Be proactive this Ritu Sandhi: master the change of Season with ease
The Sanskrit word Ritu means season and Sandhi means junction so Ritu Sandhi is a transitional junction or an interseasonal period of 7 days culminating the current season and the 7 days commencing the following season. According to classical Ayurvedic texts:
“During this period, the regimen of the preceding season should be discontinued gradually and that of the succeeding season should be gradually adopted; sudden discontinuance or sudden adoption gives rise to diseases caused by Asatmya (non-habituation).”
Being proactive is a gamechanger in these modern times to help stay happy and healthy during the change of season from summer’s end to early Autumn.
During these 2 weeks, it is advisable to gradually discontinue Summer’s Ritucharya or seasonal regime and gradually begin with Autumnal detoxification guidelines and lifestyle routines to avoid falling ill with the fluctuations in weather, doshas, and digestive fire. This will maintain the physiology’s homeostatic balance, and cleanse any accumulated ama, a sticky toxin created by undigested food, which may have accumulated and clogged bodily tissues and channels.
During the Summer, the hot quality of Pitta Dosha may have accumulated in your physiology from your external environment as well as the dry, airy qualities of Vata Dosha from consuming cooling or raw foods and cold beverages, being very active, or perhaps from travelling.
To glide gracefully through Ritu Sandhi, I recommend a Pitta-Vata mind-body cleanse to gradually detoxify and prepare oneself on all levels: emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually as Autumn, Sharad, is a period of letting go holistically.
Daily Pitta-Vata balancing routine:
Try to awaken in tune with the sunrise, around 6 AM, and be in bed around 10 PM to maximise rest, cellular regeneration, lower cortisol levels, and allow your immune system to release inflammation-fighting cytokines during sleep.
Drink a cup of warm water right after waking up to help with the even movement of the subdosha, Samana Vata, which is located in the stomach, small and large intestines. This promotes a healthy morning evacuation of your bowels.
Kickstart your body with self-care by treating yourself to a self-massage, Abhyanga, with warm, cured sesame oil, (if you have dry skin which needs moisturising and nourishing), or Pitta massage oil, (if your skin has been generously sun-kissed and needs soothing). Daily abhyanga has numerous benefits: it balances Vata Dosha, reduces anxiety, depression, fatigue, and feeling weaker through the day; it supports healthy circulation; enhances energy and vitality; loosens up any toxins in tissues; stimulates nerve endings; and promotes lubrication, lustre, softness, and youthfulness of your skin from head to toe.
After your shower, I recommend practising either Maharishi Yoga Asanas or Sun Salutation stretching exercises to reconnect your physiology with its inner intelligence, increase circulation and flexibility, remove surface fatigue, heaviness, stress, and stiffness in the body, followed by Transcendental Meditation. Repeat in the afternoon after work.
Take an enlivening walk outside in the powerfully positive morning sun. This easy exercise in the nourishing, rising sunlight is known to have a multitude of health-promoting benefits for both your mind and body as many studies have shown.
By maintaining a regular routine over these two weeks in waking, sleeping, exercising, meditation, eating times, and avoiding delaying or skipping meals, you will enjoy balanced doshas, health, and well-being.
Disclaimer: Please note these are general recommendations to educate and guide, and do not take into account individual mind-body types, or any pre-existing conditions, or disorders one may have. It is best to have a personal consultation with a qualified Maharishi AyurVeda professional to gain insight into your health history, assess your current state, and be given an individualised nutrition and lifestyle plan, herbal remedies, and/or treatment recommendations.
