The monsoon may be your favourite time of the year, but don’t forget that the rains also usher in a number of contagious diseases – dengue, malaria, diarrhoea and chikungunya, to name a few.
Ayurveda indicates that monsoons aggravate pitta (the fire element in the body) which makes the digestion sluggish. The humidity in the air adds to health problems like indigestion, infections, hair loss and skin ailments.
Want a happy, healthy monsoon? Here’s a few dos and don’ts, as prescribed by Ayurveda.
1. Watch What You Eat
Leafy greens are usually a great idea. But not in the monsoons, as Ayurveda doctors say the damp weather makes the greens susceptible to worms.
Ayurveda suggests that foods that are rich in spices and oil can cause indigestion, bloating and salt retention. Keep sour or acidic foods at bay during the monsoons. Sure you love your chutney, but wait for the skies to clear up. Opt for steamed and well-cooked home food such as idlis.
Consuming ‘Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) with rock salt in monsoon season is beneficial to boost immunity. Haritaki is the richest source of Vitamin C and contains plant chemicals like tannic acid, chebulinic acid.Dr Shikha Sharma, Nutritionist
“Include Triphala in your daily routine as it detoxifies the body, boosts immunity and rejuvenates the skin,” Dr Sharma told The Quint.
2. Don't Skip Exercise
Ayurveda practitioners suggest that rigorous exercise can increase the pitta dosh (by putting undue load on the body). So does that mean no exercise? Certainly not. Ditch the gym for light exercises such as jogging, swimming and yoga.
3. Ideal Time to Indulge in Panchakarma
Ayurveda doctors say monsoon as the best time to indulge in Panchakarma rejuvenation therapy. Doctors say the body is more receptive to herbal oils and therapies at this time of the year as the atmosphere is dust free, humid and cool – conducive conditions for body’s health and healing.
Panchakarma is a therapeutic process that detoxifies the body (through oils and massages), cleanses it of its impurities and refreshes the body physically and mentally.
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