What should be the diet and lifestyle during the rainy season?
The rainy season lasts from Asar to Bhadra. According to Ayurveda, various changes occur in the body during this time.
Light and digestible food and regular hygiene and exercise are necessary during this time.
Health and immunity can be increased during the rainy season by adopting home remedies and precautions.
The rainy season adorns Nepal, including the Indian subcontinent, from Asar to Bhadra. According to Ayurveda, the rainy season is associated with the elements of water and air. This time is a time of nourishment and transformation. It is believed that during this season, there are significant changes in the properties of the atmosphere and environment, which can affect our physical and mental health.
This season is considered a period of purification and removal of toxins because rain is seen as a natural cleanser, which washes away toxins and impurities from the atmosphere and the earth.
There are generally 6 seasons in Nepal. Ayurveda science has a special discussion on routine and seasonal habits. Each season has a separate description of diet, habits and lifestyle.
Dr. Dipen Devkota MD, Kayachitika
The rainy season, i.e. the rainy season, which usually falls from Asar to Bhadra, is considered a very sensitive time for our body. According to Ayurveda, the environment is cold and humid during this time, which can be a major cause of imbalance in the Vata dosha in the body.
In addition, when the summer heat ends and the cold begins, our digestive power also weakens, which is called ‘Mandagni’ in Ayurveda. Therefore, during the rainy season, food is not digested properly, gas, indigestion, joint pain, fatigue, laziness, skin diseases, colds and other problems may appear.
Therefore, Ayurveda emphasizes the need to take special care during the rainy season. To keep the body in balance during this time, special attention should be paid to diet, sleep, exercise and thinking. Keeping all these things in mind and following the seasons is called Ritucharya in Ayurveda.
What to eat during the rainy season?
During the rainy season, eating too much oily, spicy, sour or cold food is not good for our body. Therefore, we should eat light and digestible food during the rainy season. It is considered best to use a diet rich in sweet, sour, salty and fatty foods. It is good to eat foods made from old barley, wheat and sali rice dishes like anna. Similarly, foods such as meat of land animals and meat juice processed with spices, khichdi, hot dal rice, dal soup, wine made from grapes, corn bread, hot vegetable soup, and greens are suitable.
It is good to drink hot water. It is better to avoid eating raw milk, curd, chiura, ice cream, cold drinks during this time, because such foods increase the problems of gas, indigestion as well as vata and phlegm.
It is good to use sesame oil, ginger, cumin, asafoetida, turmeric, pepper, etc. in food, which strengthens the digestive power and balances vata and phlegm. It is best to eat hot food as much as possible, on time and in small quantities.
What to do from morning to night?
It is considered good to wake up early in the morning during the rainy season. Massaging the body with oil improves blood circulation and reduces joint pain. It is good to take a warm bath after massaging with sesame oil. Then you can do light exercises or yoga, such as Vajrasana, Trikonasana or Shavasana. Serious exercises, excessive intercourse or running too much should not be done, because the digestive power is weak.
Putting 2-2 drops of sesame oil or neem oil in the nose in the morning can prevent cold, headache or allergy. To avoid cold, it is necessary to wear warm, light clothes and keep the body dry. It is not good to sleep during the day during the rainy season, it weakens the digestive system even more. You should eat light food at night. Do not sleep immediately after eating, it is better to wait at least 2 hours. The bed should be clean and comfortable. You should sleep with your body covered to avoid back pain or cold.
Natural Treatments and Home Remedies
Since the immune system decreases during the rainy season, it is good to take some Ayurvedic medicines regularly. Triphala, Guduchi (Giloy), Haritaki, Dashamool, Hingwashtak powder, etc. are helpful in improving digestion and increasing the immune system. Ginger and honey, basil leaves, turmeric water, pepper, etc. can be used at home. Boiling basil, ginger and pepper in hot water once a day and drinking it can prevent colds, coughs and infections.
Water, environment and our behavior
Special precautions should be taken while drinking water in the rain. Drink lukewarm water that has been boiled and cooled as much as possible. Do not drink water from rivers, tanks or mud. Also, walking in water, getting wet or staying in very cold places can cause diseases in the body.
If your clothes get wet, dry them immediately. It is advisable to carry an umbrella or wear a raincoat when going out to protect yourself from rain or getting wet. It is very important to keep the area around the house clean, to prevent the accumulation of garbage, to prevent water from stagnating, and to prevent the spread of weeds.
Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating, and keeping your surroundings clean can help prevent the spread of diseases. It is also important to avoid things like overexertion and prolonged exposure to the sun.
Mental and emotional health
Due to less sunlight and the outbreak of asthma during the rainy season, some people may feel mentally tired, irritable, or sad. Therefore, it may be a good idea to think positively, engage in laughter, meditate and yoga, listen to music, or read a favorite book.
Advice for children, the elderly and the sick
Children, the elderly and those who are already sick should take special care during the rainy season. Keeping them warm, feeding them hot food, protecting them from cold and giving them regular oil massages will increase their immunity. It is important to consult a doctor before using any medicine.
Although the rainy season is naturally a pleasant time, it is challenging for the body. If we adopt a seasonal lifestyle as prescribed by Ayurveda, we can live a healthy, energetic and disease-free life even during the rainy season. By following Ayurvedic Ritucharya by adopting cheap, easy and home remedies, the body gains the strength to fight diseases on its own.
