The rains hold some valuable spiritual insights and echo the sentiments that the life cycle of death and conception continues. They bring with them the life lessons of being flexible and adapting to changes in life with resilience. Nature is the inspiration behind all Yoga lessons. Let’s keep in mind some monsoon Do’s and Don’ts per Ayurveda and AVAV, the four pillars of Yoga – Ahara, Vihara Achara and Vichara.

During the rainy season, common problems seen are due to Pitta, Vatta and Kapha imbalances. Conditions such as dysentery, common cold and cough, asthma, arthritis, nasal infections, digestion problems and skin allergies begin to surface. We can balance this by eating more leafy green vegetables, whole grains, barley, pulses, soups, curd, buttermilk, citrus, ginger and black pepper. Relaxation techniques like Nishpanda Bhava and Anitya Bhavana will keep the mind calm. Don’t take cold water baths or sit on the cold floor; keep the body warm. Let go of negative thoughts. All these will make this monsoon season a happy and healthy one.    

The above is an excerpt taken from “Yoga Prescription for Monsoon Season” by Smt. Hansaji Jayadeva Yogendra, published in Yogasattva 07/18, p. 5.