Hemanta Ritu and Shishira Ritu are considered as the two months of pre-winter and winter as per the classics of Ayurveda.
Our earth as it moves around the Sun bestows us with the glory of bountiful seasons. As per the classics of Ayurveda, there are six seasons in a year and each season has its distinct characteristics. This cosmic dance not only transforms the weather but also brings profound changes to our bodies, reflected in the cyclical shifts of the Doshas throughout the year.
Ancients have mentioned certain dos and don’ts for each season which helps in easy transition from one season to another.
Hemanta and Shishira Ritu, in particular, stand out as unparalleled opportunities for strength building. With metabolism naturally heightened during these seasons, a few mindful practices can help you unlock their full potential. These months offer a rare, once-a-year chance to lay the foundation for enduring strength and vitality.
Understanding the Role of Winter in Ayurveda
A year is divided into two Kala (periods): Aadana Kala and Visarga Kala.
The term “Aadana” comes from the Sanskrit root “aad,” meaning “to take away” or “to draw in.” It refers to the northern solstice (Uttarayana), during which the Sun moves northward. This phase is characterized by the Sun’s intensity increasing, which reduces the Earth’s moisture and the body’s strength. It symbolizes a time of depletion, drying, and contraction, when the body’s energy levels are naturally lower.
The term “Visarga” is derived from “vi” (away) and “sarga” (to send or release), meaning “to bestow, give, or release.” This refers to the southern solstice (Dakshinayana), when the Sun moves southward. The Earth experiences more cooling and nurturing. It symbolizes a time of restoration and replenishment, with increasing moisture, cooling influences, and a boost in bodily strength.
Thus, you can understand that at the end of Visarga Kala and the beginning of Aadana Kala, we have the most strength and vitality compared to other seasons. In the Gregorian calendar, this time corresponds to the months of December and January.
According to the Ayurvedic calendar, Hemanta Ritu is the last season of Visarga Kala, and Shishira Ritu is the first season of Aadana Kala. This transition marks the best opportunity to build strength and elevate your health for the coming year!
Hemanta Ritu (Pre-Winter) vs. Shishira Ritu (Winter)
These two seasons, although different share common characteristics too. The following table highlights the key characteristics of the two seasons:
Hemanta Ritu
- Starts in late November to mid January.
- Accumulation of Kapha Dosha
- Good bodily strength
- Good digestive power
- Can take fatty meats and alcohol.
- Daily oil massage and sudation is beneficial.
- Light meals and fasting should be avoided
Shishira Ritu
- Starts from mid- January to mid-March.
- Basically like Hemanta Ritu, but extra care needs to taken in this season
- Living in wind- free and warm homes is recommended.
- Pungent, bitter, astringent and those foods and practices which can aggravate Vata should be avoided.
Winter and its Impact on the Body
As winter sets in, the body experiences several physiological changes in response to the cold, dryness, and reduced sunlight. These environmental shifts create a unique set of challenges, requiring us to adapt in order to maintain balance and vitality. In Ayurveda, this period calls for extra attention to strengthening immunity and nourishing the body to ensure optimal health.
These two seasons, are equipped with the armamentarium to make you ready for the cold claws of winter. You just have to follow nature mindfully.
If you want to build strength, then this is the best time as in this time, Agni or the metabolism is super high in natural states. Due to the heightened Agni, you can digest highly nutritionally dense food with quite ease. This is because of enhanced metabolism, it is recommended to have fatty meats and alcohol.
Now, there’s a small caveat here. Since, the metabolism is so high, if you do not eat adequately or fast for prolong periods of time, it can cause aggravation of Vata Dosha. Vata is a natural potentiator of Agni but when it is not supported with dense nutrition, it can lead to pathological Vata aggravation resulting in diseases like bodyaches, headaches and bloating.
Maintaining Balance During Winter
Proper Nourishment: Since Agni is strong in winter, take advantage of your body’s increased metabolic power by consuming warming, heavy, and nourishing foods like soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and whole grains. These help keep your digestive system strong and maintain energy levels.
Avoid Overloading the Digestive System: While heavy foods can be beneficial, overeating or consuming excessively fatty foods can strain the digestive fire and lead to sluggish digestion. It’s essential to eat mindfully and avoid overeating, as your body is naturally inclined to store energy in colder weather.
Maintain Hydration: The dryness of winter can lead to dehydration. Drinking warm herbal teas, broths, or hot water throughout the day will keep you hydrated and support healthy digestion.
Warmth and Rest: Both Hemanta Ritu and Shishira Ritu are seasons that naturally encourage rest and introspection. The body requires more energy to maintain warmth, so it’s crucial to allow yourself time to rest and recover. Favoring warmer environments, wearing layers, and using oil massages can promote circulation and help preserve bodily strength. However, make sure you don’t indulge in day time sleeping in these seasons.
Exercise: Owing to the natural support, you can exercise well enough in this period. Its once in a year opportunity to eat well and utilize the nutrition to build strength and stamina.
Use Oil and Moisturizing Practices: The dry air of winter can leave your skin and internal tissues vulnerable to dehydration. Incorporating oil massage (Abhyanga) with warming oils like sesame oil can nourish the skin, promote circulation, and support overall well-being. Steam baths or herbal sudation can also help alleviate any dryness.
Strengthening Immunity: The cold air can leave the body vulnerable to colds, flu, and other infections. Strengthening immunity through herbal tonics, a nutrient-dense diet, and consistent sleep will help prevent seasonal illnesses and maintain overall health.
Final Thoughts
Winter, as embodied by Hemanta Ritu and Shishira Ritu, is a prime opportunity to build strength, boost your metabolism, and prepare for the months ahead. By following Ayurvedic principles—nourishing the body, supporting digestion, and using protective practices—you can harness the natural vitality of the season and set yourself up for enduring health and vitality. This is the time to lay the foundation for a robust immune system, a healthy digestive fire, and overall well-being as the year unfolds.
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