ROLE OF HEMANT RITU (EARLY WINTER) FOR MAINTEINANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF BALA (STRENGTH)

Seasons (Ritus) are the inherent global earth clock and the rhythm of the world. As per Ayurveda year is divided into six seasons, in which three season Shishira, Vasanta and Greeshma are known as Aadanakala . Other three seasons Varsha, Sharad and Hemanta are said to be Visargakala. In Visarga kala, as the Sun is located in southwards position, its heat reduces or slows down due to the effect of time and its position with respect to the Earth, wind, cloud and rain. The power of the Moon is predominant. Rainwater decreases the heating effect of nature. All of these lead to the predominance of non- dryunctuous, amla (sour), lavana (salty), and madhura (sweet) rasa respectively and step by step rise of body strength in human beings during these three seasons. Out of all the Ritus, Hemanta Ritu is a unique Ritu in terms of having uttam bala. Falling in Dakshinayana, moon is very powerful than sun, Madhur rasa is predominant in this Ritu, so the strength (Bala) of person enhances during this period. This article focuses to disclose thorough review of literature of Hemant ritucharya and its implication towards maintenance and enhancement of Uttam Bala. In Ayurveda oja, veerya, prana, kapha etc terms are considered as synonyms of Bala. Besides prakruti(genetic), sara(physiological) and aahar(diet), kala (season) is one of the prime factors to govern the Bala of the person. Bala stands for the strength of the body in terms of physical, mental, immunological and resistance to the body, the word Bala is being used in different contexts to denote various aspects accordingly. Keywords: Visarga kala, Hemant ritu, Bala