Ritucharya: Answer to the lifestyle disorders

Abstract

Ritu, the season, classified by different features expresses different effects on the body as well as the environment. Ayurveda has depicted various rules and regimens (Charya), regarding diet and behavior to acclimatize seasonal enforcement easily without altering body homeostasis. The prime principle of Ayurvedic system of medicine is preventive aspect, can be achieved by the change in diet and practices in response to change in climatic condition. This is a very important aspect of preventive medicine as mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. Lifestyle disorders are very common in the present era, basically originating from lack of following seasonal regimens due to lack of concentration in seasonal characteristics. A firm scientific analysis is the base, which holds true even on date. In this review article, various regimens in diet and lifestyle as mentioned in the classics of Ayurveda and their importance on lifestyle disorders has been discussed.

Full text

466 AYU | Oct-Dec 2011 | Vol 32 | Issue 4
Review Article
Ritucharya: Answer to the lifestyle disorders
Jayesh Thakkar1, S. Chaudhari2, Prasanta K. Sarkar3
1Internee, 2Lecturer, Department of Samhita and Siddhanta, 3Lecturer, Department of Rasa shastra, J. B. Roy
State Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Abstract
Ritu, the season, classied by different features expresses different effects on the body as well
as the environment. Ayurveda has depicted various rules and regimens (Charya), regarding diet
and behavior to acclimatize seasonal enforcement easily without altering body homeostasis.
The prime principle of Ayurvedic system of medicine is preventive aspect, can be achieved
by the change in diet and practices in response to change in climatic condition. This is a very
important aspect of preventive medicine as mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. Lifestyle disorders
are very common in the present era, basically originating from lack of following seasonal
regimens due to lack of concentration in seasonal characteristics. A rm scientic analysis is
the base, which holds true even on date. In this review article, various regimens in diet and
lifestyle as mentioned in the classics of Ayurveda and their importance on lifestyle disorders
has been discussed.
Key words: Lifestyle disorders, seasonal regimens, seasonal variations in India
Address for correspondence: Dr. Prasanta K. Sarkar,
J. B. Roy State Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital,
170-172, Raja Dinendra Street, Kolkata - 700 004,
West Bengal, India.
E-mail: prasantaksarkar@yahoo.com
AYU Access this article online
Website: www.ayujournal.org
DOI: 10.4103/0974-8520.96117
Quick Response Code:
Introduction
Ayurveda, the age old science of life, has always emphasized to
maintain the health and prevent the diseases by following proper
diet and lifestyle regimen rather than treatment and cure of the
diseases. The basic principle followed in the Ayurvedic system
of medicine is Swasthyashya Swasthya Rakshanam, which means
to maintain the health of the healthy, rather than Aturashya
Vikara Prashamanancha, means to cure the diseases of the
diseased.[1] For this purpose the Dinacharya (daily regimen)
and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) have been mentioned in the
classics of Ayurveda.[2]
With the change in season, the change is very evident in the
environment we live in. We see various changes in bio-life
around us, such as flowering in spring and leaf-shedding in
autumn in the plants, hibernation of many animals with the
coming of winter, and so on. As human being is also part of
the same ecology, the body is greatly influenced by external
environment. Many of the exogenous and endogenous rhythm
have specific phase relationship with each other; which means
that they interact and synchronize each other. If body is unable
to adopt itself to stressors due to changes in specific traits of
seasons, it may lead to Dosha Vaishamya, which in turn may
render the body highly susceptible to one or other kinds of
disorders.[3]
As adaptations according to the changes, is the key for
survival , the knowledge of Ritucharya (regimen for various
seasons) is thus important. People do not know or ignore the
suitable types of food stuffs, dressing, and others regimen to
be followed in particular season, this leads to derangement
of homeostasis and causes various diseases, such as obesity,
diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and so on. Lifestyle diseases are
a result of an inappropriate relationship of people with their
environment. Onset of these lifestyle diseases is insidious,
delayed development, and difficult to cure.[4] In our country
the situation is quite alarming due to rapid changing of disease
profile. The World Health Organization has identified India as
one of the nations that is going to have most of the lifestyle
disorders in the near future. Nowadays, not only are lifestyle
disorders becoming more common, but they are also affecting
younger population. Hence, the population at risk shifts
from 40+ to maybe 30+ or even younger. Already considered
the diabetes capital of the world, India now appears headed
toward gaining another dubious distinction of becoming the
lifestyle-related disease capital as well. A study conducted
jointly by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Max
Hospital shows the incidence of hypertension, obesity, and heart
disease is increasing at an alarming rate, especially in the young,
urban population. According to the doctors, a sedentary lifestyle
combined with an increase in the consumption of fatty food
and alcohol is to blame cases of obesity, diabetes, hypertension,
and so on.
Ritucharya is prominently discussed in the first few chapters
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Thakkar, et al.: Ritucharya for lifestyle disorders
of most of the Samhitas of Ayurveda. Prevention of disease to
maintain health is being the first and foremost aim of the holistic
science of Ayurveda. In Tasyashitya chapter of Charaka Samhita,
it is said “Tasya Shitadiya Ahaarbalam Varnascha Vardhate.
Tasyartusatmayam Vaditam Chestaharvyapasrayam,” which means
‘the strength and complexion of the person knowing the suitable
diet and regimen for every season and practicing accordingly
are enhanced.[5] Main theme of this chapter is to make people
aware concerning the methods to live in accordance with the
environment. In this article, the Ritucharyas mentioned in the
classics of Ayurveda have been discussed and emphasis has been
given on the likely impact of Ritucharya on lifestyle disorders.
Classification of season
The year according to Ayurveda is divided into two periods
Ayana (solstice) depending on the direction of movement of
sun that is Uttarayana (northern solstice) and Dakshinayana
(southern solstice). Each is formed of three Ritus (seasons).
The word Ritu means “to go.” It is the form in which the
nature expresses itself in a sequence in particular and specific in
present forms in short, the seasons.[6]
A year consists of six seasons, namely, Shishira (winter), Vasanta
(spring), and Grishma (summer) in Uttarayan and Varsha
(monsoon), Sharata (autumn), and Hemanta (late autumn) in
Dakshinayana. As Ayurveda has its origin in India, the above seasonal
changes are observed predominantly in Indian subcontinent.
Uttarayana and its effect
Uttarayana indicates the ascent of the sun or northward
movement of the sun. In this period the sun and the wind are
powerful. The sun takes away the strength of the people and
the cooling quality of the earth. It brings increase in the Tikta
(bitter), Kashaya (astringent), and Katu (pungent) Rasa (taste),
respectively, which brings about dryness in the body and reduces
the Bala (strength). It is also called Adana Kala.
According to modern science, this can be compared with the
gradual movement of earth around the sun to the position,
in which the rays of the sun falls perpendicularly at 30 degree
meridian of the North Pole on June 21st every year, called as
summer solstice. The northward journey of the Sun from Tropic
of Capricorn to Tropic of Cancer happens.
During Uttarayana the seasonal changes in Indian subcontinent
is from Shishira (winter) to Vasanta (spring) and to Grishma
(summer). The period can be compared to mid-January to
mid-July, when warmness and dryness in weather increases.
It has an overall debilitating effect on environment, to which
human being is also a part.
Dakshinayana and its effect
Dakshinayana indicates the descent of the sun or movement of
the sun in southern direction. In this period, the wind is not very
dry; the moon is more powerful than sun. The earth becomes
cool due to the clouds, rain, and cold winds. Unctuousness
sets in the atmosphere and Amla (sour), Lavana (salty), and
Madhura (sweet) Rasa are predominant, so the strength of
person enhances during this period. It is also called Visarga Kala.
According to modern science, this can be compared with the
gradual movement of the earth around the sun to the position,
in which the rays of the sun fall over 30 degree meridian of
the South Pole perpendicularly on December 21st every year, is
called as winter solstice. The southward movement of the Sun
occurs from Tropic of Cancer to Tropic of Capricorn.
During Dakshinayana, the seasonal changes occur in the Indian
subcontinent from Varsha (monsoon) to Sarata (autumn) and to
Hemanta (late autumn). This period can be compared to mid-July
to mid-January, when cool sets, and due to which anabolic activity
dominates over the catabolic activity in the environment.
State of strength
In the beginning of Visarga Kala and ending of Adana kala, that
is, during Varsha and Grishma, weakness occurs. In the middle
of the solstices, that is, during Sharata and Vasanta, strength
remains in moderate grade and in the end of Visarga Kala and
in the beginning of Adana Kala, that is, during Hemanta and
Shishira, maximum strength is seen.[7]
Regimen of different seasons
Shishira (winter)
General condition
Mid-January to mid-March (approximately) is considered as
Shishira Ritu (winter). During this season, the environment
remains cold, along with cold wind. The predominant Rasa and
Mahabhuta during this season are Tikta (bitter) and Akasha,
respectively. The strength of the person becomes less, deposition
of the Kapha Dosha occurs and Agni (catabolism) remains in a
higher state.
Diet regimen
Foods having Amla (sour) as the predominant taste are
preferred. Cereals and pulses, wheat/gram flour products, new
rice, corn, and others, are advised. Ginger, garlic, Haritaki
(fruits of Terminalia chebula), Pippali (fruits of Piper longum),
sugarcane products, and milk and milk products are to be
included in the diet.
Foods having Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), Kashaya
(astringent) predominant Rasa are to be avoided. Laghu (light)
and Shita (cold) foods are advised to be prohibited.
Lifestyle
Massage with oil/powder/paste, bathing with lukewarm water,
exposure to sunlight, wearing warm clothes are mentioned to
follow.
Vata aggravating lifestyle like exposure to cold wind, excessive
walking, sleep at late night, are to be avoided.
Vasanta (spring)
General condition
The approximate time is from mid-March to mid-May. This
season is considered as season of flowering and origin of new
leaves. Predominant Rasa and Mahabhuta during this season
are Kashaya (astringent), and Prithvi and Vayu, respectively.
Strength of the person remains in medium degree, vitiation of
Kapha Dosha occurs and Agni remains in Manda state.
Diet regimen
One should take easily digestible foods. Among cereals, old
barley, wheat, rice, and others are preferred. Among pulses,
lentil, Mugda, and others, can be taken. Food items tasting Tikta
(bitter), Katu (pungent), and Kashaya (astringent) are to be
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taken. Besides those, honey is to be included in the diet. Meats
like that of Shahsa (rabbit), which are easy to digest can be taken.
Foods which are hard to digest are to be avoided. Those which
are Sheeta (cold), Snigdha (viscous), Guru (heavy), Amla (sour),
Madhura (sweet) are not preferred. New grains, curd, cold
drinks, and so on, are also to be prohibited.
Lifestyle
One should use warm water for bathing purpose, may do
exercise during Vasant Ritu. Udvartana (massage) with powder
of Chandana (Santalum album), Kesara (Crocus sativus),
Agaru, and others, Kavala (gargle), Dhooma (smoking), Anjana
(collyrium), and evacuative measures, such as Vamana and
Nasya are advised.
Day-sleep is strictly contraindicated during this season.
Grishma (summer)
General condition
Mid-May to mid-July (approximately) is considered as Grishma
(summer) season. Environment is prevalent with intense heat
and unhealthy wind. The river-bodies dried and the plants
appear lifeless. The predominant Rasa is Katu (pungent) and
Mahabhuta are Agni and Vayu. The strength of the person
become less, deposition of Vata Dosha occurs, but the vitiated
Kapha Dosha is pacified during this season. Agni of the person
will remain in mild state.
Diet regimen
Foods which are light to digest—those having Madhura (sweet),
Snigdha (unctuous), Sheeta (cold), and Drava (liquid) Guna,
such as rice, lentil, etc, are to be taken. Drinking plenty of water
and other liquids, such as cold water, buttermilk, fruit juices,
meat soups, mango juice, churned curd with pepper, is to be
practiced. At bedtime milk with sugar candy is to be taken.
Lavana and food with Katu (pungent) and Amla (sour) taste
and Ushna (warm) foods are to be avoided.
Lifestyle
Staying in cool places, applying sandal wood and other aromatic
pastes over the body, adorning with flowers, wearing light
dresses and sleeping at day time are helpful. During night one
can enjoy the cooled moonrays with breeze. Excessive exercise
or hardwork is to be avoided; too much sexual indulgence and
alcoholic preparations are prohibited.
Varsha (monsoon)
General condition
Mid-July to mid-September (approximately) is considered as
Varsha Ritu. During this season the sky is covered by clouds and
rains occur without thunderstorm. The ponds, rivers, etc., are
filled with water. The predominant Rasa and Mahabhuta during
this season are Amla (sour), and Prithvi and Agni, respectively.
The strength of the person again becomes less, vitiation of Vata
Dosha and deposition of Pitta Dosha, Agni also gets vitiated.
Diet regimen
Foods having Amla (sour) and Lavana (salty) taste and of Sneha
(unctuous) qualities are to be taken. Among cereals, old barley,
rice, wheat, etc., are advised. Besides meat soup, Yusha (soup),
etc. are to be included in the diet. It is mentioned that one
should take medicated water or boiled water.
Intake of river water, churned preparations having more water,
excessive liquid and wine are to be avoided. The foods, which
are heavy and hard to digest, like meat, etc., are prohibited.
Lifestyle
Use of boiled water for bath and rubbing the body with oil
properly after bath is advised. Medicated Basti (enema) is
prescribed as an evacuative measure to expel vitiated Doshas.
Getting wet in rain, day-sleep, exercise, hard work, sexual
indulgence, wind, staying at river-bank, etc., are to be prohibited.
Sharat (autumn)
General condition
The period between mid-September to mid-November is Sharat
Ritu (autumn). During this time the Sun becomes bright,
the sky remains clear and sometimes with white cloud, and
the earth is covered with wet mud. The predominant Rasa is
Lavana (salty) and predominant Mahabhutas are Apa and Agni.
The strength of the person remains medium, pacification of
vitiated Vata Dosha and vitiation of Pitta Dosha occur, and
activity of Agni increases during this season.
Diet regimen
Foods are having Madhura (sweet) and Tikta (bitter) taste,
and of Laghu (light to digest) and cold properties are advised.
Foods having the properties to pacify vitiated Pitta are advised.
Wheat, green gram, sugar candy, honey, Patola (Trichosanthes
diocia), flesh of animals of dry land (Jangala Mamsa) are to be
included in the diet.
Hot, bitter, sweet, and astringent foods are to be avoided. The
food items, such as fat, oils, meat of aquatic animals, curds,
etc., are also to be not included in the diet during this season.
Lifestyle
Habit of eating food, only when there is a feeling of hunger is
recommended. One should take water purified by the rays of sun
in day time and rays of moon at night time for drinking, bathing,
etc. It is advised to wear flower garlands, and to apply paste of
Chandana (Santalum album) on the body. It is said that moon
rays in the first 3 h of night is conducive for health. Medical
procedures, such as Virechana (purging), Rakta-Mokshana (blood
letting), etc, should be done during this season.
Day-sleep, excessive eating, excessive exposure to sunlight, etc.,
are to be avoided.
Hemanta (late autumn)
General condition
Mid-November to mid-January is considered as Hemanta (late
autumn) Ritu. Blow of cold winds starts and chillness is felt.
Predominant Rasa during this season is Madhura and the
predominant Mahabhutas are Prithivi and Apa. The strength of
a person remains on highest grade and vitiated Pitta Dosha gets
pacified. Activity of Agni is increased.
Diet regimen
One should use unctuous, sweet, sour, and salty foods. Among
cereals and pulses, new rice, flour preparations, green gram, Masha,
etc., are mentioned to be used. Various meats, fats, milk and milk
products, sugarcane products, Shidhu (fermented preparations),
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Tila (sesame), and so on, are also to be included in the diet.
Vata aggravating foods, such as Laghu (light), cold, and
dry foods are to be avoided. Intake of colddrinks is also
contraindicated.
Lifestyle
Exercise, body and head massage, use of warm water,
Atapa-sevana (sunbath), application of Agaru on body, heavy
clothing, sexual indulgence with one partner, residing in warm
places is recommended.
Exposure to strong and cold wind, habit of day sleep, etc., are
mentioned to be avoided.[2,8-13]
Discussion
This is the way the ancient sages set up the regimen for various
seasons on analytical reasoning to obtain Swastha (health) and
prevent the diseases. The examples set by them stand as a hint to
decide other dos’ and don’ts’ in the regimen—Ritucharya [Table 1].
The environmental factors include the nature of the land, water,
and various atmospheric phenomena, including temperature,
humidity, wind, rain, clouds, and atmospheric pressure. All
these environmental factors undergo a continuous change and
at a time, no two moments are exactly alike in a given place.
Thus with the rising Sun the temperature keeps on rising
and gradually drops at night. The maximum and minimum
temperature fluctuates daily but it is highest in summer and
lowest in winter. Similarly, all these factors show diurnal as well
as seasonal variations and these variations for a particular time
are known as season.[14]
A study on animals with seasonal changes revealed the effects of
photoperiod on immune function and hormone synthesis which
influence the development of opportunistic disease.[15] Another
study indicated that free-living species from many regions can
seasonally modulate glucocorticoid release. In other words,
the magnitudes of both unstressed and stressed glucocorticoid
concentrations change depending on the time of the year.[16]
A human clinical study was carried out by Mallika et al. to
assess the biophysical and biochemical changes occurring due to
Ritusandhi. Clinical study shows provocation of Tridosha with the
Table 1: Table summarizes the seasonal Do’s and Don’ts
Season Wholesome diet Unwholesome diet
Sisira Ritu
(winter)
Rice (Oryza sativa), Wheat (Triticum aestivum), Tila (Sesamum
indicicum), etc., Milk and milk products, sugarcane (Saccarum
ofcinarum) and its products—jaggery, etc., fats, edible oil,
our products, green vegetables, Sunthi (Zingiber ofcinale),
Lashuna (Allium sativum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Pippali
(Piper longum), etc.
Cold drinks, Vata aggravating foods like
Bengal gram/Chana (Cicer arientinum),
etc.
Too much of foods having sour, bitter,
and astringent taste.
Light foods like puffed rice, etc.
Vasanta Ritu
(spring)
Rice (Oryza sativa), wheat (Triticum aestivum), maize (Zea
mays), barley (Hordium vulgare), green gram (Vigna radiate),
lentil (Lens culinaris), red gram (Cajanus cajan), etc.
Honey, Khadir (Acacia catechu), Musta (Cyprus rotandus),
ginger (Zingiber ofcinale), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Tulsi
(Ocimum sanctum), Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves, etc.
Cold drinks, too much of sweet foods
like sweets prepared from milk.
Sour foods like curd, etc.
Fatty and oily foods.
Heavy foods like meats (in excess), new
grains, black gram (Vigna mungo), etc.
Grishma Ritu
(summer)
Rice (Oryza sativa), green gram (Vigna radiate), etc.
Fruits such as mango (Mangifera indica), water melon (Citrulus
vulgaris), fruit juices, coconut water, Takra (buttermilk), curd
with pepper (Piper nigrum), meat juices, Jaggery (Gur), fennel
(Foeniculum vulgare), etc.
Heavy and warm foods like Urad/black
gram (Vigna mungo), mustard (Brassica
compestris), etc.
Excess of meat, salt, chilli, etc.
Varsha Ritu
(monsoon)
Old barley (Hordium vulgare), rice (Oryza sativa), wheat
(Triticum aestivum), etc.
Meat soup, Yusa (soup), Panchakola (Piper longum, Piper
chaba, Plumbago zeylanicum, Zingiber ofcinale), Saindhav
Lavana (rock salt), etc.
Excessive liquid and wine, river water,
churned and fermented preparations,
etc.
Heavy diet, excess of salts, etc.
Sharat Ritu
(autumn)
Easily digestible cereals and whole pulses, green gram (Vigna
radiate), etc.
Sarkara (sugar‑candy), esh (Jangala mamsa), vegetables like
Patola (Trichosanthes diocia), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum),
etc., fruits, such as Amlaki (Phyllanthus emblica), dates
(Phoenix sylvistris), grapes (Vitis vinifera), etc.
Sour and fermented foods, such as
curd, etc.
Fats and oils, meat of aquatic animals,
etc.
Hemanta Ritu
(late autumn)
Rice (Oryza sativa), wheat (Triticum aestivum), black gram
(Vigna mungo), etc.
Milk and milk products, sugar‑cane (Saccarum ofcinarum)
juice and its products, fats and oils, fermented preparations,
Sunthi (Zingiber ofcinale), Lashuna (Allium sativum), Haritaki
(Terminalia chebula), Pippali (Piper longum), fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum), Tila (Sesamum indicum), etc.
Cold drinks,
Vata aggravating foods, such as Bengal
gram/Chana (Cicer arientinum), etc.
Light foods, such as puffed rice, etc.
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dominance of Vata and Kapha provocation. In this study during
Ritusandhi frequently, Jwara, Pratishyaya, and Alasya Lakshnas were
met with. In Agnibala also although remarkable changes are seen,
they are not up to pathologic mark. Regarding the biochemical
changes, there is a varied pattern—sometimes increasing and
decreasing, but all these are within the range of normal variations.
The variation in biochemical values are seen but not remarkable.[3]
One study carried out by Jangid et al. on the concept of Ritus
and their effect on Bala reported that the overall effect of
Hemanta Ritu on Bala of healthy volunteers was maximum,
effect of Vasanta Ritu was moderate and the effect of Varsha
Ritu was minimum, and concluded that Hemanta is the Ritu
of Pravara Bala, Vasanta is the Ritu of Madhyama Bala and
Varsha is the Ritu of Avara Bala. Results of the study support
the principles of Ayurveda.[14]
Many other systems of medical science have observed the
influence of seasonal rhythm in physical and mental health. To
quote Hippocrates, “Whoever wishes to investigate medicine
properly should proceed thus in the first place to consider the
seasons of the year and what affect each of them produces.”[17]
Even in Tibetan system of medicine, seasons are regarded as
one of the fundamental factors in etiology and pathology, and a
powerful instrument in the prevention of diseases.
In Ayurveda, the knowledge of Ritucharya is a first hand guide
to the concept of Kriya-Kala, which describes the modes and
stages of the development of diseases, with regard to the state
of different Doshas—Vatu, Pitta, and Kapha in accordance
with the changes of time. A good understanding of it is very
much essential for early diagnosis and prognosis for adopting
preventive and curative measures.
It is to be known that disharmony in the Doshas—Vatu, Pitta,
and Kapha results in Roga (disease). And aim of the science
of Ayurveda is to maintain the harmony. With changes in
diet and lifestyle, there are changes in the state of Tridosha,
which is bound to affect us, resulting disharmony, causing
lifestyle diseases. Ritu acts as Vyanjaka or Nimittakarana in
the aggravation and manifestation of disease. For example,
an evening (afternoon) headache is essentially with Vata
predominance. Diseases due to Vata show a tendency to
aggravate during the rainy season.[18]
It has been observed that there is an increased occurrence of
flu, dry skin in winter, heat stroke in summer, pollen allergy in
spring, high incidence of air and water borne diseases in rainy
season, and skin diseases in autumn. Thus it can be said that
physiology vindicates the concept of Ritucharya.[19] Studies
have even revealed the increased incidence of Asthma attack
in winter season. There is also a reference of Seasonal Affective
Disorder in modern science.[20]
Peoples’ diet changed substantially in the second half of
20th century, generally with increased consumption of meat, dairy
products, vegetable oils, fruit juice, and alcoholic beverages, and
decreased consumption of starchy staple foods, such as bread,
potatoes, rice, and maize flour. These observations suggest that
the diets [or lifestyle] of different populations might partly
determine the rates of cancer, and other lifestyle disorders, such
as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc.[21] In 1900, the
top three causes of death in the United States were pneumonia/
influenza, tuberculosis, and diarrhea/enteritis. Communicable
diseases accounted for about 60% of all deaths. In 1900, heart
disease and cancer were ranked number 4 and 8, respectively.
Since the 1940s, the majority of deaths in the United States
have resulted from heart disease, cancer, and other degenerative
diseases. And, by the late 1990s, degenerative diseases
accounted for more than 60% of all deaths.[22]
Already considered the diabetes capital of the world, India now
appears headed towards gaining another dubious distinction of
becoming the lifestyle-related disease capital as well. A study
conducted jointly by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences
and Max Hospital shows that the incidence of hypertension,
obesity, and heart disease is increasing at an alarming rate,
especially in the young, urban population.[23]
Doctors however say a strict diet and regular exercise along
with cholesterol controlling drugs can go a long way in checking
lifestyle diseases. But with the knowledge of Ritucharya we can
surely avoid these by practicing regimen in accordance with
the Ritu to maintain the harmony of the Tridosha and to stay
healthy ever. Growing public awareness, with the support of the
government and corporate wellness programs may help arrest
the rapid increase in the incidence of such diseases, saving lives
and crores of rupees in costs.
With global warming and variation in the advent of season, it can
surely be a query, of the importance of Ritucharya in the present
scenario. It is to be understood that the background on which
Ritucharya is based, that is, Dosha and Panchamahabhuta theory.
Although today Ritus do not follow uniformity, the level of Dosha
and Panchamahabhuta can be analyzed accordingly, to decide the
regimen, to which this knowledge of Ayurveda holds as a pathfinder.
These principles surely demand a closer observation for clarity.
References
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