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Line 1: − + + − + + + + + + + + − परिचयः ॥ Introduction+ − Rutucharya has been described in almost all the authoritative Ayurvedic classics. Ayurveda believes that every change in the environment and season affects the internal environment of the human body. This leads to imbalance of Doshas which control all the mechanism in the union of body, mind & life energy. This imbalance further leads to development of diseases which occur as a result of inability of an individual to balance the changes occurring in the internal environment of body. Therefore, it is important to understand the role of seasonal variations in diseases development as well as the measures to correct this imbalance and achieve right balance of bodily elements. Under the topic of Rutucharya, Ayurveda acharyas have provided such measures in the form of dietary and lifestyle modifications, to maintain the equilibrium of internal environment of body even in the presence of fluctuating external environment and climatic conditions. These measures have been put forward after keen observation of seasonal characteristics and their effect on the state of Doshas and Dhatus in the Purusha. In the clinical settings, observance of such regime has been found extremely useful in the cases of individuals falling sick frequently because of seasonal variations due to poor immunity.+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)
= Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या) =
Ayurveda has depicted various guidelines and regimens (Charya), regarding diet and lifestyle to acclimatize seasonal enforcement easily without affecting body homeostasis. These guidelines and seasonal regimens are known as ‘Rutucharya’. Observance of such behaviour and diet modifications is extremely important in order to prevent diseases developing due to seasonal variations and poor immunity. Thus, Rutucharya forms integral part of preventive healthcare described in Ayurveda. Main theme of this topic is to make people aware concerning the methods to live in accordance with the environment.
Ayurveda has depicted various guidelines and regimens (Charya), regarding diet and lifestyle to acclimatize seasonal enforcement easily without affecting body homeostasis. These guidelines and seasonal regimens are known as ‘Rutucharya’. Observance of such behaviour and diet modifications is extremely important in order to prevent diseases developing due to seasonal variations and poor immunity. Thus, Rutucharya forms integral part of preventive healthcare described in Ayurveda.
== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
Rutucharya has been described in almost all the authoritative Ayurvedic classics. Ayurveda believes that every change in the environment and season affects the internal environment of the human body. This leads to imbalance of Doshas which control all the mechanism in the union of body, mind & life energy. This imbalance further leads to development of diseases which occur as a result of inability of an individual to balance the changes occurring in the internal environment of body. Therefore, it is important to understand the role of seasonal variations in diseases development as well as the measures to correct this imbalance and achieve right balance of bodily elements. Under the topic of Rutucharya, Ayurveda acharyas have provided such measures in the form of dietary and lifestyle modifications, to maintain the equilibrium of internal environment of body even in the presence of fluctuating external environment and climatic conditions. These measures have been put forward after keen observation of seasonal characteristics and their effect on the state of Doshas and Dhatus in the Purusha. In the clinical settings, observance of such regime has been found extremely useful in the cases of individuals falling sick frequently because of seasonal variations due to poor immunity.
Practical utility of following Rutucharya
Acharya Charaka says,
तस्याशिताद्यादाहाराद्बलं वर्णश्च वर्धते| यस्यर्तुसात्म्यं विदितं चेष्टाहारव्यपाश्रयम्|| (Char. Samh. 5.3)<ref>Charaka Samhita ([http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Tasyashiteeya_Adhyaya#Benefits_of_following_seasonal_regimen Sootrasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sootram 3])</ref>
Meaning: A person who knows the ''ritusatmya'', i.e., getting accustomed to suitable changes in diet and behavior according to seasons, and practices such habits accordingly, and whose diet consists of various types of food articles (with properties such as ''ashita'', ''pitta lidha'' , and ''khadita''), has his strength and luster enhanced, and he leads a healthy, long life.
== Etymology ==
The word ''Ritu'' means “to go.”
It is the form in which the nature expresses itself in a sequence in particular and specific in present forms in short, the seasons.[6]
Charya means regimen
=== Classification of season ===
The year according to ''Ayurveda'' is divided into two periods ''Ayana'' (solstice) depending on the direction of movement of sun. Each is formed of three ''Ritus'' (seasons). Thus, A year consists of six seasons <ref name=":0">Sushruta Samhita ([http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read Sootrasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sootram 7])</ref> as listed below,
{| class="wikitable"
|+Classification of Seasons in a year
!No.
!Rutu
!Corresponding season
!Ayana
!
!
|-
|1
|Shishira
|Winter
| rowspan="3" |''Uttarayana'' (northern solstice)=
| rowspan="3" |mid-January to mid-July
| rowspan="3" |According to modern science, this can be compared with the gradual movement of earth around the sun to the position, in which the rays of the sun falls perpendicularly at 30 degree meridian of the North Pole on June 21st every year, called as summer solstice. The northward journey of the Sun from Tropic of Capricorn to Tropic of Cancer happens.
|-
|2
|Vasanta
|Spring
|-
|3
|Grishma
|Summer
|-
|4
|Varsha
|Monsoon
| rowspan="3" |''Dakshinayana'' (southern solstice)
| rowspan="3" |mid-July to mid-January
| rowspan="3" |According to modern science, this can be compared with the gradual movement of the earth around the sun to the position, in which the rays of the sun fall over 30 degree meridian of the South Pole perpendicularly on December 21st every year, is called as winter solstice. The southward movement of the Sun occurs from Tropic of Cancer to Tropic of Capricorn.
|-
|5
|Sharad
|Autumn
|-
|6
|Hemanta
|late autumn
|}
As ''Ayurveda'' has its origin in India, the above seasonal changes are observed predominantly in Indian subcontinent.
=== ''Effect of Uttarayana (northern solstice) and Dakshinayana (southern solstice) on Purusha'' ===
Uttarayana= warmness and dryness in weather increases. It has an overall debilitating effect on environment, to which human being is also a part. brings about dryness in the body and reduces the ''Bala'' (strength). <ref name=":0" />
Dakshinayana= when cool sets, and due to which anabolic activity dominates over the catabolic activity in the environment. the strength of person enhances during this period.<ref name=":0" />