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== हेमन्ते अग्निदोषादीनां गतिः॥ The status of bio-energies in body in Hemanta ==

== हेमन्ते अग्निदोषादीनां गतिः॥ The status of bio-energies in body in Hemanta ==

A specific weather condition in Hemanta rtu leads to changes in the bio-energies like Doshas, Dhatus and malas. Outside temperature becomes cold in this season. Because of this and the windy weather, the heat in the body is trapped inside (which otherwise gets eliminated as and when required through sweating and other means). Since there is no or very little sweating is in winter acharyas say that the heat gets trapped). Heat is present in the form of pitta in our body. Thus, pitta especially the pachaka form of pitta dosha which is also known as Jatharagni (agni) becomes strong and powerful. As a result appetite increases in this season. If this powerful digestive fire does not get sufficient and appropriate food (which is collated with the fuel) it starts taking required material from the dhatus and as a result dhatus break down. Dhatus are the building blocks of our body hence their breakdown leads to lowering strength, immunity and life as a whole. Thus, it is important to provide sufficient fuel in the form of food to this powerful digestive fire of Hemanta rtu. This food should be predominantly sweet, sour, salty in taste.  <blockquote>बलिनः शीतसंरोधाद्धेमन्ते प्रबलोऽनलः||७|| भवत्यल्पेन्धनो धातून् स पचेद्वायुनेरितः|

A specific weather condition in Hemanta rtu leads to changes in the bio-energies like Doshas, Dhatus and malas. Outside temperature becomes cold in this season. Because of this and the windy weather, the heat in the body is trapped inside (which otherwise gets eliminated as and when required through sweating and other means). Since there is no or very little sweating is in winter acharyas say that the heat gets trapped). Heat is present in the form of pitta in our body. Thus, pitta especially the pachaka form of pitta dosha which is also known as Jatharagni (agni) becomes strong and powerful. As a result appetite increases in this season. If this powerful digestive fire does not get sufficient and appropriate food (which is collated with the fuel) it starts taking required material from the dhatus and as a result dhatus break down. Dhatus are the building blocks of our body hence their breakdown leads to lowering strength, immunity and life as a whole. Thus, it is important to provide sufficient fuel in the form of food to this powerful digestive fire of Hemanta rtu. This food should be predominantly sweet, sour, salty in taste.  <blockquote>बलिनः शीतसंरोधाद्धेमन्ते प्रबलोऽनलः||७|| भवत्यल्पेन्धनो धातून् स पचेद्वायुनेरितः| अतो हिमेऽस्मिन्सेवेत स्वाद्वम्ललवणात्रसान्||८|| Asht. Hrud. 3. 7,8</blockquote>Although the modern science adopts and proposes the concept of rise in core body temperature by reduction in peripheral circulation in winters, the same has been explained simply by calling this phenomena as entrapment of heat in body by Ayurveda scholars.

अतो हिमेऽस्मिन्सेवेत स्वाद्वम्ललवणात्रसान्||८|| Asht. Hrud. 3. 7,8</blockquote>Although the concept of rise in core body temperature by reduction in peripheral circulation in winters is approved by the modern science, the same has been simply explained by entrapment of heat in body by Ayurveda scholars.  

In Hemanta rtu, [[Agni (अग्निः)|agni]] (the digestive fire) is strong and it can smoothly digest even the foods that are otherwise heavy on digestion. The key mantra is to eat food and drinks that are predominantly sweet, sour, and salty in taste. One can enjoy more desserts, creamy foods or sweets in this season with little health risk.

Food with more calories can also be consumed in this season since the dryness in the weather necessitates intake of unctuous or fatty food. Fats help in reducing dryness and also are digested smoothly. However there should be a balance while making food choices and overindulgence in specific foods again and again may cause lead to health concerns in future.

Ayurveda believes that <s>Katu, Tikta and kashaya</s> rasa increase in the outer environment in Hemanta Rtu. Increase in these rasas, cold wind and dryness in outer environment lead to aggravation of <s>vata dosha. Aggravated Vata dosha</s> might cause health related issues and thus it is important to know what food and lifestyle elements can help one balance naturally aggravated vata dosha and keep all the other body energies in balance in the season of cold and dry winters.

Various meats, fats, milk and milk products are beneficial and should be deliberately included in the diet.

One can have more of sweet, sour, and salty foods this season. This season also necessitates intake of food that is unctuous in nature. Naturally sweets, desserts and creamy foods can be enjoyed in this eason with little health risk. Cereals and pulses, new rice, flour preparations, green gram, Black gram, etc. should be used. Various meats, fats, milk and milk products, sugarcane products, ''Shidhu'' (fermented preparations), ''Tila'' (sesame), and so on, are also beneficial at this time.

Any type of diets which possess capacity to develop feeling of lightness, cold, and dryness in body should be avoided.

New rice, Cereals, pulses, corn, flour preparations (rich in carbohydrates), green gram, Black gram, sugarcane products etc. should be included in the diet.

In Hemanta rtu, agni (the digestive fire) is strong and it can smoothly digest even the foods that are otherwise heavy on digestion. The key mantra is to eat food and drinks that are predominantly <s>Amla (sour) as the predominant rasa (taste) are preferred. While those having pungent, bitter and astringent in taste, cold, dry in nature or inherently light to digest are best to be avoided.</s>

One can make use of sufficient amount of Ginger and garlic in the food and also the medicinal fruits of Haritaki (fruits of Terminalia chebula), Pippali (fruits of Piper longum) should be consumed.  

* Cereals and pulses, wheat/gram flour products, new rice, corn, and others, are advised. Ginger, garlic, Haritaki (fruits of Terminalia chebula), Pippali (fruits of Piper longum), sugarcane products, and milk and milk products are to be included in the diet.

''Shidhu'' (fermented preparations), ''Tila'' (sesame) are also beneficial at this time since they generate little pitta (heat) as well as not dry in nature.  

* Consumption of non-vegetarian food specially the sea food, meat in this season doesnt cause harm instead it helps enhance the energy since it is well digested and also contain more percentage of fats which are recommended in this season. After consumption of such food drinking of madira and sidhu type of wines and honey is advised. These are inherently sour in rasa and hot in veeryam. Thus, the combination of food and drink results in proper digestion and metabolism of such food to fulfill the requirements in this season. Overall it helps to keep check on aggravation of vata and increases strength of the body.

* Foods having Amla (sour) as the predominant taste are preferred. Also Madhura (sweet) and lavana (salty) rasa dominant food helps to keep check of aggravated vata. However there should be a balance while making food choices and overindulgence in specific foods again and again may cause lead to health concerns in future.

* Food and drinks that cause vata vitiation and inherently light to digest in property, inadequate quantities of food, and intake of diluted gruel are contraindicated. Foods having Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent) predominant Rasa are to be avoided. Laghu (light) and Shita (cold) foods are advised to be prohibited.

Vyayama (Exercise), abhyanga (body and head massage), use of warm water, sunbath, application of fragrant herbs having hot potency can be used, sufficient warm clothing, sexual indulgence with one partner, residing in warm places is recommended

Must avoid exposure to strong and cold wind.

Must avoid exposure to strong and cold wind. Better to avoid diwaswapa daytime sleep.

In order to protect one's body from cold and dryness of winters it is necessary to avoid (getting exposed to) strong cold winds. In case it is not possible, on should at least use clothing that can protect one from cold and dry winds. one should specially stay in less windy and warm shelters (homes).

The lifestyle in Hemanta should be such that it will help to maintain the body temperature to the optimum level. Activities that increase warmth and protect from cold are encouraged.

Also, excessive walking, sleep at late night are to be avoided which causes vata aggravation (Thakkar J, Chaudhari S, Sarkar PK. Ritucharya: Answer to the lifestyle disorders. ''Ayu''. 2011;32(4):466-471. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.96117)

Avoid: Diwaswapa (day time sleeping)

* Avoid: Diwaswapa (day time sleeping)

== Festivals celebrated in Bharata to encourage people to adopt Hemanta rutucharya ==

== Festivals celebrated in Bharata to encourage people to adopt Hemanta rutucharya ==