When it rains, it pours! Although torrential rains usually bring relief, what usually follows is a persistent feeling of fatigue and pain. This situation is even worse if you are currently recovering from an injury or have had a serious injury before. But why does this happen? According to a report by Ortho Beseda, it is due to factors such as air pressure, humidity, and precipitation, which vary greatly during monsoons. Apollo’s report further elaborates how a sudden drop in temperature, which is common during the rainy season, causes the joint fluid to expand and increases the pressure. The increased pressure in and around the joints causes pain. If you experience more severe symptoms of such pain, it is highly recommended that you see a certified doctor immediately. However, if you only occasionally get the monsoon blues, you can try incorporating these harmless Ayurvedic tips to survive the rains.
The scientific explanation for why monsoon pain and suffering is a universal experience also has an adjacent rationale rooted in Ayurveda. Apparent fluctuations in weather, as in the case of the monsoon, primarily affect the natural “doshas” that determine how our physiology functions. There are three types of doshas – Vata, Kapha and Pitta – and the monsoon tends to create imbalances in Vata and Kapha doshas in particular. According to the expertise of classical Hatha Yoga teacher Shloka, Vata dosha, which represents the element of air and space, tends to increase when the weather gets damp and cold, resulting in loss of moisture and increased friction in the joints. The resulting wear and tear causes the joint pain that is so characteristic of the monsoon. Moreover, the spike in humidity affects Kapha dosha, which causes fluid accumulation in the joints.
So how can we heal our bodies?
food
According to a report by Itoozhi, a surefire way to do this when your body is already adapting to the change in weather is to avoid foods that are hard to digest. In addition to this, the report highly recommends the consumption of ghee to ensure lubrication of joints. Yogurt, though healthy, can further aggravate Kapha dosha during the monsoon season. It is best to switch to Chhanchi (buttermilk) during the rainy months. Consuming around a teaspoon of honey daily can go a long way in pacifying Kapha. Getting used to the taste of ginger can help in balancing both Vata and Kapha dosha.
Activities
Fatigue and laziness always go hand in hand with humid weather, but you should try not to skip exercise completely. If you are already a gym-goer, try your best to continue it. Even if you are not a fitness enthusiast, a brisk walk and light stretching every day will gradually relieve stiffness in painful joints. According to Ayurveda and Panchakarma schools, keep your body warm and your feet dry at all times. Soaking up the sun after a heavy rain may feel good, but be careful not to overdo it. Also, avoid sleeping during the day, no matter how tempting it may seem, as it can affect your digestion and metabolism.
If you are interested in Panchakarma therapy, be sure to seek expert guidance and advice at every stage.
limit
The aforementioned report also provides a comprehensive list of foods to avoid during the rainy season to keep all doshas as balanced as possible. This includes minimizing the intake of non-vegetarian foods and avoiding seafood and leafy vegetables, which can harbor water-borne diseases. Additionally, sour, spicy, acidic and oily foods should also be avoided.
Want to incorporate Ayurveda into your lifestyle?
