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We all know that donating blood can save lives, but today we will understand how it also benefits the donor!

Introduction

Sharada Ritu or Autumn marks the phase between monsoons and winters. It is a time where skies are clearer and the sun shines bright again. A great time for festivities all around the world. Be it Sharadiya Navratri followed by Dussehra and Diwali in the Indian subcontinent to Halloween in the United States. Also noteworthy Oktoberfest in Germany, along with harvest and moon festivals in East Asia.

The Ayurvedic lens: Sharada Ritu

Ayurvedic classics define Sharada Ritu as the transition phase between Varsha Ritu ( monsoon) and Hemanta Ritu (early winter). This usually falls between mid-September to mid-November.

Acharya Sushruta, one of the revered scholars of Ayurveda, has depicted Sharada Ritu in his treatise. He documents that the skies are clear and the sun shines bright. The land appears muddy in low-lying areas and elevated in higher regions. Trees are scattered and often bear small ants, while flowers bloom in various places, adding to the visual beauty of the season. The season is marked by graceful movements of animals and birds like Swans. A sense of calm clarity can be sensed in nature, making it ideal for observing the rhythms of the environment.

This season is especially special for Pitta Dosha, which aggravates in this season after having accumulated in the previous season i.e., Varsha Ritu. It pacifies on its own in the winter months.

What benefits does donating blood brings especially in Sharada?

Classics of Ayurveda mention Raktamokshana (therapeutic blood letting) as one of the prime measures for maintaining health and preventing disease. In Sharada Ritu, as Pitta Dosha naturally aggravates, removing a small amount of blood helps the body release accumulated heat and toxins.

Bloodletting during this season brings multiple benefits:

• Balances Pitta Dosha: It helps cool the system and prevents Pitta-related issues like rashes, burning sensations, headaches, and acidity.
• Improves circulation: Removing stagnant blood promotes the formation of fresh, healthy blood and supports better tissue oxygenation.
• Enhances skin clarity and glow: By purifying the blood, it reduces inflammation and improves complexion — a sign of internal balance.
• Boosts vitality: The body responds by regenerating fresh blood cells, improving strength, metabolism, and overall energy.

October 1st – National Voluntary Blood Donation Day in India

Since the year 1975, the Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immunohematology has been observing this day every year in honour of Dr. J.G.

This is a day to raise awareness and dilute myths around voluntary blood donation. On this day various government and non-government organisations set up camps for blood donation.

It is worth noting that this day fits perfectly as it falls in Sharada Ritu.

Benefits of blood letting according to modern medicine

While Ayurveda emphasizes Raktamokshana as a means to balance Doshas and purify the body, modern medicine too recognizes that donating blood can have measurable physiological benefits for the donor, when done safely and at recommended intervals.

Here’s how:

• Stimulates new blood cell production: After donation, the body naturally replenishes the lost blood within weeks by producing new red blood cells. This renewal process keeps the circulatory system active and healthy.
• Improves cardiovascular health: Studies suggest that regular blood donation can help reduce blood viscosity and iron overload, lowering the risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart attack.
• Reduces excess iron stores: High iron levels can increase oxidative stress. Blood donation helps maintain optimal iron balance, thereby protecting the body from cellular damage and inflammation.
• Enhances metabolic and liver health: By maintaining balanced iron and hemoglobin levels, blood donation supports better liver function and metabolic regulation.

When seen through both lenses , Ayurvedic and modern ,the act of voluntary blood donation in Sharada Ritu becomes a perfect blend of science and traditional knowledge.

To conclude…

In modern times, voluntary blood donation beautifully mirrors Ayurvedic wisdom. It also serves as a Satkarma(righteous act) saving lives while also supporting the donor’s own physiological and emotional well-being. The act of giving blood not only purifies the body but also uplifts the spirit, perfectly aligning with the essence of Sharada Ritu — a season of renewal, clarity, and balance.

Jeevet Sharadah Shatam – May you live a hundred Autumns.

A holistic take on skin care on the basis of traditional system aided by conventional understanding.

Introduction

Skin is the largest organ of our body. It breathes, metabolizes, and even excretes, just like many vital organs. Most importantly, it serves as our shield of protection. Acting as the first line of defense, the skin bears the brunt of harsh environmental factors, shielding the inner body from damage.

What Do We Really Know About Skincare?

Skincare is deeply personal and subjective. That moisturizer your friend swears by might leave your skin dry, irritated, or even breaking out. In other words, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Most people are familiar with the basic three-step routine:
Cleansing → Moisturizing → Sunscreen

In recent years, conventional skincare has introduced powerful actives like retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, snail mucin and exfoliating acids, which dominate the skincare shelves today.

But pause for a moment and ask yourself.

Even after all this slathering, is your skin truly flawless?

If the answer is “not quite,” you might be missing an important link.

And psst… it’s not about just drinking more water!

Beyond Creams and Serums: The Holistic Side of Skincare

Ayurveda has always emphasized the holistic side of health. Be it maintaining health or dealing with an illness.

In Ayurveda, the skin is directly related to Rasa Dhatu (the body’s first and most nourishing tissue). Along with this, the three Doshas, Kapha, Pitta, and Vata govern the structure and function of skin in different ways.

Given its close association to Rasa Dhatu, we can understand that healthy skin roots from healthy Agni. That’s why, before investing in endless surface treatments, it is essential to understand and balance your Agni.

The Gut-Skin Axis

Modern science echoes this Ayurvedic principle through the gut–skin axis (GSA). We know that digestion, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients occur in the gut, with plasma distributing them throughout the body.

Gut microbiome is another fact which modern science swears by for not just skin health but also many other metabolic functions. Gut microbiome is simply a vast community of microorganisms which live inside us. It is rather an essential ecosystem which works to maintain homeostasis.

Interestingly, our skin also harbors its own microbiome, and the two are interconnected.

The gut–skin axis refers to the bidirectional relationship between gut health and skin health. Imbalances in one can trigger changes in the other via inflammatory pathways and microbial metabolites.

Just as Ayurveda sees Agni as the root of vitality, modern research shows that a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for radiant skin. Any disruption, whether of Agni or gut flora, can contribute to dermatological conditions. These conditions can range from excessive dryness, dehydration, or oiliness to acne, psoriasis, dermatitis.

Simply put:

balanced digestion = balanced skin.

Restoring Balance: How to Strengthen Your Gut?

Food as Medicine: Nourish Your Gut, Nourish Your Skin

Ayurvedic classics honor food as Mahabheshajya—The Great Medicine. Your gut bacteria thrive on what you eat, and their diversity shapes your skin health.

You don’t need a million foods, but diversity matters. Research shows that eating at least 30 different plant-based foods per week supports a healthier microbiome.

Does this mean you should avoid meat or animal products ? Here’s what Ayurveda classics suggest.

Fiber is the best fuel for your friendly microbes—fruits, veggies, whole grains, pulses. It acts as a prebiotic, feeding the probiotics.

Probiotics themselves come from fermented foods like yogurt, buttermilk, kimchi, sauerkraut, and even traditional pickles (in moderation).

Feed them right, and they’ll reward you with better digestion, stronger immunity, and glowing skin.

Ayurveda too highlights this.

When your Agni is strong, your body digests food well, and Rasa Dhatu is nourished.

This nourishment reflects as radiant, blemish-free skin.

On the other hand, meat-rich, heavy to digest, oily, processed food weakens Agni. Ultra-processed food (UPF) is especially linked to dysbiosis.
This not only troubles your gut but also dulls your skin.

Simple Swaps to Hit 30 Plants a Week

• Add a handful of mixed seeds/nuts instead of just almonds.
• Rotate different dals/pulses (moong, masoor, chana, rajma) through the week.
• Mix up your whole grains. Try millets, quinoa, barley along with rice/wheat.
• Go for seasonal veggies & fruits. Each one adds to your count.
• Use herbs & spices generously (coriander, cumin, turmeric, basil, they all count!).

Little swaps = Big diversity = Happier gut + Glowing skin

Lifestyle Habits That Support Skin from Within

Skincare is not just about what you apply—it’s about how you live.

Apart from gut-friendly diet, you can (and should) inculcate a few simple habits.

1. Sleep well – Your skin’s secret weapon

Your skin repairs and regenerates while you sleep. That’s why sleep isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Not just for glowing skin, but for your overall well-being. Poor sleep = weak skin barrier, dullness, and faster ageing. Aim for 7–8 hours of restful sleep every night. Modern science confirms that deep sleep lowers cortisol and boosts collagen production. Ayurveda, too, emphasize Nidra as one of the “Three Pillars of Life” (Trayopastambha), essential for balance, growth, and vitality.

Tips to attain that much coveted BEAUTY SLEEP!

• Switch off screens 1 hour before bed
• Drink warm milk with nutmeg or turmeric.
• Keep a fixed sleep-wake cycle
• Try oil massage for feet or scalp before bed for gentle relaxation.

Sleep Tight, Glow Bright

2. Manage stress– A time tested way to slow down your skin’s ageing.

In modern life, stress is inevitable. What truly matters is how you manage i
Most of us worry about the “worst-case scenario,” triggering the body’s natural stress response—cortisol release.

But frequent stress means frequent cortisol spikes. Over time, this disturbs digestion, disrupts Agni, and eventually shows up on your skin.
Cortisol also makes the body hold onto water, leaving your face looking puffier and under-eye bags more prominent.

Quick Calmers: 5-Minute Stress Fixes

• Try 3 rounds of deep belly breathing
• Take a short mindful walk outdoors
• Do a few minutes of alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
• Keep a gratitude note handy to shift focus

3. Exercise- move towards the healthier, brighter you!

Movement boosts circulation and nourishes your skin from within. In Ayurveda, Vyayama (exercise) is a key part of Dinacharya (daily routine). When you move in sync with your natural circadian rhythm, you not only energize your body but also invite a radiant glow to your face.

Modern science tells us that exercise increases oxygen supply, improves lymphatic drainage, and reduces inflammation, all of which show up as healthier skin. Ayurveda explains it as balancing Kapha, kindling Agni, and supporting Rasa Dhatu, the very foundation of glowing skin.

Move Smart: Easy Daily Practices

• Aim for 30 mins of moderate movement daily
• Match exercise intensity with your body type & season
• Prefer morning workouts to align with circadian rhythm
• Don’t overdo and stop before exhaustion ( Ayurveda suggests exercise only to half your capacity at a time.)

Remember this:

Better blood flow= brighter your skin glows!!

Ayurvedic Allies for Skin Health

Ayurveda offers many herbs and practices that work from the inside out.

• Manjistha – a blood purifier, helps clear blemishes.
• Neem – balances Pitta and fights inflammation.
• Turmeric – reduces inflammation, supports immunity.
• Guduchi (Giloy) – boosts Agni and vitality.
• Triphala – keeps digestion smooth and regular.

Daily rituals like Abhyanga (oil massage), weekly Udavartana (gentle scrubbing) and oil pulling help maintain the strength and luster of our skin.

To conclude

True skin health goes beyond creams and serums. While surface care is important, lasting radiance comes from within. Once your gut and Agni are balanced, your creams and serums finally start to deliver.
Hydration lasts longer. Actives like niacinamide or retinol show better results.
Skin feels calmer, clearer, and healthier.

Nourish inside and out, because if the inside isn’t healthy, the outside will never truly shine. Take care folks! 🙂

Food is at the center of all our pursuits, yet many of us slip into little ‘food sins’ without even realizing it.

Ahara i.e. food is the basis of life for all living beings. Food in its different forms and shapes, nourish whatever is living and thriving under this.

Food : The Double Edged Sword

Can’t live without it, can’t live with it (when taken inconsiderably)

According to Ayurveda, food must be wholesome, timely, and in harmony with the season and one’s age. When prepared with care and taken with discipline, such a meal becomes Mahābhaiṣhajya—the Greatest Medicine

Annam Vrittikranam Shreshtham-

Food is the best entity to nourish our body (Ch.Su. 25/40)

Ayurveda mentions food as the cause of health and disease both. The same food which nourishes you, can make you sick if not taken in a disciplined way.

When food is taken in the right way, it nourishes Oja. This further translates as improved resistance to diseases. But when taken without discipline, be it in excess, at the wrong time, or in unsuitable combinations, Agni gets weakened. A weakened Agni disturbs the metabolic processes. This disturbance leads to production of Ama Visha (metabolic toxins) which can further lead to lifestyle disorders like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, liver disorders etc.

What is the right amount of food for you?

Āhāra-mātrā punaḥ agnibala-apekshini I (Ch.Su.5)

“The proper quantity of food is, in fact, dependent on the strength of your Agni.”

If you have been following this page, you would have a clear idea what Agni is. To say in a few words, it is the boon of your existence. Like in the perceivable universe, fire is responsible for transformation, in our body it is Agni which transforms food into fine absorbable molecules, which eventually nourish our body.

Agni is a resilient force .You might not feel anything different about your health just after having one off-day but if continued, it adds up. Once it starts, the damage may increase exponentially!

Considering this fact, among other factors, Ayurvedic classics strongly suggest about eating in the right way. Ahara is even considered one of the basic pillars of health, along with good sleep and self-regulation.

Along with Agni, the type of food you are having also needs consideration. Like a heavy meal should be taken only up to half of your satiety while a meal which is lighter to digest, you can take up to full satiety. These simple yet profound guidelines help in keeping Agni steady and digestion effortless.

Where We Go Wrong- The “FOOD SINS”

Despite this wisdom, daily life often pulls us away from mindful eating. Out of habit, convenience, or temptation, we unknowingly commit food sins. These may look harmless at first, but when repeated, they set the stage for long-term health issues.

Let’s see the three most common ones:

1. Adhyashana

Adhya = over/on top of, Ashana = eating

Ayurveda cautions:

“Ajīrṇādhyāśanam grahaṇiduṣaṇānam”
Eating in a state of indigestion is the prime cause of digestive disorders. (Ch.Su.25)

How we commit Adhayashana in daily life…

• Snacking every hour without true hunger.
• Eating lunch quickly after a heavy breakfast.
• Piling desserts or fried food right after a full meal.

Why it hurts: It overloads Agni, leading to fermentation, bloating, acidity, and eventual formation of Ama (undigested metabolic waste).

Do this instead:

Allow at least 3–4 hours between meals. Eat again only when you feel lightness and genuine hunger.

2. Vishamashana

Vishama = irregular, imbalanced

“Viṣamāśanam agnivaishamyakaraṇam”
Irregular eating causes imbalance of Agni. (Ch.Su. 25)

We commit Vishamashana nowadays by…

• Skipping breakfast, then overeating at lunch.
• Eating at unpredictable hours due to work.
• Weekend bingeing after strict weekday diets or just because you have had a rough week.

Why it hurts: Irregularity disbalances Agni, weakens digestion, and contributes to acidity, obesity, and nutritional deficiencies.

Do this instead:

Keep fixed meal timings, even on weekends. If delayed, have a small fruit or light soup instead of a heavy compensatory meal. However, avoid taking fruits after sunset.

3. Samashana

Sama = together

This refers to consuming wholesome and unwholesome foods together, or combining two good foods that are mutually incompatible.

Modern habits show Samashana in the way you might take…..

• Cola or fries with a salad.
• Milkshakes or desserts immediately after a heavy meal.
• Combining fish with dairy, or fruit with milk.

Why it hurts: Such combinations disturb Agni, leading to incomplete digestion, bloating, heaviness, and Ama buildup.

Do this instead:

Keep meals simple and harmonious. Do not mix food groups which are not compatible, like taking fruit with milk or eggs.

Are you guilty of these instead?

So we have covered the major food sins viz. Adhyashana (overeating), Vishamashana (irregular eating), and Samashana (eating incompatible foods). Yet, there are a few other mistakes we commonly make in our day-to-day life:

1. Eating while watching TV or talking

This is age-old advice but still highly relevant. When you multitask while eating, your mind is engaged in two activities like watching/talking and eating. This reduces mindful awareness of food intake and often leads to overeating. In some rare cases, it can even increase the risk of choking. Eating with full attention allows your body to recognize satiety signals properly.

2. Eating too slow or too fast

Not just what and when you eat, but also how you eat matters. Eating too quickly can cause aerophagia (swallowing excess air), leading to bloating and indigestion. It also prevents proper chewing, which is the first step of digestion. On the other hand, eating extremely slowly may delay satiety cues, sometimes leading to overeating. Ideally, chew well, but maintain a natural rhythm, neither rushed, nor prolonged.

3. Drinking water/fluids immediately after a meal

Many people wash down their food with a big glass of water, milk, or lassi right after meals. This can dilute gastric juices and slow digestion. Ayurveda especially advises against it. Instead, you may sip small amounts of water during the meal (without gulping), and if needed, take lukewarm water about 30–45 minutes post-meal to support digestion and nutrient absorption.

4. Not adapting to seasonal guidelines

Ayurvedic guidelines strongly recommend lifestyle and dietary adaptations as per seasons. With every season, your body undergoes subtle shifts—like dryness in winter, heat in summer, dampness in monsoon. To stay balanced, food and lifestyle need to adjust too. Ignoring this leads to seasonal disorders like colds, flus, indigestion, or skin issues.

Since, winters are just around the corner, you can check recommendations for slaying this winter (and hopefully beyond).

5. Taking too much of cold and fat-free food

This is a modern food fad mistake.

Fat-free obsession: Ayurveda never supports removing fats completely. (here’s why) In fact, Sneha (good fats like ghee, oils, nuts) are essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, joint health, and even mental balance. Modern science is slowly catching up to this idea.

Cold/stale food: Cooking in bulk and reheating (or eating straight from the fridge) makes food lose its vitality (prāṇa) and burdens digestion. Ayurveda always praises freshly cooked, warm meals. Warm meals not only taste better, but it also gets digested and passes down your gut easier. Too much intake of raw foods like salads and smoothies are also not recommended as they can be extra work for your gut.

Moderation is the mother of all balance.

A Gentle Reminder

These “food sins” may look harmless in the moment. But when repeated, they slowly chip away at Agni and disturb the body’s natural balance.

Given our hectic lifestyle, it is not easy to do it perfectly everyday. But, you can atleast be aware and make deliberate changes in your diet.

“Every meal is an opportunity. Eat with discipline, and your food becomes your medicine. Eat with negligence, and the same food becomes your burden.”