The year is divided into six seasons, or ‘ritus’, according to Ayurveda. The summer season corresponds to Grishma Ritu and it spans from mid-May to mid-July. It is marked by intense heat, dryness, and longer days, making it a season that challenges the body’s energy reserves and natural balance. According to Ayurvedic wisdom, this season leads to the accumulation of Pitta dosha, while Vata dosha starts increasing, and Kapha decreases naturally due to the heat.

Effect on Doshas

• Pitta dosha, which governs heat, digestion, and metabolism, accumulates in this season due to the scorching sun and dryness in the environment. Although it does not aggravate, it sets the stage for imbalance if not managed well.
  
  
• Vata dosha, associated with dryness and movement, begins to increase as well, especially toward the end of the season.
  
  
• Kapha dosha, which is heavy, cold, and moist, naturally decreases due to the drying and heating effect of the sun.
  
  

This shift in doshic balance makes the body prone to symptoms like dehydration, fatigue, irritability, digestive issues, skin rashes, and heat exhaustion. Therefore, Ayurveda advises a thoughtful adjustment in diet and lifestyle to stay balanced and healthy.

Recommended Food and Diet (Ahara)

Ayurveda suggests adopting a light, cooling, and hydrating diet during Grishma to prevent Pitta imbalance and support the body’s reduced digestive fire (Agni).

• Include sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes in your diet. Foods like cucumber, watermelon, gourd varieties, tender coconut water, soaked raisins, and seasonal fruits are excellent.
  
  
• Cool, natural drinks such as buttermilk, sugarcane juice, and herbal infusions like mint or coriander water are highly recommended.
  
  
• Avoid spicy, salty, sour, and oily foods as they aggravate Pitta. Also, heavy and fried items are harder to digest in this season.
  
  
• Cool milk (boiled and cooled) with a pinch of cardamom can be nourishing and soothing.
  
  

Lifestyle (Vihara) for Grishma

• Use light, breathable cotton clothes in soft colors like white, blue, or light green to help maintain body coolness.
  
  
• Engage in calming activities. Avoid strenuous physical exertion or exposure to the midday sun. It is ideal to do light exercise early in the morning.
  
  
• Daytime naps are allowed in this season, unlike in other times of the year. They help to restore energy lost due to heat.
  
  
• For cooling effect, applying sandalwood paste, rose water sprays, or taking baths with herbs like vetiver are recommended. 

Conclusion

Grishma is a delicate time that demands attention to hydration, nourishment, and rest. By aligning with nature’s rhythm and following Ayurvedic guidelines for food and lifestyle, one can maintain doshic balance and safeguard health during the hot summer months. Ayurveda reminds us that seasonal awareness is not just preventive but also a path to harmony with the self and environment.