Monsoon has arrived in Tamil Nadu, bringing with it the familiar sight of heavy downpours and occasional drizzles, especially in Chennai and surrounding districts. As the rains pour down, you’ll see two-wheelers huddling under flyovers, seeking shelter, while some people embrace the wet weather, enjoying the showers in their own way. However, the monsoon also brings challenges, particularly in urban areas.
Health Risks During Monsoon
With the rains come inevitable issues like waterlogging and decaying garbage, leading to contamination of water resources. This sets the stage for a host of health problems, including stomach upsets, fever, dysentery, typhoid, and hepatitis. The increase in stagnant water also provides a breeding ground for flies and mosquitoes, which can spread infections and viral diseases.
During this time, mothers and homemakers often become the frontline defenders of their family’s health, managing various ailments that arise with the changing season. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers valuable insights into why these seasonal shifts affect our health.
Understanding Ayurveda’s Perspective on Seasonal Illness
Ayurveda explains that the primary causes of illness are closely linked to the time of year, or Ritu Kalam, and the age group of individuals:
“Kāla Artha Karmaṇā Yogo Hīna Mithyā Ati Mātraka | Samyak Yogascha Vijñeyo Roga Arogya Eka Kāraṇam”||
This sloka highlights that the right or wrong combination of time, actions, and habits can determine health or illness.
Each season brings its own set of environmental changes that can disrupt the body’s internal balance, leading to diseases. For instance:
- Children (up to 13 years): Common cold, sinus congestion, cough, sneezing, and mild fever are prevalent. Children who consume junk food may also experience stomach issues.
- Young Adults to Middle-Aged Individuals: Skin allergies, fungal infections, viral or bacterial fevers, and stomach problems like dysentery and indigestion are common.
- Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Body aches, sinusitis, joint pains, and neuralgic or rheumatic pains often worsen during this season. Additionally, dry skin, bloating, and constipation are frequent complaints.
- For those already suffering from chronic conditions, the seasonal change can exacerbate their symptoms.
Ayurvedic Tips for Staying Healthy During Monsoon
- Dietary Adjustments (Aahara):
- Incorporate ginger, dry ginger, pepper, long pepper, ajwain, turmeric, cumin, garlic, and sesame oil into your meals.
- Avoid cold, refrigerated foods, fermented beverages, sour foods, and dairy products like paneer and yogurt.
- Opt for freshly cooked meals, ideally consumed within three hours.
- Drink only warm water, preferably boiled with dry ginger, coriander seeds, cumin, or ajwain for better digestion.
- Lifestyle Changes (Vihara):
- Rub a pinch of Rasnadi choornam or powdered black cumin on your vertex daily to prevent colds and flu.
- Bathe with lukewarm water instead of cold water.
- Engage in moderate exercise and consider Ayurvedic oil massages, especially for the elderly dealing with aches and pains.
- Preventive/Curative Medicines (Oushadha):
- Use Ayurvedic remedies like Rasnadi choornam to prevent seasonal ailments.
- Seek Ayurvedic consultations to tailor preventive or curative treatments suited to your specific needs.
- Therapies (Kriya):
- The monsoon is an ideal time for Panchakarma therapies, which help detoxify and rejuvenate the body, preparing it for the season ahead.
- Consider Rasayana therapies (cell/tissue rejuvenation protocols) to boost immunity and overall health during this time.
By making these seasonal adjustments to your Aahara, Vihara, Oushadha, and Kriya, you can enjoy the monsoon while minimizing health risks. Prevention is key, and with the right Ayurvedic practices, you can stay healthy and strong throughout the rainy season.
