Ayurvedic Approach to Cold Adaptation as Per Hemanta Seasonal Regimen: A Review

Abstract

Ayurvedic therapy is holistic in nature which considers all the aspects of life along with seasonal aspects. For the promotion of health and prevention of disease seasonal regimen has been described in Ayurveda. Margasirsa and Pausa (15 Dec. -15 Jan.) months comes under the Hemanta season. Aim of this paper was to explain the Ayurvedic seasonal regimen described for the Hemanta season on basis of modern concepts. Seasonal regimen described in Ayurveda helps to nullify the effects of season. During the Hemanta season cold temperature stimulates the shivering and non-shivering type of thermogenesis in the body. These physiological changes increase the metabolic activities in the body which possibly is the reason of increased digestive power of the body. Ayurvedic scholars were aware with the physiological changes which occur due to the seasonal variations. Seasonal physiological changes and cold adaptations have been scientifically evaluated by various researchers. The review of above Hemanta seasonal regimen indicates that Ayurvedic seasonal regimen have sound scientific base and these scientific validations could justify their incorporation into modern health system.