After the heavy rains of the monsoon, the skies clear up, the air becomes bright, and the sunlight turns sharp again. This beautiful transition marks the beginning of Sharad Ritu, the Autumn season, which typically falls between mid-September to mid-November in India.
According to Ayurveda, every season influences our doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in unique ways. Sharad Ritu is especially important because it is known as the season of Pitta aggravation (Pitta Prakopa Kala). Pitta represents fire and water, governing digestion, metabolism, temperature regulation, and transformation in the body. When Pitta increases beyond normal, it can disturb both body and mind—causing acidity, anger, irritability, and heat-related disorders.
Why Pitta Increases in Sharad Ritu?
Ayurveda explains that this aggravation happens due to natural climatic changes and the body’s adaptive response during Rutu Sandhi (the junction between two seasons).
- Pitta Accumulation (Sanchaya) – During the hot summer and humid monsoon, heat gradually builds up in the body.
- Suppression During Monsoon – The cooling rains of Varsha Ritu temporarily suppress this heat, keeping it stored within.
- Reactivation During Autumn – As soon as the rain stops and the weather becomes clear and sunny again, the trapped Pitta becomes active, leading to Pitta Prakopa (aggravation).
This physiological shift explains why many people experience acidity, rashes, burning sensations, or anger during this time.
Common Pitta-Related Disorders in Sharad Ritu:
If not managed properly, aggravated Pitta can cause:
- Acidity or heartburn (Amlapitta)
- Indigestion, nausea, or loose stools
- Burning sensation in the palms, soles, or eyes
- Skin problems like itching, rashes, or hives
- Excessive thirst and body heat
- Bleeding disorders (such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding)
- Irritability, impatience, or anger
In addition to these, Ayurveda also notes that Sharad Ritu often brings a rise in seasonal and infectious diseases. During this time, cases of cold, cough, fever, and other communicable ailments are commonly seen. Disorders such as Jwara (fever), dizziness, skin infections, eye problems, piles, fissures, urinary burning, kidney stones, hair fall, allergic conditions like urticaria, eczema, and psoriasis tend to increase. Conditions like mouth ulcers, excessive sweating, burning sensations in various body parts, and bleeding tendencies are also more prevalent.
This is why Sharad Ritu is often referred to as the period of heightened disease activity—a reminder that preventive care is crucial during this season.
To prevent these, Ayurveda recommends following a Sharad Ritu Charya—a seasonal lifestyle designed to calm and balance Pitta.
Sharad Ritu Charya: The Essential Autumn Lifestyle:
The goal of this regimen is Pitta Shamana (pacifying heat) and Rakta Shodhana (purifying blood) through proper diet, lifestyle, and detoxification practices.
1. Diet Guidelines (Ahara):
The goal of this regimen is Pitta Shamana (pacifying heat) and Rakta Shodhana (purifying blood) through proper diet, lifestyle, and detoxification practices.
Additional Tips:
- Include aloevera juice or amla juice in the morning to cool the system.
- Use spices like coriander, fennel, cardamom, and turmeric in moderation—they help regulate Pitta.
- Avoid alcohol, fermented foods, and excess caffeine, as they generate internal heat.
- Also avoid very spicy foods, pickles, chili-based dishes, mustard, garlic, asafoetida (hing), pulses like kulith (horse gram), and seafood, as they can aggravate Pitta and increase body heat.
2. Lifestyle & Daily Routine (Vihara):
Your daily habits play a major role in maintaining dosha balance. The focus in Sharad Ritu should be on coolness, calmness, and restfulness.
- Sleep well – Go to bed early and wake up early. Avoid late nights as they aggravate Pitta and disturb digestion.
- Avoid excessive sun – Stay indoors during noon hours when the sun is harsh.
- Stay calm – Avoid arguments, anger, and emotional stress. Practice patience and mindfulness.
- Enjoy moonlight – Spending time in the moonlight, especially on Sharad Purnima, is considered therapeutic. Moonlight soothes the mind and cools Pitta.
- Dress right – Wear soft, breathable cotton clothes. Avoid synthetic or tight-fitting garments.
- Exercise moderately – Gentle yoga, stretching, and walking are best. Avoid overexertion.
- Cooling Pranayama – Practice breathing exercises like Sheetali and Sheetkari, which cool the body and calm the mind.
- Avoid hot baths or saunas – Prefer lukewarm water for bathing. Add sandalwood or rose essence for extra cooling.
3. Ayurvedic Therapies for Sharad Ritu:
Ayurveda recommends certain cleansing and rejuvenation therapies during this season to eliminate excess heat and toxins.
- Virechana (Purgation Therapy): A Panchakarma procedure that removes accumulated Pitta from the intestines and liver. It detoxifies the body and improves digestion, skin, and mood. Always done under expert supervision.
- Rakta Mokshana (Bloodletting): Recommended in chronic Pitta-related conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne to purify the blood.
- Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Gentle daily massage using cooling oils like coconut helps relax the nerves, improve sleep, and reduce heat. Focus especially on the head and feet.
- Takra Dhara or Shirodhara: In some cases, therapies involving pouring medicated buttermilk or cooling oil on the forehead are advised to calm mental agitation and promote peace.
Seasonal Harmony and Mental Balance:
Sharad Ritu is not just about physical detox—it’s also a time for emotional cleansing.
The brilliance of the post-monsoon sky and the calm moonlight invite us to slow down, reflect, and cultivate inner peace. Engage in meditation, self-care rituals, journaling, and gratitude practices to balance both Agni (digestive fire) and Manas (mind).
Ayurvedic texts also mention the phrase “Roganam Sharadi Mata,” meaning Autumn is the mother of all diseases. This reflects how, during this season, disease occurrence and even mortality rates can rise due to sudden climatic changes and aggravated Pitta. Hence, it is a period that demands extra self-care and vigilance to preserve health and vitality.
In Summary:
Sharad Ritu is the season of Pitta dosha aggravation, when the body becomes more prone to heat and inflammation. By following Sharad Ritu Charya—a balanced routine of cooling foods, calm lifestyle, and Ayurvedic detox therapies—you can restore internal balance and vitality.
This ancient wisdom helps you:
- Keep your digestion strong
- Maintain clear, glowing skin
- Prevent acidity and heat-related ailments
- Stay mentally calm and emotionally centered
By living in tune with nature’s rhythm, you prepare your body for the upcoming winter and enjoy year-round health, harmony, and happiness.
