Health Regimen for Monsoon (Varsha Rutu Charya)

When it comes to lifestyle and health maintenance, a lot is said but very little gets done. In my experience as a physician, I see a lot of them are inspired to make changes so long as I am speaking to them but very few show the resolve to follow up with the regimen required. It is evident that a Herculean effort is required to move out of the comfort zone that people work themselves into. The longer it takes for us to make the decision and effort, the more comfortable we get in our lazy lifestyles. There isn’t any magic pill that can just get in there and simplify our health issues for us.

The only acid test to tell us what works best for whom is the examination of the Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta & Kapha) and the Sapta Dhatus (Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja & Shukra) and other factors in the body. Their levels and stages give the clue about the imbalance in the equilibrium of the body and the impact of environmental changes on it. Accordingly, medicines and changes in food & other habits are advised. Changes in food & other habits can make a big difference in the altered and vitiated constituents of the body (Tridoshas & Sapta Dhatus). These changes have been suggested by our Ancient Vaidyas as Rutucharya (Regimen for the given season) and Sadvritta (the best and correct way to implement the regimen).

The basic rules for the Rutucharya is relevant and applicable till date. Rutus are six in number Varsha (Monsoon), Sharat (Autumn), Hemanta (Pre-winter), Shishira (Winter), Vasanta (Spring) & Grishma (Summer). We are now well into Varsha Rutu, and here are some essential ‘Dos’ and ‘Don'ts’ in Varsha Rutu. The significance of Varsha Rutu is the constant shift between rains and winds. Both of which are major contributory factors of increased Vata dosha. Increase in Vata creates and abates pain in various parts of the body and lowers energy levels making it increasingly difficult to manage the pain and get on with the daily chores and activities. Increased Vata and the dampness in the environment also bring down the appetite. Lowered appetite further depletes the already low energy levels. The combined effect of decreased appetite, low energy levels and inability to manage pain directly affect the ‘Manas’ (mind) . Do you identify with these issues? We can help get back your vigor, vitality and zest for life irrespective of what season you are into!

The first to be tackled is the pain management levels and next is the appetite. To decrease the pains, simple treatments like Sthaanika Abhyanga (Medicated oil massage localized to the pain area) and Sweda (fomentation using herbs specific to your pain) can be adopted. Hot water bath will help reducing Vata very effectively. Slight massage with oils that contain Bala, Laksha and Ashwagandha (Ashwagandha Bala Lakshadi Taila) before bathing is advised as it keeps skin healthy and also helps reduce pains caused by Vata. Paadabhyanga (Sole massage) can be done daily followed by resting legs in a hot water tub with 8-10gms of Salt. This is very good and easy treatment for relaxation and pain relief. If the pains are more medication and treatment is to be taken with the doctor’s advice. Treatments like Udwartana (Body massage with medicated scrubs), Pragharsha help a lot. Ayurveda is the only holistic solution for decreased appetite, low energy levels and pain management all in one go without affecting the vital organs adversely. In fact it can be rightly considered as holistic because it addresses the individual human system as a whole by aiding the body to fight back instead of taking over the functions of the vital organs and doing their job for them temporarily, as is seen in some medicine science. When the body function takes a back seat and allows the medicine to do its job, when the medicine administration stops after the given course, the body is confused and does not function normally anymore.

Only Hot n fresh food is advised to keep it all fine. Also the foods such as milk with sugar, moong daal (Green gram daal) payasam, rice with milk, yoosha (daal) prepared with moong daal and krishara or khichdi prepared by mixing rice and moong daal are ideal to manage Vata. Similar preparations are to be adopted for daily diet. Rice, Wheat, Jowar and Barley, which are old enough, should be the main part of diet as they keep up the appetite. Non vegetarians can go in for fresh and white meat. Avoid excess spices and choose lighter preparations such as Soup and flavored rice instead of Biriyani. Avoid heavy accompaniments such as spicy Gravy and Kebabs. Chicken and fish are advisable as they are comparatively lighter for digestion than red meat. Breakfast is said to be had like a King. But in Varsha rutu it is better to have moderate amount of breakfast which is hot and easily digestible. Idlis are good as they decrease Vata. Ensure chutney has less chilly. Avoid dosa when the appetite is already low. Pohas (Rice flakes) can also be taken but in smaller quantity with warm water and they must be cooked well. Otherwise they will increase Vata. Upma is a good breakfast in Varsha rutu, cooked well and served with Ghee. It may be any food, solid or liquid; it is advised to be mixed with little of Madhu (Honey). Honey helps for better assimilation and appetite maintenance. Amla rasa(Sour), Lavana rasa(Salt), Sneha (Oils and Ghees) are to be considered as the basic combination for the preparation of any food during Varsha Rutu. Rampant infections are an ordeal during Varsha rutu. So Boiled- Cooled water is best suited in this season. As therapeutic as it makes you feel, the drizzle of Varsha rutu can be harmful to the health. Avoid excessive exercise as it reduces energy levels. Also, don’t be eager about soaking up the sun when it peeks from the clouds rarely during Varsha rutu. People living in the hilly regions and the Ghats are best advised to keep the firewood burning in your fire places.

So Varsha rutu demands that you pamper yourself with the right foods, warm clothes, indulging body treatments and Lo! and behold! you are done with your regimen. Shower your loved ones with all this pampering too as they step in from a cold day into the warm space you have created for them. You will have a healthy family and a doting family. But don’t forget self-care as you care for the rest. So get ready to tackle the Vata and to stay healthy with good appetite. I am sure these small changes in your lifestyle can definitely get you through this monsoon in a very healthy, enjoyable and memorable way. Happy Monsoon!

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