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"When the skies open and the earth drinks deep,
Vata's dance returns, a whirlwind to reap.
But in the downpour's soothing, rhythmic hum,
We find respite, if we but listen and become."
-source unknown
Varsha Ritu or the rainy season is known for its beauty and divinity, but for the ones aware about health, it is a season known for aches, pains, and gastric dullness. The association of vata with Varsha is the original culprit behind the uneasiness that comes along with the rains, that are otherwise meant to nourish and sustain us. The character of vata is such that it keeps moving and moves everything else in its way. It can also cause stiffness, and lack of movement due to the dry, rough, stiff environment. It is quite paradoxical, but that is how Vata is. And when this Vata goes berserk, all hell breaks loose. An improperly managed Vata dosha with its causative factors today or the days that came before is what creates the syndrome of Varsha Ritu. What is done in this season could act like the annual health reset button we all could have asked for.
Here is what our body is subjected to, during rainy seasons:
Change in Weather and Temperature: Though we can adapt well, there is a sudden notable change in the external environment. We move from hot sweaty summers to damp rainy days. This transition is not unexpected but can be abrupt, making the process of adaptation a task that requires external support.
The Vata Dominant stage: The bodily doshas are constantly changing and this season happens to be the one where vata takes over. Vata is consistent with the qualities of rain. It is unpredictable, agitated, cold and damp, yet very dry. These qualities of vata dosha can lead to issues such as generalised aches and pains, erratic body metabolism, bowel changes, mood disturbances and disturbed sleep. Vata also can stimulate and irritate other doshas, taking them along to induce a new disease and/or augment an already existing one. It is thereby very important to consider treatments prior to the onslaught of the ailment or disease and get a hold over vata in this season.
Confusing Appetite: This happens in association with the slightly increasing pitta of this season that can tag along with vata to contribute to a significantly lowered appetite in a body that is heavily craving for nourishment and taste.
Dependent Body Metabolism: Lowered external temperature leads to transient change in body metabolism. This can result in sluggish digestion, inadequate absorption, and unsatisfactory bowel movements.
Water Contamination: Be it then or now, rains lead to water contamination at many levels. There is mixing of water sources and addition of pathogens or other solid contaminants.
Exposure to Allergens, Food borne infections and Vectors: The dampness of the season harbours growth of organisms. Be it mold or bacteria or vectors, everything grows in this weather, exposing our body to a plethora of infections.
Mood Changes: Absence of the sun and clouds overhead can cause mood changes. Constant rains can affect everyday activities resulting in lifestyle disruption, disturbance in social activities and add to the already prevailing mood of lethargy.
Long standing impact: All the above can result in long standing effects on the body’s metabolism and immune response if not attended to in the right way.
Things to do to Protect and Prepare the Body and Mind:
Soups are the way to go
Veggies, pulses, meat – soup ‘em all! Kichdi, kanji, dal soups, soupy preparations of fresh vegetables and meat, added with ghee and processed with herbs like panchakola can help satiate the body while tackling appetite issues. It is also crucial to balance the dull metabolic rate and avoid Ama (toxin) formation, which is also supported by these soups.
Karkidaka kanji is a special herbal preparation, specially indicated and widely used during this season. Originating from Kerala this gruel preparation is named after the last month of its rainy season i.e. karkidakam. It is known for the properties of pacifying tridoshas and bestowing health to the body. It is made with njavara, spices and freshly collected herbs. Over 80 different species of herbs are added to this kanji, making it nothing less than a work of culinary art. It is now also available as a dried mix in some Ayurveda / traditional medicine stores.
Mind the Water
Stretch More and Move Less
Abhyanga
Breath Work
Panchakarma
This season was once a time of scarcity, poverty, and fear. It was a time when people would come together in spiritual unison and work to survive on what was available. The practices that were built to protect the body might have worn off with time but now, more than ever before, we have access to the resources that help us understand what our ancestors intended for us. We are aware of how our body transitions and most importantly, we know how to make use of our unique ability to heal with nature!
Let us heal together.
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