas are equal (in their natural proportion), a person is healthy. But if they increase, they take the form of disease. How does a Dosha become a disease?
- 1. Sanchaya: Accumulation of the Dosha.
- 2. Prakopa: Aggravation.
- 3. Prasara: Spreading throughout the body.
- 4. Sthana Sanshraya: Settling in one specific place/organ.
- 5. Vyakti: Appearance of disease symptoms.
- 6. Bheda: Disease fully develops with complications.
Our job is to prevent the accumulation of Doshas. Reasons for Dosha accumulation include: Diet (Aahar), Lifestyle (Vihar), Mindset/Thoughts, Daily Routine (Dinacharya), Seasonal Routine (Ritucharya), Age, and other factors. Taking care of these reduces the probability of disease.
Specific Causes of Disease:
1. Senses (Vishayas): Seeing, hearing, smelling, eating/drinking, speaking, and touching.
- Atiyoga: Over-use of senses.
- Ayoga: Under-use or lack of use.
- Mithyayoga: Misuse or wrong use.
2. Suppressing Natural Urges (Avegas): Suppressing these can cause long-term illness
3. Urges that SHOULD be suppressed (Mental/Behavioral):
- Talking too much, speaking bitterly, mocking, lying, anti-social behavior, adultery, theft, and violence.
- Subtle mental urges: Greed, ego, grief, weakness, fear, jealousy, anger, attachment, and the desire to grab others' money.
Classification of Diseases:
- Antarjata (Endogenous): Diseases caused by the imbalance of the three Doshas.
- Bahirjata (Exogenous): Diseases caused by polluted air, poison, bacteria, viruses, water, etc.
- Manasika (Psychic/Mental): Due to mental disturbances (when things don't go as desired), causing issues like headaches, tension, depression, blood pressure, etc.
7. Dincharya (Ayurvedic Daily Routine)
Ayurvedic Daily Routine & Biological Clock
Today we all strive to live a healthy life by incorporating good habits into our lifestyle. Because today one has to spend time worrying about health problems. However, in today's fast-paced and cost-conscious world, balancing work with health becomes increasingly difficult.
Ayurvedic lifestyle should be followed by daily routine, An Ayurvedic routine can address all health concerns. And through it harmony can be brought between mind, body and soul.
The word routine is derived from two words; 'Din' means day and 'Acharya' means activity. Daily routine, according to Ayurveda, Activities performed during the day, through which health can be taken care of. Our connection with nature regulates our own biological clock and leads us to better health. If we follow the daily routine regularly, there are many health benefits.
1. Benefits of Dincharya▼
- Creates rhythm and harmony by connecting with the body and nature.
- A healthy lifestyle as it strengthens your immune system and hence you can fight diseases comfortably.
- Meditation and massaging with essential oils can easily relieve stress from your body and mind.
- Taking into account the daily routine and timing of meals, as well as your prakruti and quantity of food, improves digestion and absorption of nutrients.
- Following a routine maintains a certain discipline in your mind and body which is beneficial in other aspects of life.
- Meditation creates positive vibrations around you which helps you achieve a peaceful state of mind.
- Following a daily routine increases happiness in your life and relieves stress and anxiety.
- Leads you to a healthy lifestyle and long life.
2. Dincharya according to Ayurveda▼
3. Ayurvedic Biological Clock▼
In the definition of health in Ayurveda, Samadosha means having three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, is a sign of being healthy. To eat and exercise in such a way that the state of vata, pitta and kapha in your prakriti is maintained.
Combine your daily activities with the nature-given way of working. Facilitates your day through the energy within and around you. The day is divided into six parts in four-hour cycles. We should follow the Ayurvedic clock to live a peaceful life out of turmoil.
- Kapha Predominance: 6 AM to 10 AM & 6 PM to 10 PM.
- Pitta Predominance: 10 AM to 2 PM & 10 PM to 2 AM.
- Vata Predominance: 2 PM to 6 PM & 2 AM to 6 AM.
By keeping the body in tune with this natural rhythm, doshas are balanced and health is maintained.
4. The Natural Sleep Cycle & Detoxification▼
Between 11 PM and 3 AM, the maximum blood flow is towards the liver. This is a crucial time when the body undergoes a detoxification process with the help of the liver. But this process only begins once you reach deep sleep.
If you enter deep sleep at 11 PM, the body gets a full 4 hours to detoxify. If you reach deep sleep at 12 AM, the body gets only 3 hours. At 1 AM, only 2 hours. And at 2 AM, just 1 hour. Where 4 hours are strictly needed, getting fewer hours means detoxification remains incomplete, turning the body into a home for toxic diseases. That's why, no matter how many hours you sleep after a late night, you still feel tired the next day.
Brahma Muhurta: Between 3 AM to 5 AM, blood circulation is towards the lungs. This is the time to cleanse your mind and body through subtle practices like meditation. After that, you should exercise in the fresh air, which is rich in beneficial iron at this time.
According to Ayurveda, regardless of your Prakriti, you should wake up before 6 AM because after that, Kapha becomes dominant, which brings lethargy instead of freshness. Similarly, lunch should be finished by 2 PM (when Pitta is dominant for good digestion), and you should sleep by 10 PM (Kapha dominance brings deep sleep).
Morning Routine: From 5 to 7 AM, purified blood flows to the large intestine, actively aiding in bowel movements. Then, from 7 to 9 AM, the blood flows towards the stomach. This is the time you must eat a nutritious breakfast. Skipping it leads to many future health problems.
This is nature's health clock for your body. Following it ensures a long, healthy life. If you have late-night work, form a habit of sleeping early and waking up early to finish it. You will get the same time, but with a healthier body!
8. Rutucharya (Ayurvedic Seasonal Routine)
Ayurvedic Seasonal Routine & Lifestyle
Ritucharya is an ancient Ayurvedic practice and it is composed of two words. 'Ritu' means season and 'Charya' which means rule or discipline. Ritucharya is a way of life.
Seasonal changes affect us physically and mentally. Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle combat this. Ritucharya helps us build our physical strength. It protects against physical and mental ailments caused by seasonal changes and balances the three doshas in our body throughout the year, helping us maintain health.
Ayurveda has described 6 seasons keeping in mind the changes in the climate. A year is divided into 2 periods (Kaal). Kaal is a Sanskrit word meaning a period of time. Each period has 3 seasons, making 6 seasons in a year. Each season lasts for about two months and these 6 seasons are found uniquely in the Indian subcontinent.
During this season, the sun and wind are extremely powerful. The sun consumes all the energy in people and even the cooling qualities of the earth. The sun burning with heat gives great heat, and in plants and humans, heat properties increase and become dry. Thus, the power inherent in individuals is reduced.
- Shishir Ritu (Winter): Mid January to Mid-March
- Vasant Ritu (Spring): Mid-March to Mid-May
- Grishma Ritu (Summer): Mid-May to Mid-July
During this season, the moon and coolness are extremely powerful. Due to this, energy accumulates in people and the quality of coolness in the earth increases. There is a shift from humid to cooler climates. This increases cooling properties in plants and humans. Thus, the strength inherent in individuals increases.
- Varsha Ritu (Monsoon): Mid-July to Mid-September
- Sharad Ritu (Autumn/Fall): Mid-September to Mid-November
- Hemant Ritu (Pre-Winter): Mid-November to Mid-January
1. Shishir Ritu (Winter) - Mid January to Mid-March▼
The weather during this season is cool and windy. Lethargy and laziness are seen in people. Kapha dosha is eliminated in the body and Agni (digestive fire) is increased.
- Ayurveda mentions six tastes. Sweet, sour and salty foods are especially beneficial in cold and dry winters.
- Foods with bitter (tikt), pungent (katu), and astringent (kashay) tastes should be avoided. Cool and light food should not be taken.
- Bitter and spicy foods increase Vata and dryness in the body.
- So it is advisable to eat heavy food in this season. If a large quantity of food is consumed, there is no indigestion.
- One should avoid cold food/drinks and consume warm water, ginger tea.
- As the external environment cools, the body retains heat. This leads to a strong digestive power (Jathragni), which enables the body to digest heavy foods like meat, fat, and dairy products like milk, cheese, ghee etc.
- New grains such as wheat, rice, gram flour products, legumes, and corn are suggested. Non-vegetarians should eat meat for good energy.
- Foods like Amla, ginger, garlic, pipel (long pepper), sugarcane products, apples, guavas, grapes, dates, and dry fruits are preferred.
- Abhyangam (hot oil massage) followed by Svedan (steam bath) is great. Head massage is also recommended to produce heat and prevent Vata aggravation.
- After bathing, apply an abhishek (paste) of heat-producing herbs like saffron (kesar) or aloe wood (aguru) to keep the body warm.
- Heavy, warm, dry clothes should be worn (silk, leather, jute, thick cotton, wool).
- Vigorous exercises like wrestling, aerobics, or physical workouts should be done.
- Do 'dhoop' of Aguru at home. Inhaling it clears the respiratory tract and removes phlegm.
- Expose yourself to morning sun rays.
- Avoid: Fasting, sleeping during the day, cold winds.
- Festivals: Makara Sankranti, Maha Shivratri, Holi.
2. Vasant Ritu (Spring) - Mid-March to Mid-May▼
New leaves and flowers are born during this season, along with mahabhuta (earth and air) and rasa kashaya (Astringent). During this season one's energy remains moderate. The increased Kapha liquefies due to the heat of the sun, which reduces Agni (digestive capacity) and increases the possibility of diseases.
- Eat easily digestible food.
- Wheat, rice and old barley should be eaten as grains, and lentils and mung beans as pulses.
- Foods with bitter (tikt), pungent (katu), and astringent (kashay) tastes should be eaten.
- Barley, honey, roasted meat, mango juice can be taken.
- Drinks like Asava (fermented infusion), Arista (fermented decoction), Sidhu (fermented sugarcane juice), and water boiled with honey and sandalwood extract.
- Avoid: Hard to digest, cold, sour, sweet, and fatty foods. These increase Kapha, causing dosha imbalance and disease.
- Physical exercise should be done.
- Dry Massage with sandalwood, saffron, agarwood powder is good.
- After massaging, take a bath with kapura / sandalwood / kumkum water. Using warm water is considered ideal.
- Actions like Kavalu (gargle), Dhrumra (smoking herbal preparations), Anjana (colyrium) and Vamana are advised.
- Sleeping during the day is not advised.
3. Grishma Ritu (Summer) - Mid-May to Mid-July▼
Sun rays become more powerful in this season. There is intense heat, and environmental conditions negatively affect the body. Lakes dry up, plants become lifeless, and one's powers weaken. Vata dosha increases day by day, while Kapha and Agni remain mild. Salty (lavan), pungent (katu), sour (amla) tastes and hot food should be avoided.
- Foods which are easy to digest with sweet, soft (snigdha), cold (shita) and liquid (dravya) qualities should be eaten (e.g., rice, dal).
- Boiled rice with meat, cornflour, curd (yogurt) can be taken.
- Cold water, buttermilk, fruit juices, mango juice, and drinks like curd mixed with pepper are recommended.
- Drink 'Panak panchasara' (chilled syrup prepared with grapes, dates, and cardamom).
- Sugary milk should be drunk at bedtime.
- Stay in a cool place, apply sandalwood and other cooling aromatic pastes to the body.
- Decorate with fragrant flowers, wear light clothes, and sleeping during the day is allowed.
- At night, enjoy the cool breeze and moon rays.
- Excessive exercise, strenuous work, sexual pleasure, and alcohol should be avoided.
The 12 Nectars of Summer (To beat the heat):
- 1. Salty and sweet Buttermilk (Chaas).
- 2. Raw Mango juice (Baflo / Aam Panna).
- 3. Tender green coconut water.
- 4. Pungent onion (protects from heatstroke).
- 5. Sour Lemon juice syrup.
- 6. Green Watermelon juice.
- 7. Cold Rose Gulkand in milk.
- 8. Kokum juice (cures hyperacidity).
- 9. Sweet fragrant Vetiver (Valo) infused water.
- 10. Mango-onion salad.
- 11. Raw mango Murabba.
- 12. Ripe mango juice with dry ginger (Soonth) and ghee.
4. Varsha Ritu (Monsoon) - Mid-July to Mid-September▼
During this season, the sky is overcast and rain falls. Lakes and rivers are filled with water. This season is dominated by amla rasa (sour) and the earth and fire elements. Human digestion becomes weak. Vata dosha fluctuates and Agni is impaired due to a reduction in Pitta dosha.
- Foods with sour (amla), salty (lavan) tastes and viscid/soft qualities should be eaten.
- Include old barley, rice, wheat, and medicinal soups in the diet.
- Drink medicated decoctions or boiled water. Avoid drinking direct river water.
- Avoid hard-to-digest foods like heavy meats.
- A proper body massage with oil and warm water bathing is recommended.
- Taking a medicated Basti (enema) can flush out vitiated doshas.
- Panchakarma can be done. Use of perfumes is good.
- Avoid: Soaking in rain, sleeping during the day, excessive exercise, sexual pleasure, hard work, and living by river banks.
Special Health Precautions in Monsoon:
Body strength decreases, digestion weakens, and all three doshas aggravate, increasing disease probability.
- Possible Diseases: Back pain, joint pain, indigestion, gas, asthma, diarrhea, worms, jaundice, and skin diseases.
- Pathya (Favorable) Foods: Warm, unctuous, salty, sour, and light foods.
- Apathya (Unfavorable) Foods: Heavy sweets, cucumber, radish, leafy vegetables.
- Herbs to use: Ginger, dry ginger, fenugreek, drumstick, haritaki, ajwain, dill, tulsi, mint, garlic, amla, baheda, coriander, vidang, kutki, and chirayata.
Bhadrapada (Late Monsoon): The Gateway to Illness
Bhadrapada marks the exit of monsoon and arrival of autumn. Pitta accumulates in the body during monsoon and erupts (Pitta Prakop) in autumn, causing fever and body heat.
- Take 2-3 pills of Sudarshan/Mahasudarshan Ghanvati with lukewarm water every night.
- Eat Kheer (milk-rice-sugar) daily. Sweet milk is the greatest enemy of aggravated Pitta. (This is why Kheer is traditionally eaten during Shradh Paksha).
- Mash a ripe banana (with brown spots) and mix with ghee, sugar, and 3 cardamoms. Eat this at lunch.
- Strictly avoid sour buttermilk. Walk 5 km in the cool hours (morning/evening) and sweat it out.
5. Sharad Ritu (Autumn/Fall) - Mid-September to Mid-November▼
During this season, the sun becomes glorious, the sky remains clear with occasional white clouds, and the earth is full of mud. The prevailing taste is salty (Lavan), and water and fire elements excel. One's strength and energy remain moderate. This season sees the alleviation of Vata and the immense growth and eruption of Pitta (fire).
- Sweet and bitter tasting, easy to digest (laghu), and cooling foods should be eaten.
- Consume foods that pacify spoiled bile (Pitta).
- Wheat, green gram, sugar sweets, and nectar juices should be included in the routine.
- Foods like heavy fat, oil, meat of aquatic animals, and curd should not be eaten.
- Eat only when you feel genuinely hungry.
- Water purified by the sun's rays during the day and moon's rays at night should be drunk and used for bathing.
- Applying sandalwood paste on the body is advised.
- Restorative practices like Virechan (cleansing) and Rakta-mokshana (phlebotomy/bloodletting) are done now.
- Avoid: Sleeping during the day, excessive exposure to sunlight, and overeating.
Navratri and The Danger of 'Pitta Prakop':
Navratri falls during Sharad Ritu, the natural season for 'Pitta Prakop' (eruption of bile). Pitta accumulated during monsoon erupts now. Symptoms include: burning sensations in the chest, stomach, urine, or anywhere in the body, skin redness, liver issues, and ulcers in the mouth/stomach.
To prevent this: Strictly avoid 'Vidahi Aahar' (Pitta-aggravating foods). This includes: Salty, sour, hot spices, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, deep-fried items (ironically, this includes most 'fasting/farali' foods!), Punjabi/Chinese dishes, pizza, burgers, and maida products.
Eating these at night is extremely harmful. After sunset, the body's digestive fire (Agni) is at its lowest. Eating heavy Vidahi food late at night during Navratri multiplies Pitta issues drastically. However, vigorously playing Garba makes you sweat, and Pitta is naturally expelled through sweat, which is a great Ayurvedic remedy hidden in our traditions!
(Sharad is called the 'Mother of Diseases' - रोगाणाम् शारदी माता).
6. Hemant Ritu (Pre-Winter) - Mid-November to Mid-January▼
Hemant Ritu brings changes in our body and surroundings, triggering certain doshas. The weather is dusty, temperatures drop, and cold winds blow, creating an imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas. During this season, there is an overwhelming dominance of the sweet taste and the earth/water elements. One's energy and strength reach a high point, Pitta disorders reduce, and digestive fire (Agni) efficiency increases significantly.
The Agni increases due to Vata dosha, which increases your appetite. Food consumption naturally rises, so one must be mindful to satisfy hunger with nutritious food.
- Eat greasy, sweet, spicy, and salty foods. Include new rice and green gram.
- Drinking Amla juice on an empty stomach is very beneficial.
- Dairy foods like cow's milk, butter, ghee, and edible oil should be consumed generously.
- Include honey and drink warm soups regularly.
- Consume abundant amla, figs, apples, lemons, raisins, spinach, pumpkins, and carrots.
- Drink warm water throughout the season. Sugarcane provides great energy.
- Non-vegetarians should include meat in their diet.
- Avoid: Overeating, fried/cold drinks (carbonated), Vata-aggravating light/dry foods, sleeping during the day, and going out in extreme cold.
- Festivals: Dussehra, Diwali, Makara Sankranti.
- Do regular oil and head massages.
- Daily exercise and yoga are highly recommended.
- Use hot water, take sunbaths, and apply agarwood paste.
- Wear substantial, warm woolen clothes and always wear footwear.
- Staying in warm places and sexual intercourse with a partner are suggested.
Winter Health Specials: What to Eat?
Nature provides abundantly in winter. What we eat in these 4 months sustains our health for the whole year.
- Green Garlic: Detoxifies the entire body and strengthens digestion. Contains 'Allicin', a natural antibiotic that protects against flu and infections.
- Pearl Millet (Bajra): Best eaten in winter. Bajra roti with jaggery and ghee provides warmth, deep satisfaction, and amino acids that reduce bad cholesterol. Don't fear ghee; it provides essential strength.
- Fresh Turmeric: Gold for health! Antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. It strengthens bones and immunity.
- Radish (Moola): Rich in dietary fiber. Clears accumulated winter cough/phlegm from the chest. Zinc and phosphorus cure dry skin and acne.
- Amla: Packed with Vitamin C. Eat it whole! Since Vit C is water/air soluble, don't soak or cut it long before eating. Best eaten raw first thing in the morning.
- Green Leafy Veggies: Spinach, fenugreek, mint, amaranth. Loaded with Iron, Vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants.
- Tuver, Peas, Val, Green Chickpeas: Essential easily digestible plant proteins. (This is why Gujarati 'Undhiyu' is a complete superfood!).
- Dates (Khajur): Best eaten in winter, but ALWAYS with ghee to balance its heat and provide deep nourishment, especially for children.
- Sesame Seeds (Tal): High-quality fats and protein. Generates inner body heat. Sesame with jaggery is highly beneficial.
- Edible Gum (Gund): Essential for bone strength and stamina. Used in winter sweets (Paak).
- Adadiya Pak: A classic sweet packed with herbs like Safed Musli, Gokshura, Kauncha, Ashwagandha, Dry Ginger, etc. Best eaten as a morning breakfast with a cup of milk for immense energy.
Miraculous Lemon & Camphor Remedy for Nerves & Pain
Method: Take 1.5 to 2 liters of tolerably hot lukewarm water. Squeeze one full lemon into it. Crush 2 to 3 camphor (Kapur) tablets into a fine powder and mix it into the water. Soak your feet in this water for 5 to 10 minutes.
Science & Benefits: You will clearly feel all the stiff nerves in your body relaxing. This is because there are 272 pressure points in our feet connected to our entire nervous system. This lemon and camphor water restores these 272 points, completely reactivating and freeing all blocked nerves.
Do this for 5 to 10 minutes, either in the morning or evening for 5 continuous days. It immediately stops tingling in the feet, opens up pinched or stiff nerves, and even cures severe headaches and migraines! It relieves muscle stiffness, old knee aches, spinal/neck nerve compressions, and chronic heel pain. It also removes dead skin, leaving cracked heels soft.
A highly effective, zero-side-effect remedy that saves lakhs of rupees. Share this page with others to help them!
🔍 Master Search & Quick Links
Master Search Tool ✨
Looking for a specific calculator or tool? Instantly search our entire portal below.
📌 Special Note: This website is currently only 25% complete. Soon, this platform will cover every aspect of Occult Science, which will include the following subjects: