Abstract

A REVIEW ARTICLE OF RITU AND RITU SANDHI

Dr. Mamta Masram, Dr. Sandeep Singh Tiwari* and Dr. Rambhool Singh

Abstract

Ayurveda is an Indian system of medicine which deals with health and diseases. As described in Sushruta Samhita health means normal physiological parameters, spiritual wellbeing, focused mind and mental peace. Ayurveda deals with multiple aspects of health and focus is on being healthy. First aim of Ayurveda is „Swasthyarakshan‟ i.e. maintenance of health. To fulfill this aim, regimens according to different seasons and for day to day life are given in great Trio. Separate chapters are written on Dincharya and Ritucharya. Ritu means season. In Ayurvedic literature year is divided into Uttarayana and Dakshinayana. Each Ayana is divided into three Ritu. Hence total 6 Rituare present in one year. For every Ritu different food and routines are advised. At the end of Ritucharya, Vagbhatta has described Ritusandhi. Ritu Sandhi is a time when seasons meet. One week of former season and one week of later season forms the time of Ritusandhi. This article is a review study of SamhitoktaRitu and Ritusandhi. The importance of Ritu and Ritusandhi in present scenario is discussed in this review article. References and relevant matter is compiled from Ayurvedic literature, internet and research articles. In different Ritu environmental conditions are different. These conditions directly affect human body. Therefore Ahaar –Vihaar which is in homologation with particular Ritu is described in Samhita. The methods of shifting from one regimen to the other with changing season are being discussed in this article.

Keywords: Ritu, Ritusandhi, Ritucharya, Swasthyarakshana, Uttarayana, Dakshinayayana.