Autumn season or Fall शरदऋतु (अश्विन- कार्तिक )
Autumn Season / Fall / (पतझड़)
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Season of Fall / शरदऋतु |
स्वच्छ चाँदनी बिछी हुई है अवनि और अम्बरतल में।
पुलक प्रकट करती है धरती, हरित तृणों की नोकों से,
मानों झीम रहे हैं तरु भी, मन्द पवन के झोंकों से॥"
"क्या ही स्वच्छ चाँदनी है यह, है क्या ही निस्तब्ध निशा;
है स्वच्छन्द-सुमंद गंधवह, निरानंद है कौन दिशा?
है बिखेर देती वसुंधरा, मोती, सबके सोने पर,
रवि बटोर लेता है उनको, सदा सवेरा होने पर।"
रवि बटोर लेता है उनको, सदा सवेरा होने पर।"
(Mid September - Mid Nov)(अश्विन- कार्तिक)
Temp: 19 - 25 degrees Celsius
Season of tender beauty grace & celebrations
“Pitta is aggravated in autumn season”
PITTA PRAKOPA पित्त प्रकोप)
(Time - 12 night and 12 noon
(Time - 12 night and 12 noon
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| Change in the colour of leaves |
Autumn, the post monsoon season of the year between summer and winter during which temperatures gradually decrease. It is often called fall because leaves fall from the trees at this time. Autumn is usually defined in the Northern Hemisphere as the period between the autumnal equinox (day and night equal in length), September 22 or 23, and the winter solstice (year’s shortest day), December 21 or 22; and in the Southern Hemisphere as the period between March 20 or 21 and June 21 or 22. The autumn temperature transition between summer heat and winter cold occurs only in middle and high latitudes. In equatorial regions, temperatures generally vary little during the year. In the polar regions autumn is very short.
Animals gather food in autumn in preparation for the coming winter Hibernation), and those with fur often grow thicker coats. Many birds migrate toward the Equator to escape the falling temperatures
It is transition from summer to winter. Sharad is preceded by Varsha and followed by Hemant. Unlike many other countries. Indian subcontinental region like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh etc has got 6 season or Ritus each of about two month’s duration. Ritu is a division of the year reflecting the change of seasons. Each of the seasons Ritus has a beauty and splendor of its own. Sadly, we have lost the links with nature and with the songs and Ragas inspired by nature. The concept of Ritu occurs in Rig Veda. A hymn in Taittareya Brahmana has a beautiful graphic presentation of the Ritus in the image of a bird: Vasanta is the head of the bird called Samvathsara (year); Grishma its left wing; Sharad its right wing; Varsha its tail; and Hemant its middle part
In Autumn season temperatures are mild. Autumnal Equinox. Equinoxes are unique geographical events wherein Earth’s axis is tilted in a way that it is neither inclined towards nor away from the Sun. Equinoxes occur twice every year, once in the Spring Season and once in Autumn. The Autumnal Equinox falls on 22nd or 23rd September and on this day there are equal number of hours during days and night
It is a well known fact that seasonal changes affects the mind and body. So the onset of Autumn and winter demands some changes in a routine for a healthy body and mind. For example in Autumn and winter when the days become shorter and there is a lack of sunlight, one tends to feel a bit low, dull and depressed as compared to spring and summer on the other hand, keep the body hot, so one has the tends to be more excited or agitated.
Bright light therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, outdoor activities, antidepressants, vitamin D are recommended for the treatment. Modifying one's diet as per the seasons is prescribed. Avoidance of sweet, high carb food, mind strengthening herbs and exposure to sun are also recommended. Yoga, breathing exercises and meditation are very effective to keep the mind happy. Full body and head massage with sesame oil or mustard oil and sauna are also good to combat.
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| Fall colors at the pond |
Introduction
Life in Accord with the Seasons
Life on earth is controlled by the movement of sun. Life event would suggest that time, seasons and three bodily components (the essence of digested food, dosha and strength) are governed, in the final analysis, by the sun, wind and moon.
Time measured as the year has six seasons, Sisira, vasanta and grishma characterize the summer solstice when the sun progresses to the north of the equator, and brings about the period of drawing up (adana). The rest of the year consist of varsha, sarat and hemanta which coincide with the winter solstice when the sun moves south of the equator. This period witnesses the (visarga) release of what ever was drawn up earlier. During adana, the sun draws moisture through hot and rough winds and progresses increase the quality of roughness in substances as it progresses from sisira to grisma. The consequence of this drying and roughening process is the augmentation of taste (rasas) - bitter (tikta), astringent (kashaya) and pungent (Katu) - which share the quality of roughness, and an decrease in body strength.
In contrast, the sun's power is lessen during the southward course by the cloud, winds and rain during varsha, sarat, and hemanta. The heavenly shower cool the earth, the moon gains ascendancy and the rasas - sour (amla), salty (lavana), sweet (madhur) - which have the opposite of rough quality of dominate. As a result, the body gains in strength.
Thus the season are marked by fluctuation in strength. During adana, the body strength is highest in sisira, medium in vasanta and lowest in grishma. During visarga or release, it is the highest in hemanta, medium in sarat and lowest in varsha.
SEASONS- VATA AUTUMN CHANGE
AUTUMN SEASON
OCT-NOV
Flora & Fauna :
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Parijat Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Night flowering Jasmine, Harshringar, |
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These highly fragrant flowers open at night spreading their fragrance in the surrounding area with an intensely sweet floral aroma. These flowers blossom between August to December.
As Sharad Ritu nears its end, the leaves on the trees turn from green to yellow to red and to dusty brown. The trees let go the aged leaves, that once clothed, fed and sheltered them; with grace and gratitude. The nature is at its benevolent best in Sharad ritu. Sharad Ritu brings a blush to the countryside. The nature is bedecked as a bride with light green, decorated with profusion of colorful flowers and bountiful laden fruit trees with chirping birds. There is peace, joy and fulfillment abounding in the air.
Chlorophyll breaks down, in the fall, because of changes in the length of daylight and changes in temperature, the leaves stop their food-making process. The chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears, and the yellow to orange colors become visible and give the leaves part of their fall splendor.
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| Alstonia scholaris / Blackboard Tree / Milkwood / Devil Tree /सप्तपर्णी / शैतान का पेड़ . |
October brings with it the onset of Delhi’s winter and the festive season. In this season Sekaash (Saccharum spontaneous), Saptaparni (Alstonia scholaris) tree is in bloom with a bunch of pale green flowers lying on the ground. It marks the debut of the winter. There’s a change in the air accompanied by a distinct strong smell, which for some of us, is synonymous with this season. It’s from the flowers of the Saptaparni ( Alstonia scholaris ) tree that are small greenish-white, growing in tight clusters that stay until December.
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| Sekaash (Saccharum spontaneous), |
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| Lotus / Nymphaea alba / कुमुद / कोका; कुईं (वाटरलिली) / Chandrika / Jyotsna |
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| Water lily/Kumud/ Nymphaea alba |
Kumud (Nymphaea alba) start blooming. The flowers blooms at night also blooms in lakes.
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| Kraunch birds/The Demoiselle Crane is known as the Koonj कूंज |
Kraunch birds are seen flying in air.
Geese and Hans (Anser indicus) are seen in lakes and ponds creating ripples in water.
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| A Goose Chase Not just humans, but even the birds are soaking in the city's Autumn vibe. As a flock of geese enjoy the open skies and greens at Lodi gardens, it makes one wish life was only about sitting and watching them. |
Considered one of Nature’s great wonders, birds from 29 countries fly to India every year at this time signifying the beginning of migration. Our seasonal guests have landed, in millions, after marathon flights across continents. Birds from 29 countries fly to India every year at this time, an annual ritual signifying the beginning of migration. Our special guests can easily be spotted perched on trees or at a wooded area.
Season Of Festivals:
Autumn is the season of festivals in India. 'Ganpati Chaturthi', 'Navratri', 'Dussehra' and 'Diwali, all are celebrated in the months of autumn. India is famous worldwide for its cultural, religious and ethnic diversity.
Ganesh Festival
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| Sharda/ Saraswati/ Goddess of learning |
In Indian mythology, autumn is considered to be the preferred season for the goddess of learning Saraswati, who is also known by the name of "goddess of autumn" (शारदा). It is a season of festivals marked by benevolence, grace and beauty. Sharad Navaratri, are the first nine auspicious days of the season, Sharad Purnima, शरद पूर्णिमा (kojagiri) the full moon day in the month of Ashwin आश्विन the moon brightening up the sky with a milky white luster.
It is celebrated as the day of divine Rasalila by Shri Krishna.
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| Rasa Lila |
Ras Garba celebrated in Gujarat
Durga Pooja celebrated in Bengal
That is the brightest full moon night of the year. Maharashtrians celebrate it as Kojagiri Purnima.
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| Sharada or Kojagiri Purnima |
Laxmi Pooja or Diwali 
Bengalis do Kali Pooja
Diseases:
"रोगाणां शारदा माता”
Sharad Ritu is considered to be the breeding period for many diseases. According to Ayurveda, Pitta or fire element (Metabolism) is aggravated in Sharad Ritu. The strength and energy of an individual stays medium, appeasement of vitiated Vata dosha and vitiation of Pitta dosha happens, and movement of agni (Heat) increases amid this season.
Sign & Symptoms
Hyper-acidity, stomatitis, abscess, ulcer, boils, eruptions, urticaria, itching and hemorrhage. other symptoms include burning micturition, burning in eyes. Fever, burning sensation, vomiting, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, pneumonia. Organ affected are skin, hair, stomach, liver and blood.
"A pitta constitution (Prakruti) person should avoid excess intake of hot, pungent substances such as chilies, sour substances such as tamarind and salt."
Ritucharya ऋतुचर्या is the ancient Ayurvedic practice and is comprised of two words, “Ritu” which means season and “charya” which means Regimen or discipline. Ritucharya consists of lifestyle and Ayurvedic diet routine to cope with the bodily and mental impacts caused by seasonal changes as recommended by Ayurveda. Ritucharya enables us to build our physical strength and mental capability to battle ailments that may happen due to seasonal changes. In addition to that, it balances all the three doshas (humors) / bio-energies in our body and keeps us fit and healthy throughout the year.
The prevalent taste (Rasa) is (Lavana) salty and transcendent element (Mahabhutas) are water (Apa) and Fire (Agni). The strength and energy of an individual stays medium, appeasement of vitiated (Air element) Vata Dosha and vitiation of (Fire element) Pitta Dosha happens, and movement of Agni increases amid this season.
Lifestyle :
"During Summers, Rains and Autumns, the time limit of exercise should be further reduced as these are the seasons of Vayu aggravation."
When the body accustomed to rain and cold is suddenly exposed to the heat of the sun in Autumn, pitta gets perturbed. The corrective measures are mainly dietary and consist of sweet light cold and mildly bitter food and drinks. For regular intake of meat, rice, barley and wheat are suitable. Oil, alkalis,, curd, day sleep and easterly wind are to be avoided. Medicated ghee, purgation, avoidance of hot sun may have a role in controlling disturbed pitta. Sporting flower garlands, wearing clean cloth and enjoying the moonlight are a source of pleasure.
● Habit of eating food, just when there is a feeling of hunger is suggested.
● Drink a glass of Lukewarm water after you wake up
● Physical exercise
● Body massage with Sandalwood Chandan चंदन powder
● Bath with warm water
● Stay relaxed and good sleep is advised
● Use Chandan or neem नीम soap for bathing
● Meditation
● Drink lots of water
● Sleeping on the right side is preferred
● Drink a glass of Lukewarm water after you wake up
● Physical exercise
● Body massage with Sandalwood Chandan चंदन powder
● Bath with warm water
● Stay relaxed and good sleep is advised
● Use Chandan or neem नीम soap for bathing
● Meditation
● Drink lots of water
● Sleeping on the right side is preferred
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| Sleep om your right side |
Avoid :
● Excessive eating should be avoided during this season.
● Don't be lazybones. Being very sedentary can lead to excessive burping and acidity.
● Medicines"Sleep is a good antidote for pitta disorders."
Pranayama :
● Chandra Bhedi चंद्र भेदी Pranayama, Left nostril breathing.
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● Sheetali शीतली Pranayama, Cooling breath
Asana
● Vajrasana वज्र आसन
Diet
● Clarified Butter or Ghee should be taken in Autumn. Ghee is the foremost because apart, from alleviating pitta and vata, it cools and softens the body improves voice and complexion and enhances the output of semen. Intake of ghee (beneficial to reduce Pitta Dosha, improves digestion and removes dryness of the skin ). It has a special merit of not loosing its qualities while imbibing the qualities of vegetable substances with which it is cooked.
● Taste- Sweets, (मधुर), bitter (तिक्त) and astringent (कषाय)
● Food light in digestion and cold in potency (less in spices ) should be taken.
● Cooling Food : Liberal use of coriander, mint, cumin, fennel, cucumber
● Foods having the properties to mollify vitiated Pitta are advised. Wheat, green gram, sugar sweet, nectar, Patola परवल (Trichosanthes diocia),coriander.
● Dairy foods butter (खीर)
● Seasonal fruits water chest (सिंघाडा), blueberry (जामुन), fig, apple, sweet, raisins, dates and dried black grapes, sugar cane, ripe, rose apple. lemon should be taken in empty stomach.
● Eat a banana if you feel like acidity is building up in your stomach
● White gourd (पेठा) is another good remedy for acidity
● Amla in juice, powder or fresh fruit form
● Custard apple- or (सीताफल) is destroyer of pitta
● Seasonal vegetables Patola परवल ( (Trichosanthes diocia), pumpkin, petha, methi, torai, chaulai, Lauki, spinach, bitter gourd (करेला), Carrot
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| Parwal / ( (Trichosanthes diocia) |
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| Pumpkin |
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| Sponge Gaurd / Torai |
- Bottle gourd Lagenaria leucantha (लौकी) is good for Acidity.
Raddish leaves for stomatitis.
● Grains sathi rice (60 days old rice), wheat, barley (जौ)
● Easily digestible- Whole pulse with covering: green gram (मूंग), khichdi, Dalia (broken wheat)
● Instead of skipping a breakfast have a light breakfast that includes sprouts, egg white
● Warm water with lemon juice
● Honey
● Consume warm for drinking.
Avoid :
Ksheer Vrata : Ashwin Masa Sept-Oct MONTH (No Milk and its products like butter milk Consumption). As milk is kapha producing substance, and kapha is accumulated in this season.
Dwidhala Vrata : Oct - Nov Kartik masa. Dicotyledons, pulses like black gram, pigeon pea, masoor dal etc. Meat, fruit (watermelon, Musk melon and vegetable containing many seeds.
● The food products like meat should be excluded from the diet amid this season.
● Overeating should be avoided
● Hot potency food asafetida , red-chilies, sesame seed-oil and mustard oil, ginger, garlic, fenugreek seeds, brinjals, urad dal, groundnuts, unripen cucumber
● No milk in Ashwin month
● No buttermilk छाछ (Mahi, matha) and pulses in Kartik month.
● Curd should not be eaten in Autumn season.
● All fermented foods including dosa, idli, vada or dhokla and even alcohol, will increase pitta.
● Do not take guava on empty stomach. Only Consume after roasting it on the flame.
● Excessive use of tuber (मूली, गाजर, चुकन्दर)
● Groundnut, corn
● Avoid heavy pulses dals: rajma, Chana, urad, lobia
● Deep fried foods. Fat , oils to be avoided.
● Preparation of fine wheat flour (मैदा)
● Taste- Sour, foods are to be avoided.
● Don’t skip breakfast to avoid acidity
● Use of heavy, hot, spicy, oily food
● Dry vegetables, Fish
● Too much intake of tea and coffee
● Incompatible food combinations: The food ferments in the stomach and the undigested food particles can lead to acidity and gas
To boost immunity :
● Take Harada हरड़ (Terminalia chebula) + unrefined sugar (खाडं) as a tonic in Autumn season.
Herbs :
● Shatavari, Yashtimadhu, Mulethi ( मुलेठी)
● Chandan, Ushir, aniseeds
● Wheat grass juice
● Aloe Vera juice
● Aloe Vera juice
Elimination therapy :
Body Cleansing
In Autumn body is focused on flushing the kidneys and the whole Genito-urinary system and cleaning the blood.
● Panchkarma पंचकर्मा is best option to detoxify your body in this season
● Purgation (विरेचन) or cleansing Triphala त्रिफला / Isabgol. Purgation is only remedy to clear the body of excess pitta. Triphala powder 1 tsp with warm water at bedtime.
● Other substances which can be used are raisins, liquorice मुलेठी
● Shankha prakshalana Cleaning of the gastrointestinal tract. Drink 10-15 glasses of water. It is followed by series of evacuation. Take light diet of khichdi and buttermilk in afternoon and normal diet for dinner. It can be practiced once a month.
● Enema Cleaning of lower intestinal track.
"Cold and sweet substances such as milk, bitter substances such as bitter gourd suit a pitta constitution."
* Medicine as suggested above should only be taken under the consultation and supervision of registered medical practitioner.
Wow ma'am that's quite informative. .thanks for sharing. ..prerna
ReplyDeleteThamks a lot for reading.
DeleteIt's very informative mam, Awesome,i wonder how you know so much about Ayurveda being allopathic doctor,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteVery informative article
ReplyDelete