Ritu sandi and ayurvedic cleansing between seasons
As we move into new seasons each year, the talk around cleansing starts up.. most of the focus at this time rests usually on the cleanse itself and the seasonal routine, rather than the reasoning behind why cleansing takes places - the transitory time between seasons, ‘Ritu Sandi’ (the juncture or point where two seasons meet) is a significant time in the ayurvedic approach to well-being. In this time, a short period of cleansing out any accumulations from one season before welcoming the other is recommended.
Consider the transitory time from Summer to Autumn for instance. The thinking here is that in the summer heat, the tendency is to build Pitta (heat) in the body; so in summer we naturally prefer a more cooling diet and environment. This helps balance Pitta dosha, but at the same time by increasing the coolness combined with the summer dryness increases Vata (erratic, dryness) in the body. These accumulations cause problems like dry skin, constipation, arthritic pain, colds, and inability to focus which are heightened in early Autumn (vata time of year).
The next juncture is at end of Autumn and early Winter we enter a time of dampness and heaviness - leading to coughs, colds, mucus-y ailments.
Following this is Spring, which takes place during the three transition months between Winter and Summer bringing warmth and wetness mixed with the remnant cold of winter. In the early stages of Spring the cold and heaviness starts to melt away as the temperature rises – which is why you may see an increase in spring colds and hay fever.
This again is a common time to cleanse the body and to assist the wetness and heaviness out of the body with a spring cleanse.
Essentially, just before moving into each new season the aim is to clear accumulation of dosha. To do this, follow a gentle seasonal cleanse for 3 - 5 consecutive days with a detoxifying diet, and then you can slowly follow the specific season-pacifying foods and lifestyle guidelines.
This same principle will apply at all seasonal transitions, throughout the year. The cleansing routine is the same.
As a guideline:
Eat lighter foods to facilitate cleansing - avoid red meat, aged cheeses and fried foods
Eat more easily digestible foods such as soup or a kitchari (recipe is here)
Drink more hot water throughout the day to aid cleansing
Leave a minimum of 3-4 hours between all meals but eat a light snack (see snacks in meal plan) if you are feeling weak at any time
Take a mix of 1/2 tsp Turmeric and 1/4 tsp black pepper tea (in 1/3 cup warm water) 30 mins before lunc
Avoid any vigorous activity and exercise during fasting days – aim to be gentle with yourself. Light walks are recommended.
Increase the use of spices such as ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon in meals or teas.
Take an ayurvedic digestive aid such as triphala at night for the week to ensure a complete cleansing every morning. Available at our clinic shop or online (see here). Contact us for stock if not available.