Sharat Ritu: Harmony in the Glow of Autumn

Autumn (Fall) is a season of vibrant colors and gentle transitions. Leaves turn golden and red, falling softly to carpet the ground. The air grows crisp, inviting cozy sweaters and warm drinks. It's a time for reflection and gratitude, as we gather the harvest and prepare for the quieter months ahead.

The period from September to November is described in Ayurveda as Sharat Ritu, or the autumn season. This time of the year is marked by a bright and radiant sun, a clear blue sky often adorned with patches of white clouds, and an earth surface still moist and muddy after the rains. The environment appears fresh and vibrant, reflecting a natural transition between the rainy season and the onset of winter. As the sky is clear and cloudless, the sun rays are hot, wide and far reaching. However, unlike Greeshma Ritu, the air is not dry and moisture less. Fishes and other aquatic organisms become active, so lakes and ponds have undulating appearance from the brisk movement of these small beings.

In terms of health, an individual’s strength during this period is considered to be moderate. The season naturally brings about the pacification of vitiated Vata Dosha, while simultaneously leading to the aggravation of Pitta Dosha. This makes autumn a critical time for adopting dietary and lifestyle measures that balance Pitta and support overall well-being.

Another notable feature of this season is the increased activity of Agni (digestive fire). This increased digestive capacity allows the body to efficiently process food, provided the diet is suitable for the season. Hence, following seasonal regimens (Ritucharya) that emphasize cooling, light, and Pitta-pacifying foods becomes especially important.

Diet in Sarat Rtu

·       Eat sweet, bitter, light, and cooling foods in appropriate amounts.

·        Include grains like wheat, barley, Sali rice, and green gram in your diet.

·       Pointed gourd, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, ash gourd is recommended strongly as they are sweet and slightly bitter.

·       Heavy to digest vegetables like potato, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage should be reduced – and must be cooked well with ghee

·       Avoid fatty foods, oils, meat from marshy or aquatic animals, and curd.

·        Incorporate gooseberry into your meals.

·        Refrain from consuming potent alcoholic beverages.

·       Meat is suggested for those with good appetite or hunger – if your appetite is poor, eat less frequently

Lifetsyle

•     Avoid exposure to mist

•     Day-sleep, excessive eating, excessive exposure to sunlight are to be avoided.

•      Clothes should be cotton, loose and light coloured.

•      Use sandalwood and vetiver root powders for body massages.

•      Delight in the cool night breeze during the first three hours after sunset. Since the moon is said to be more powerful than the sun during this period, especially the first 3 hours of the moonlight during the night, walking under the moon or deep breathing can also bring balance to the vitiated doshas.

•      Drinking moonbeam-infused water in a copper vessel is believed to be of medicinal nature that can improve and restore the health of the body.

•    To reduce excess pitta, follow purgation and bloodletting therapies.

·     During this season we slowly regain our body strength. Exercising in the morning from 6-10AM for about 30-45 mins is ideal to maintain balance.

By following suitable dietary and lifestyle practices aligned with this season, one can not only prevent imbalances but also enhance vitality, preparing the body for the approaching winter.