RITUCHARYA: PRINCIPLES OF SEASONAL REGIMEN IN AYURVEDIC TEXT

Abstract

This research aims to study and analyze the concept of “Ritucharya,” or seasonal regimens, as presented in Ayurvedic literature, with particular emphasis on the Ashtanga Hridaya, Part I, Chapter 3, which serves as a key textual source outlining principles for living in harmony with seasonal changes. This study adopts a qualitative research approach, employing documentary research combined with descriptive and analytical methods. The researcher translated and systematically analyzed the original Sanskrit text, subsequently categorizing key themes in accordance with the research objectives. The findings reveal that the concept of Ritucharya prescribes specific practices for six distinct seasons, with each season offering guidelines for lifestyle management and health care that correspond to climatic changes and the conditions of the three doshas, which have a direct influence on bodily balance. The results further demonstrate that Ritucharya represents a form of holistic health knowledge that systematically connects human life with nature. Rather than focusing solely on disease treatment, it places strong emphasis on disease prevention and balanced living. Consequently, knowledge derived from Ayurvedic texts remains valuable and can be appropriately applied as a framework for health promotion in contemporary society.