Ayurveda acknowledges that we do not exist in isolation from the natural world, but as an integral part of it.  Our bodies, health and well-being are relying on nature, the environment where we live and are influenced by everything around us and in turn influence the way we relate to it. Generally, our body also gets affected by the various seasons and the changes occurring in them. Like Bharat, most ancient civilizations knew this connection with nature and lived in accordance with it. With the advent of modern technology and Western medicine that made tremendous progress in increasing longevity, people have lost the natural and instinctive knowledge of listening to our bodies and the ways nature influences them with seasonal changes. Due to industrialization and mechanized agriculture, seasonal foods are available on the shelf year-round and spending more time indoors. Climate change also altered the character of seasons.

According to Ayurveda, the year is divided into two periods (kaal), each with multiple seasons:

1. Uttarayana, the cold months. The seasons of autumn/fall, late autumn/pre-winter, deep winter.
2. Dakshinayana, the warm months. The seasons of spring and summer.

Our body naturally adapts itself to the seasonal changes to remain healthy, fit, and free of illnesses, when we follow Ritucharya or seasonal routine by aligning slightly our Prakriti with each seasonal switch you will stay healthy, live longer, and have more strength. The changes in the seasons influence the three doshas that constitute one’s Prakriti.

A.    The Kapha dosha is associated with the elements of Earth and Water, and impacted by seasonal changes.

• Accumulation (Chaya): During late winter (Shishira Ritu), Kapha dosha begins to accumulate. The cold, wet, and heavy qualities of winter season contribute to the build-up of Kapha in the body.
• Aggravation (Prakopa): Kapha becomes aggravated or vitiated during spring (Vasanta Ritu). When snow starts melting and temperature starts rising the accumulated Kapha  liquefy and flow, potentially leading to congestion, allergies, sluggish digestion, and other Kapha imbalances.
• Pacification (Prasama): Kapha naturally pacifies or subsides during the summer (Grishma Ritu). The hot, dry, and light qualities of summer help to balance Kapha's heavy, cool, and moist nature. 

According to Ayurvedic medicine, Kapha dosha mostly accumulates in the chest, lungs, stomach, and joints. It is also found in the head, throat, and in various tissues throughout the body. Excess Kapha can cause congestion in the respiratory system, digestive issues, and joint problems. 

Maintaining balance of Kapha dosha during these seasonal transitions is important for overall health, and it is also recommended to adjust diet and lifestyle to support Kapha balance throughout the year.

B.    As per Ayurveda, Pitta dosha is associated with the elements of fire and water.

·       Summer (Pitta Season): Pitta dosha is dominant during the summer due to heat intensity and the qualities of fire and water are at their peak in nature, leading to potential imbalances if not managed. Increased Pitta in the environment can manifest as heightened body heat, irritability, and skin irritations.

·       Autumn (Vata season, Pitta aggravation): Pitta dosha, which accumulated in the summer, may become aggravated during autumn due to cool and dry weather. This aggravation can cause skin rashes, acid reflux, heartburn, and difficulty in sleeping, if not properly balanced during the preceding season

·       Onset of Winter (Pitta pacification): Pitta dosha is naturally pacified during the onset of winter due to the cold and dry qualities of the season that counteract the fiery nature of Pitta.

·       Monsoon (Pitta accumulation): Pitta begins to accumulate during the monsoon/rainy season due to the warm and moist qualities.

·       Late Winter/Early Spring (Pitta accumulation continues): The warm and moist qualities associated with late winter and early spring also contribute to the accumulation of Pitta. 

Pitta, primarily accumulates in the stomach, small intestine, liver, and blood. It also resides in the eyes, sweat, and taste buds where Pitta's fire and heat-related functions, such as digestion and metabolism, are most active.

C.    Vata dosha is associated with the elements of air and ether (space). Vata is considered the energy of movement and governs all bodily functions related to movement, such as breathing, circulation, and nerve impulses. It is also linked to qualities like dryness, lightness, and coldness. Vata accumulation begins in summer, its active and most disruptive period occurs during late fall and early winter due to the increase in the cold, dryness, rough, and irregular qualities of the weather.

·       Accumulation (Chaya): Vata starts to accumulate during the summer months (Grishma).

·       Aggravation (Prakopa): Vata reaches its peak and becomes aggravated during the rainy season (Varsha), and this aggravation continues into late fall and early winter.

·       Pacification (Prasama): Vata naturally pacifies during the autumn season, returning to a state of balance after the aggravation.

Vata tends to accumulate in the large intestine, the pelvic area, the knees, the skin, the ears, and when Vata goes out of balance, it can move from these primary locations and affect other areas of the body, leading to a range of symptoms. For example, excess Vata in the colon can eventually lead to dry skin, anxiety, insomnia, and other imbalances the hips. 

It is crucial to understand these seasonal rhythms and adjust lifestyles, diets, and activities accordingly to maintain dosha balance and prevent potential health issues

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