This informal CPD article, ‘Seasonal Forces: Understanding Adana Kala and Visarga Kala in Ayurveda for Optimal Well-being’, was provided by Dronagiri Ayurveda Solutions, who encourage healthier living primarily through the "life manual" known as Ayurveda.
Seasonal Forces: Understanding Adana Kala and Visarga Kala in Ayurveda for Optimal Well-being
Ayurveda is an ancient tradition that emphasizes the importance of achieving good health by maintaining a dynamic equilibrium between the individual and their environment. This balance is attained through a balanced diet known as ahara, which is essential for strength, vitality, and longevity.
However, even with a balanced diet, individuals may be susceptible to diseases during different seasons. That's where ritucharya, the seasonal routine, comes in. Ritucharya is a regimen tailored for each season that helps preserve health and prevent ailments.
According to Ayurveda, health is linked to the harmonious interaction between the individual (Purusha) and their environment (Loka). Disrupting this equilibrium can lead to an imbalance of the doshas – vata, pitta, and kapha – the fundamental energies governing physiological and psychological functions.
The tridosha theory forms the basis of both preventive and curative measures in Ayurveda. Each dosha follows a rhythmic pattern of accumulation (sanchaya), aggravation (prakopa), and alleviation (prashama) in response to the changing seasons, marked by the movement of the Sun through the zodiac signs. The transition between seasons, known as ritusandhi, is a critical period when the doshas undergo shifts influenced by atmospheric conditions.
Understanding these changes is vital for adapting one's diet and lifestyle to maintain balance and prevent disorders associated with seasonal variations.
The year is divided into two phases: the northward movement of the Sun (Adana kala or uttarayana) and the southward movement (visarga kala or dakshinayana). Each phase encompasses three seasons, characterized by unique atmospheric qualities that impact the doshas, strength (bala), and digestive fire (agni).
Adana Kala marks the phase when the Sun moves northward, encompassing late winter (shishira), spring (vasanta), and summer (grishma) seasons. During this time, the environment experiences a gradual increase in heat, leading to a predominance of dryness. The Sun's intense rays absorb moisture from the surroundings, while the wind exacerbates this dryness, progressively causing desiccation in the atmosphere. As a consequence of these environmental changes, individuals may experience a rise in weakness and susceptibility to ailments. The seasons unfold in a sequence of increasing dryness, reflected in the predominance of bitter (tikta), astringent (kashaya), and pungent (katu) tastes, corresponding to shishira, vasanta, and grishma respectively. These flavors further exacerbate the body's vulnerability, contributing to a gradual decline in strength and vigor.
On the other hand, Visarga Kala signifies the southward movement of the Sun, encompassing the rainy (varsha), autumn (sharad), and early winter (hemanta) seasons. During this phase, the environment experiences a tempering of heat, characterized by the soothing influence of the Moon and the cooling effects of rainwater. As the Sun's intensity wanes, and the atmosphere becomes imbued with moisture, individuals may notice a resurgence in vitality and resilience. The seasons transition from dryness to moisture, manifesting in the prevalence of sour (amla), salty (lavana), and sweet (madhura) tastes, corresponding to varsha, sharad, and hemanta respectively. These flavors rejuvenate the body, fostering a gradual increase in strength and well-being.
The cyclical nature of Adana Kala and Visarga Kala gives rise to fluctuations in human strength throughout the year. At the onset of Visarga Kala and the conclusion of Adana Kala, individuals may experience a period of weakness, while the middle phase between these two periods is characterized by moderate strength. Conversely, the culmination of Visarga Kala and the commencement of Adana Kala herald the peak of strength and vitality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ayurvedic teachings on Adana Kala and Visarga Kala offer profound insights into the seasonal dynamics that influence human health and well-being. By aligning with the rhythms of nature and adapting our lifestyles to suit the changing seasons, we can cultivate resilience, promote vitality, and foster harmony between body, mind, and environment.
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Reference:
1.Carakasamhitaonline.com/index.phptitle=Tasyashiteeya_Adhyaya#Diet_and_lifestyle_guidelines_in_Hemanta_ritu_.28Winter_season.29
