There are six seasons or ritus.
Uttarayana:-Also called adana kala(Northern solistice)
Sishira, vasanta,greeshma,varsha,sharad,hemanta are the six ritus.The first three seasons, shishira, vasanta and greeshma ritu come under uttarayana (northern solistice).This is also called Adana kala.The body strength is very low in adana kala.
Dakshinayana:-Also called visarga kala(southern solistice).
Varsha, sharad, and hemanta come under dakshinayana.This is also called visarga kala.The body strength is very high in dakshinayana.
GREESHMA RITUCHARYA:-
Mid-May to mid-July (approximately) is considered as Grishma (summer) season.
The sun’ rays are very powerful, strong and penetrating. The wind is unhealthy and intense heat is present. The river bodies die up and the plants and trees are lifeless. The sun robs the earth of the cooling properties. Pitta dosha increases in the body. External heat and increased pitta dosha in the body reduces the digestive fire in the body. Hence one has to eat moderately. Due to excess heat, our body demands more liquids and hence one has to take plenty of fluids in the form of water and juices with salt and ginger. Care has to be taken to see that excess intake of juices does not put off the digestive fire. In greeshma ritu people experience dehydration lethargy energy loss, exhaustion and dryness in the body.
The predominant dosha is vata dosha .Kapha reduces day by day .Digestive fire(jatharagni) is very mild. Hence avoid use of sour, pungent and salt food along with heavy physical exercise and exposure to sunlight. Foods which are sweet, easy for digestion and liquid ,and cold food should be taken.
DIET DURING SUMMER:-
Boiled rice with meat of animals of the desert can be taken.
Mamsa rasa(meat soup) is also good for consumption.
Water kept in mud pot along with flowers of karpura and patala are ideal for drinking in summer.
Panaka prepared out of raisins, dates, cinnamon and cardamom has to be taken
Syrup which is sweet, salty and sour can be taken.
All juicy fruits and juices, buttermilk ,tender coconut water should be taken in abundance.
Alcoholic preparations and wine has to be avoided. Also if taken it has to be taken in limited quantity or with dilution with water. If taken in excess the person may develop delusion.
Summer Treatment in Ayurveda
Cooling therapies suggested during Greeshma Ritu are Panchakarma therapies like Nasya, Virechana ,Sneha Vasthi , Takradhara, ksheerdhara , thailadhara ,Shirovasti , Shirolepa ( thala pottichil) , Navara khizi
LIFESTYLE IN GREESHMA RITU:-
One has to spend the day time in a garden full of trees with branches giving shade and with full of fragrant flowers. Sleep during day time is advised as nights are shorter. Anoint a paste of chandan all over the body and take bath in cold water. One has to stay in cool places. Wear light colored cotton dresses to keep the body cool. Perfumes made of herbs with cooling properties are used. Excess exposure to sun rays has to be avoided. Night one can spend time in the cooling rays of the moon and experience the cool breeze. Physical exertion ,sexual indulgence and excessive exercise has to be avoided.