Ṛtu Sandhi

The Reason to Transition With The Seasons

The transitioning period between the seasons is known as ‘Ṛtusandhi‘ in Ayurveda. Translated from Sanskrit, Ritu; means season and Sandhi means a joint or junction. The last seven days of the previous season and the first seven days of the upcoming season constitute Ritu Sandhi. During these two weeks, one should gradually start moving away from the diet and lifestyle suitable for the current season and slowly adapting food ingredients and practices supportive of the entering season. This gradual transition of habits helps us accommodate and adjust better to the drastic weather changes, preventing seasonal physical and mental disorders, such as low immunity, painful joints, anxiousness, weight fluctuations, extreme changes in body temperature, depression, and more.

Spring and Fall are considered the most crucial transitioning points during the year. Spring is the junction between winter and summer. As winter ends and snow begins to melt, our bodies start accumulating moisture, and with the earth getting warmer, dampness increases around us and within us, forming excess mucus and phlegm in the body. Introducing drying and lightening practices this time of the year is essential for preparing the body for the summer heat.

Respectively, Fall is the junction between summer and winter. Towards the end of Summer, our bodies accumulate excess heat, especially if we have not eaten enough cooling fruits and vegetables during the hot season, we’ve overindulged in alcohol, or were excessively exposed to the sun. As we enter the cool and dry Autumn, it becomes essential to reset our systems and tune into our bodily rhythms by doing a seasonal cleanse to prepare for the colder months ahead.

Interested in doing a seasonal cleanse? Check out the new Detox Plans

What’s the purpose of cleansing, anyway?

The main reason to do a seasonal cleanse is to purify the body of Ama or toxic buildup. Ama, the undigested matter in the body, is the product of a weak digestive system and malabsorption of nutrients. The formation of small amounts of Ama is a normal part of the digestive process, as long as it is efficiently removed. However, when it’s not frequently cleared out and eliminated, accumulated Ama becomes toxic. In fact, Ayurveda considers Ama to be the root cause of all disease (‘Amaya’, the Sanskrit word for disease, literally means ‘that which is born of Ama’).

Agni, or the digestive fire, burns away excess Ama and purifies the body. A strong Agni has the ability to liquefy the sticky and slimy nature of Ama, the way heat can melt a stick of cold butter. Doing seasonal cleanses once or twice a year and fasting regularly, is very healing for the digestive system, and helps keep the Agni strong, and the body resilient.

Interested in doing a seasonal cleanse? Check out the new Detox Plans

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