The most simple, basic and never followed the wisdom of nature is exercising the choice of food and lifestyle based on the changing rhythms of seasons. The juncture of every season brings along with it certain diseases and imbalances during its transition from one season to another. Ayurveda recommends, making right food choices based on the dominant dosha during that cycle. These doshas are responsible for the physical and emotional attributes in the human body. The combinations of these doshas within an individual determine the characteristics of that individual. Any imbalances in these doshas cause diseases. Just as every person is dominated by a dosha, every season is also dominated by a dosha. Therefore, it is very important to tune ourselves to the rhythms of nature by following season specific diet and activities in order to avoid imbalances. This goes a very long way in maintaining your body’s balance and harmony with nature.

Different doshas are dominant in different seasons. Vata is characteristic of fall and early winter (Mid July- Mid November). Falling temperatures demand the need for nourishing Ojas (Sanskrit word meaning vigor or strength) developing food. Therefore, it’s that time of the year when you need to keep yourself warm and binge on warm, well-cooked, organic, fresh foods. Some of the nourishing foods include lemons, ghee, sweet potatoes, apples (if you live in regions that produce apples locally) and almonds. Sip on plenty of warm water every half hour to eliminate impurities from the tissues.

Kapha characterizes late winters and early spring (Mid Nov- Mid March). Keep yourself warm by favoring detoxifying food with hot spices during this season. Spices like cinnamon, black pepper, ginger and cardamom help tackle the runny noses and sore throats that develop due to the cold temperatures. Go easy on heavy, fried, sweet and salty food. Do take some time to indulge in some sort of physical activity in order to keep oneself active.

Pitta signifies the onset of summers. The bright sunny weather makes you feel more energetic. However,the soaring temperature also kills your appetite. Beat the summer heat by consuming juicy, organic and cooling Pitta pacifying food. Include fresh seasonal fruits, rice, pulses and milk products in your diet. Water is the best for cooling Pitta. Hence, do not forget to keep yourself well hydrated.

The chart below gives a rough guideline diet for different seasons. Please consult a good Ayurvedic practitioner before making any major changes to your diet.

Often times after food or sometimes even before food, our stomachs feel heavy and bloated. This triggers a feeling of lethargy. And often we keep binging on food when not hungry. Hence we tend to ignore our body’s intelligence, which keeps giving us signals that it cannot process any more food. This could be because of undigested food sitting in the digestive tract. This undigested food leads to build up of toxins in the body. Triphala is a time tested Ayurvedic detox remedy handed down by our forefathers and has been around for centuries. Tri means three and Phala stands for fruit. As the name rightfully suggests, Triphala is a combination of three fruits got from three different trees. These trees are widely grown and found in India. They are the Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry), Haritaki and Bhibitaki. These fruits are dried, powdered and mixed in proportions handed down by our forefathers. Three of these fruits put together helps to balance all the three doshas namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Amla or the Indian gooseberry is a natural antioxidant, which contains 10 times more Vitamin C than orange juice. This rejuvenating herb helps to cool the body, has laxative properties and pacifies the Pitta dosha. Haritaki is also known for its strong laxative property and pacifies the Vata dosha along with expelling toxins from the body. It is believed to give you a long life. It also helps in weight loss. The last one Bhibitaki helps to pacify the Kapha dosha. Along with its laxative property, it helps to expel the excess mucous from the body. In addition to this Bhibitaki also helps to treat various lung and respiratory ailments.

Primarily Triphala is a laxative. It helps in detoxifying or cleansing the body. It also helps to improve digestion by breaking down food and improving absorption. It also nourishes the body tissues and hence an excellent rejuvenator. Absolutely everyone can benefit from Triphala. Triphala can be taken with a glass of warm water first thing in the morning. However, it is not recommended during pregnancy unless you experience constipation. But should be taken only after consulting a certified ayurvedic doctor.

During ancient times an Ayurvedic practitioner would merely look at your tongue and diagnose any disease. Your tongue is actually a mirror of your overall health and well-being. A coated tongue is a sign of bad health. The pressure points of the vital organs of the body, such as kidney, stomach, liver, intestines, lungs, heart, pancreas and the spleen are mapped onto the tongue. Hence, your tongue can be used as a medium to eliminate toxins from the body.

Ayurveda recommends two oral cleansing techniques (Oil Pulling) namely Kavala Gandusha and Kavala Graha. Kavala means the oral cavity These cleansing techniques not only help in pulling out oral toxins but also help to eliminate toxins from the vital organs. This powerful detoxifying technique has become very popular and is now recommended as an alternative and remedial medicine for many health ailments.

Sesame oil is considered as the best oil for this cleansing technique. Sesame oil has excellent antioxidant properties and is also rich in Vitamin E. Other oils like coconut oil, sunflower oil and olive oil can also be used. However, using organic oils has its own additional benefits.

In Kavala Gandush the mouth is filled with enough oil, retained for some time and then released. Whereas in Kavala Graha the mouth is completely filled with oil such that one cannot gargle. Then the oil is swished around in the mouth for some time and then released.

PROCEDURE

1. First thing in the morning on an empty stomach takes a tablespoon of oil in the mouth.

2. Swish the oil between your teeth in case of Kavala Gandusha and in the case of Kavala Graha, retain the oil without swishing and then release.

3. As the saliva mixes with the oil, it starts getting milky and watery which is an indication that it is saturated with toxins pulled out from the oral cavity and body. Once this happens, spit the water out.

4. Rinse your mouth and brush your teeth.

According to Charaka Samhita (Ancient Ayurvedic encyclopedia), over a period of time you will notice that your teeth start getting whiter, plaque disappears, improves bad breath and appetite and one feels energetic and healthy. It also cures Kapha imbalances and is believed to cure many diseases like a migraine, heart and kidney problems, women’s diseases, ulcers, intestinal disorders and many others. Ayurveda recommends inculcating this discipline for a healthy life.