The Monsoon Ayurveda Care Handbook: Essential Guide for the Rainy Season

Let’s sync with the monsoon season! 

As the scorching heat of summer surrenders to the gentle touch of raindrops, nature undergoes a magnificent transformation. The monsoon season brings relief, rejuvenation, and an opportunity to align ourselves with the healing power of the elements. Let’s see the monsoon through the lens of Ayurveda. The monsoon season is called Varsha Ritu. One needs to follow Ritucharya for this particular season.

Let’s dive in and discover how these ancient practices can help us ponder upon the magic of rainy season care! 

1. Stay Hydration

• Drink warm herbal teas like ginger tea, tulsi tea, or cinnamon tea to keep yourself warm and hydrated during the monsoons. We know that rain calls for hot coffee or tea but excessive intake of caffeinated and carbonated drinks can dehydrate the body and bring about indigestion.
• In the monsoon season, the digestive fire (agni) tends to be weak. Consuming excessive fluids can also hinder the metabolic rate. 

2. Skin Nourishment

• Choose light, non-greasy moisturizers during the monsoons to avoid clogging the pores. Look for moisturizers containing ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, or rose water, which have hydrating properties and help maintain the skin’s moisture balance.
• Monsoons can make the feet prone to infections and fungal growth due to prolonged exposure to moisture. Take extra care of your feet by keeping them clean and dry. Use anti-fungal powders or herbal talcum powders to prevent infections. Avoid walking barefoot in puddles or damp areas to minimize the risk of infections.

3. Hair Care

• Shield your hair from humidity by covering it when it’s wet to prevent damage.
• Opt for mild, sulfate-free shampoos to avoid dryness.
• Nourish with natural ingredients like yogurt, honey, or aloe vera. Regular oiling with coconut or almond oil enhances texture and shine.

4. Balance Diet

• Include ghee, which is clarified butter derived from cow’s milk, in your diet. It supports digestion and immunity and also enhances memory.
• In the rainy season, the utilization of medicated oils containing neem, turmeric, and other ingredients proves good for eliminating skin infections and maintaining healthy skin.
• To maintain a healthy diet during the rainy season, it is recommended to avoid raw foods and instead opt for warm, freshly prepared meals.
• Emphasize the inclusion of thin soups in your meals, which can aid digestion and provide nourishment.
• Supporting your digestive system with ingredients like ginger and lemon can also contribute to overall well-being during this season.
• Food made from wheat, barley, rice, etc can be consumed. 

5. Take care of your Agni

• In Varsha Ritu, the Jatharagni (digestive fire) is weak and there are pitta problems. This results in weaker digestive and metabolic activities of the body. To promote healthy digestion during Varsha Ritu, it is recommended to follow an ideal diet that excludes uncooked foods and emphasizes warm, freshly-cooked meals. Incorporating ingredients like ginger and lemon can provide additional support for your digestive system.
• We all know the hot snacks in the stall keep calling us loudly during the monsoons but consuming such oily food can lead to further digestion problems. Why add more troubles?

6. Monsoon Wellness Lifestyle

• It is common to experience fungal infections of the toes and nails during the rainy season.
• To prevent skin issues, it is important to maintain good hygiene and keep them clean. It’s a good idea to cut your nails and avoid going barefoot during the rains as we invite infections.
• The cool weather can tend to make you feel cozy and go for a nice nap, but beware as that can affect your digestion and metabolism during the rains. Immunity is quite low and your body is weak, you can take the help of panchakarma treatments to keep you strong.

7. Balancing Monsoon Doshas

• The monsoon season leads to an aggravation of vata dosha and accumulation of pitta dosha, which can weaken the body systems.
• The accumulation of pitta dosha specifically affects the digestive system, causing sluggishness and weakness, ultimately resulting in indigestion. One should avoid food that can aggravate these doshas.

8. Monsoon Taste

• Amla (Sour) is the taste of the monsoon season. It is advisable to eat foods that possess a sour (amla) and salty (Lavana) taste.
• One can also have sweet and unctuous food as well. The Mahabhuta (elements) of  Prithvi (earth) and Agni (fire) govern this season.

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Conclusion

By following these Ayurvedic monsoon care tips, you can maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle, protect your hair, and nourish your body during the rainy season. Remember to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized advice based on your unique constitution and health needs. Enjoy the monsoon season with wellness and vitality!

At Sri Sri Ayurveda Hospital, we also offer online consultation support with our Ayurveda specialists to get the right guidance from the comfort of your home. Connect to our specialists and plan an individual path back to health.