Grishma Ritu is the Ayurvedic name for summer season. It is the time of Aadana kaala ( northward trend of Sun) when sun is at its fullest intensity on earth. Due to scorching heat and longer duration of day, moisture on earth and water content inside our body deplete. When body becomes dry or rather dehydrated, weakness results in limited work capacity. Agni bala or digestive process at gut and tissue level. Water resource in tissues, organs, srotas or channels and indriyas (sensory & motor organs) is at an all time low.

To beat the heat, sweat increases to keep the body cool, but this does not happen easily in hot and dry weather because of which non-humid environment poses a bigger danger for the system. Flow of Prana is good only if water demand is met in a timely manner. Otherwise this may lead to fainting, vertigo, body pain, hearing deficit and abnormal lowering of blood pressure. Water demand is above demand for food.

But the demand for water can be fulfilled through both water and food in the form of juices, recipes and cooked rice. Food taken during summer should be light to digest. Whether rice or wheat based, the cooking should be by boiling with water. Water rich vegetables, fruits should be included and fried stuff, flour based articles, black gram, spice should be avoided. Effective sleep both during night and day ( more importantly during night) is the top most priority. Going to bed early after light early dinner should be a consistent practice. We should now address an important doubt – how much and what kind of water to be taken during summer?

…………….To be continued