Seasonal Ayurvedic Practices for Hemant Ritu

ऋतुविशेषवशाच्च आहारविहारसेवानप्रतिपादनार्थं ऋतुचर्याया: ।

We begin the month of November with the gradually plummeting temperature that makes way for Hemant Ritu, the early winter season. As per Ayurveda, Hemant Ritu begins with Sharad Purnima and it continues for two months, during which the earth cools down, giving rise to an energy that makes us feel rejuvenated. Some special changes occur in the environment and in our bodies during every season or “Ritu” and hence certain foods, exercises, and lifestyle patterns are specifically recommended for each “Ritu”. This process is known as Ritucharya.

अष्टांग ह्रुदय सूत्र ३/१

Aṣṭāṃga Hridayam sutra 3.1

“Whatever there is in the environment is also there is the human body”,

This ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and philosophy direct the need for correcting lifestyle patterns as per the environmental changes. Based on the same Ayurvedic ideology, here are some recommendations on diet, lifestyle, and skincare for this season:

AYURVEDIC SKINCARE GUIDELINES FOR HEMANT RITU:

With Hemant Ritu or the early Winter season, comes dryness, which is a Vata Dosha (the air element) attribute. The coldness (another Vata Dosha attribute) of Winter also leads to dry and dull skin. Hence, special care is needed to lend intense nourishment to the skin. A classic Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation regime can be miraculous in the Hemant Season, especially when customized as per an individual’s Prakruti (constitution).

Ayurveda also suggests few therapies which are great to achieve glowing skin that is healthy and nourished:

1) Parisheka (Therapeutic warm water bath): To counter the influence of cold weather on the skin and body, Parisheka or “warm water bath” with Kapha and Vata pacifying herbs and essential oils, such as Fenugreek, Moringa, Cinnamon and Clove, is recommended.

2) Abhyanga (Oil massage):  Oil Massage therapy with organic unprocessed oils help replenish the body with vital nutrition.  A regular massage with the Forest Essentials rich, cold-pressed oils is excellent to nourish and tone the skin. A warm massage with any of these oils, flushes toxins from the body, tones and relaxes the muscles, prevents cellular ageing and adds a youthful luster to the skin.

For the face, a weekly massage with the Forest Essentials Tejasvi Lightening and Brightening Emulsion will impart nourishment and an iridescent luminosity to the skin.

Essential Tip: Apply a bit of pure cow’s Ghee or Coconut Oil to the dry parts of the body during the night, before going to bed. Not only would this soothe and nurture your skin, but also improve the skin tone.

3) Shiro abhyanga (Head Massage): This recommended to avoid the hair concerns like dry scalp, dandruff, hair fall and dry hair, which are quite common in this season. After the massage, rinse the oil with warm water, as it gives an impact of mild steam to the scalp and hair. Herb enriched Bhringraj Head Massage Oil and Herb enriched Japapatti Head Massage Oil are the ideal choices for Shiroabhyanga.

AYURVEDIC DIET AND LIFESTYLE GUIDELINES FOR HEMANT RITU:

During this season, one starts to desire food that stimulates the senses like taste and smell, as the digestive system is at its peak.

• Warm, nourishing and properly cooked meals are ideal for Hemant Ritu as they help to keep you warm and energetic.
• Warming spices like Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove and Turmeric are good to keep the energy and warmth of the body intact.
• Increase your intake of dry fruits and seeds. You can opt for Sunflower seeds, Flaxseeds, Pumpkin seeds, Almonds, Pine nuts, Peanuts and Walnuts in this season.
• Include some cow’s Ghee in your diet as it will help to balance the Vata Dosha and impart the required nourishment to the skin.
• Avoid excess pungent, bitter and astringent food. These can increase appetite, which is undesirable as the appetite is already high during this season.
• Avoid sweet and cold foods, like ice creams, smoothies, and chilled milkshakes, etc. Opt for green teas, masala chai, Chamomile tea or some Jasmine tea to uplift the senses.

Written by Dr. Taruna Yadav

Ayurveda Expert, For Forest Essentials