Varsha- The Original Season for Prep Work

"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:

1. 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. 

2. 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. 

3. 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.

4. 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. 

5. 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. 

6. 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. 

7. 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. 

8. 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

Water during this season tends to be extra contaminated. It is best to boil well and add additional spices like like ajwain, jeera and shunti (dry ginger) to make it work in the favour of the body by being an effective digestive stimulant. Water is the giver of life but water is also capable of intoxicating as quickly as it rejuvenates. Pay attention to the thirst, the needs of the body and consume water mindfully. Over consumption of water can prove to be more harmful during this season. Balance water intake wisely.

Stretch More and Move Less 

With vata as the captain of the system, the best way to keep the balance would be to not trigger the dosha further. Avoid brisk and intense workouts or asanas. Focus on isotonic postures that enable the muscles to stretch out and breathe. Dynamic and well controlled asanas not only help to burn calories effectively but also strengthen the muscles and bones through the process, without tiring out the body. Gentle and calming asanas can work well to the benefit of people who are trying to explore yoga and workouts during this season. The nature of the weather compels one to slow down and it is best to take advantage and work towards the cause instead of challenging it.  

Abhyanga

A warm session of abhyanga followed by a steam bath can work wonders during this damp season. Abhyanga is strongly indicated for vata and highly recommended for this ritu. Frequent oil application to the joints, feet and ears can be extra helpful to soothe the stress post asanas. Carrying a handy oil dispenser can also be a practical way to ensure this. Encourage abhyanga for self and others. It can go a long way in boosting the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Breath Work 

Manas and Vata have a delicate, complicated relationship. This can get toxic if ignored. Focusing on the breath is a tangible and effective method of regulating vata by working directly on prana vata. It is proven that focussed, modulated breathing patterns like the ones in Pranayama can increase psychophysiological flexibility linking para sympathetic activity, CNS activity related to emotional control and psychological wellbeing. Controlling the mind might be an abstract reality but controlling the breath is a task possible of accomplishment!

Panchakarma

Lastly, this article is a reminder to all holistic health enthusiasts to actively pursue rejuvenation procedures for maintaining health. Ayurveda recommends panchakarma to be carried based on the strength of the patient. Basti (medicated enema) is the treatment of choice and can be prescribed / conducted by a qualified ayurveda physician. It soothes vata and the mind, reduces inflammation, improves mobility and restores gut flora most effectively. 

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.