Monsoon is a very important period for treatments, as it affects the tri-doshas in different ways. At its central core, Ayurveda is all about management of the Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.
During the summer season, which precedes monsoons, Vata tends to accumulate in the human body. The peculiar behaviour of Vata is its capability to aggravate any disease in the body, and it can also cause new diseases. So this time of the year is best to undergo Ayurvedic treatments that will basically decrease the Vata in your body.
Treatments may vary depending on individual patients, but usually each treatment will last for 45 to 60 minutes daily, for a period of about 14 days. The most common treatments are Abhyangam, Pizhichil, Ilakkizhi, Choorna Swedam, Mathra Vasthy and Kashaya Vasthy. In general, we tell patients to avoid exercise, sexual activity, over eating and sleeping late during the treatment. Also, a rest period for the same number of days as the treatment is recommended for maximum effect.
It isn’t just about the treatments; it helps if you watch your food intake. Rainfall during summer, when the earth is really hot, increases the acidity levels in the food that we eat, thus aggravating the Pitta dosha which causes acidity, digestive disorders, inflammation and fevers.
- Ayurveda, hygiene, lifestyle and diet are crucial to good health. To attain good health, Ayurveda prescribes the daily routine and the seasonal regime.
- Ritucharya, the seasonal regime, is what Ayurveda follows for different types of treatments & therapies.
- Ayurveda advocates living one’s life according to the flow of the seasons. The energies of nature change according to the seasons.
- Winter, spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and late autumn are the 6 seasons of a year.
- Monsoon is the best time for Ayurveda. If it is for some particular ailment or disease, don’t wait for the season — Ayurveda treatments can be followed any time of the year (consult your Ayurveda doctor for details).
- Trees flower in spring while they shed leaves in autumn. As human beings are also part of the ecosystem, our bodies are affected by these environmental changes. If we don’t adapt, we become prone to lifestyle disorders.
Why you should select monsoon season for Ayurveda treatment
- The body is generally very calm during this season, hence it raises the energy level and responds well to treatments and therapies.
- The treatment helps to increase the immunity of the body. Massage increases blood circulation and removes physical stress, firms up your body and pacifies muscular stiffness and pain.
- Monsoon helps in softening and developing the seven tissues of the body called Dhatus. Snehana (oil application) and Swedana (steam bathing) can be used to eliminate toxins naturally.
- Ayurveda treatment in monsoon improves the skin’s complexion and helps to build proper Dhatus (tissues) in the body.
- Your body is most vulnerable to health problems such as sinus, indigestion, asthma, skin ailments and gastric issues during monsoon; treatment increases energy levels and helps to prevent these.
- “Panchakarma” — the detoxification program of Ayurveda to eliminate the body’s impurities — is best undergone in the monsoon season.