Ritucharya: The Ayurvedic Seasonal Routine and the Six Ritus

Ritucharya is the Ayurvedic teaching on how to live through the seasons. The word joins ritu (season) and charya (conduct). In the tradition, the weather is more than a backdrop. The texts say that the changing qualities of the year, hot and cold, dry and damp, act on the body, so that food, clothing, exercise and rest should be adjusted as the seasons turn.

This page is the overview for the whole section. It explains the six ritus of the classical Indian year, the two halves into which the texts divide the year, how the doshas are said to gather and settle through it, and how to use the idea sensibly today. It describes a tradition. It is not a medical plan, and it does not claim that a seasonal routine prevents or treats any illness.

The six ritus

The classical works divide the year into six ritus, each of about two months. We use the names as in the Ashtanga Hridayam and give approximate dates for northern and central India, where the texts were composed.

The dates follow the Sun’s passage through the signs of the sidereal zodiac, so each ritu begins when the Sun enters a particular sign, around the middle of the Gregorian month. Other schemes tie the ritus to the lunar months, and the texts themselves differ in naming and order. Charaka and Sushruta, for instance, do not count the seasons in exactly the same way, so you should treat any single table, including this one, as a convenient simplification.

Two halves of the year

The classical texts group the six ritus into two periods.

• Adana kala, the period of taking, runs from Shishira through Grishma, when the Sun moves north. The tradition says the Sun draws moisture and strength from the world and the body in this half, so that dryness and heat increase and strength is said to decline toward the end.
• Visarga kala, the period of giving, runs from Varsha through Hemanta, when the Sun moves south. Rain and cooler weather are said to return strength, and the body is described as strongest in Hemanta and weakest in Grishma and Varsha.

This idea is a way of describing how the climate of India affects people, and the details are specific to that climate.

The doshas through the year

Ayurveda adds a layer to this. The tradition says each dosha tends to accumulate (chaya), become disturbed (prakopa) and settle (prashama) at predictable points.

• Kapha accumulates in the cold of Shishira, is described as disturbed when the warmth of Vasanta melts it, and settles in Grishma.
• Vata accumulates in the dry heat of Grishma, is described as disturbed with the first rains of Varsha, and settles in Sharad.
• Pitta accumulates during the damp warmth of Varsha, is described as disturbed in the sharp heat of Sharad, and settles in Hemanta.

The doshas are covered in the doshas section. The cycle is a teaching model of the tradition and not a series of measured changes in the body. It is the logic behind most seasonal advice: do the opposite of the quality that is building up, and choose food and conduct that calm it.

What the advice looks like in outline

Without repeating each season’s page, the pattern is easy to see.

• In the cold seasons, the texts say digestion is strong and heavier, oilier, warming food is suitable, with oil massage, sun and vigorous exercise.
• In the spring, the advice turns to lighter, drier food and more exercise to counter damp and heaviness.
• In the heat of summer, the advice is for cooling, sweet, liquid food, rest in the heat of the day and little exertion.
• In the monsoon, with digestion said to be weak, the advice is for light, warm, freshly cooked food and care with water.
• In early autumn, bitter, sweet and cooling choices are favoured, and sun and heat are avoided.

Alongside this, the texts describe the junction between seasons, ritu sandhi, as a time for slow change, and the whole scheme links to the daily routine, since the morning habits shift with the weather.

What modern research says

There is little research that tests the Ayurvedic seasonal routine as a whole. Some of its advice matches ordinary public health guidance, and some does not, so it is worth being precise.

• Heat. Drinking enough fluids, avoiding hard exertion in the heat of the day and wearing light clothing are standard heat safety advice.
• Monsoon. Advice to use boiled or safe water and freshly cooked food matches measures that reduce waterborne and foodborne illness.
• Winter. Staying active and keeping warm are sensible. Heavier, oilier winter food does not suit everyone, especially people with heart disease, high cholesterol or diabetes.
• Mood and light. Some people notice a seasonal low mood in the dark months. That is a recognised pattern and a reason to speak to a doctor if it affects you.
• The dosha scheme itself. The idea that kapha, vata or pitta accumulates and is disturbed in set seasons has not been tested in trials.

Adapting it where you live

The calendar was written for the Indian plains. In a country with a different climate, or in the southern hemisphere, the names and dates do not line up, and teachers adapt by following the qualities of the local weather. We explain this in living by the seasons outside India. The practical rule is the same everywhere: let the real weather, not a date, tell you which advice to read.

Cautions

• Do not change your diet sharply or fast because of a season. The texts themselves say to change gradually.
• If you have diabetes, kidney, liver or heart disease, or take regular medicines, check with your doctor before altering your diet, exercise or adding any herb.
• Seasonal “cleansing” procedures, including panchakarma, are medical procedures that should only be done under a qualified practitioner (panchakarma explained). Do not attempt them at home.
• If you notice recurring symptoms with a season, such as breathing problems, rashes or low mood, see a doctor and not a calendar.

This page describes a tradition and is not medical advice. Please read the medical disclaimer, see a doctor for any health concern, and consult a registered Ayurvedic practitioner if you want Ayurvedic treatment. The seasons section lists every guide.

Frequently asked questions