Sushruta Samhita Sutrasthana Chapter 6: Ritucharya Adhyaya (Seasonal Regimen)

The 6th chapter of Sutrasthana of Sushruta Samhita is named as Ritucharya Adhyaya. This chapter deals with the information on Seasonal Regimen.

Rutucarya Adhyaya-Seasonal regimen

अथातो ऋतुचर्यमध्यायं व्याख्यास्यामः ॥१॥
यथोवाच भगवान् धन्वन्तरिः ॥२॥ 

We will now expound the chapter “Rutucharya – seasonal regimen”, as revealed by the venerable Dhanvantari.

KalaTime

कालो हि नाम(भगवान्)स्वयम्भुरनादिमध्यनिधनः । अत्ररशव्यापत्संपत्ती जीवितमरणे च मनुष्याणामायते । स सूक्ष्मामपि कलां न लीयत इति कालःसंकलयति कालयति वा भूतानीति कालः ॥३॥

Kala means time factor. It should be considered as Bhagavan Swayambhu i.e. God who has self-manifested. Putting it in other words, Kala is a ‘self-born’ entity.

Reasons for Kala being Swayambhu –

Kala has no adi – beginning (origin), Madhya – middle (progression) or nidhana – death (end).

The tastes of all the substances and the vyapat – abnormalities and sampat – excellent qualities of these tastes totally depend on the kala. This means to tell that the tastes of substances and their qualities either manifest or change due to the effect of kala.

The Jivana – life and Marana – death of human beings is also totally dependent on the kala.

The Kala causes these changes in each and every thing in the creation and does not spare even the minutest of things or substances from its influence. Kala brings every single thing into a single group which will be influenced by it and since it causes changes and brings about the end or destruction of all things. It also brings about death and destruction of all the living beings and hence it is called as KALA.

Kala Vibhaga: Division of time as caused by the Sun God

तस्य संवत्सरात्मनो भगवानादित्यो गतिविशेषेणाक्षिनिमेषकलामुहूर्ताहोरात्र-पक्षमासर्त्वयनसंवत्सरयुगप्रविभागं करोति ॥४॥

SUN is given the status of God and is called as Bhagavan Aditya because all our activities depend on the light and heat that he bestows on the Earth. He is not constant and keeps making movements constantly. By making his special movements he creates divisions in Kala – the time factor which is ever moving and changing. The divisions of time thus brought about by the Sun God are scattered in a samvatsara i.e. one year. The divisions of Kala are as below mentioned –

–        Nimesha or Akshi Nimesha
–        Kashta
–        Kala,
–        Muhurta,
–        Aho-ratra,
–        Paksa,
–        Masa,
–        Samvatsara and
–        Yuga

Detailing of divisions of time

तत्र लघ्वक्षरोच्चारणमात्रोऽक्षिनिमेष,पञ्चदशाक्षिनिमेष,पञ्चदशाक्षिनिमेषाः काष्ठा,त्रिंशत्काष्ठाःकला,विंशतिकलो मुहूर्तः कलादशभागश्च, त्रिंशन्मुहूर्तमहोरात्रं पञ्चदशाहोरात्राणि पक्षः,स च द्विविधः-शुक्लः कृष्णश्च,तौ मास ः ॥५॥

Shad Rutus: Six Seasons in a Year

तत्र माघादयो द्वादश मासाः द्विमासिकमृतुं कृत्वा षड् क्ततवो भवन्तिः ते शिशिरवसन्तप्रीष्मवर्षाशरद्धेमन्ताः तेषां तपस्तपस्यौ शिशिरः मधूमाघवौ वसन्तः शुचिशुक्रौग्रीष्मः,नभोनभस्यौ वषां इषोर्जौ शरत्,सहः सहस्यौ हेमन्तैति ॥६॥

1 Samvatsara (year) comprises 12 masas (months). Beginning from Magha, each masa has its name.

One Samvatsara is divided into 6 Rtus i.e. seasons. Two Masas make one Rtu. Thus, one year consists of 12 months which are divided into 6 seasons. The six Rtus are as below mentioned.

Ayana Dvaya: Two Solstice

त एते शीतोष्णवर्षलक्षणाश्चन्द्रादित्ययो: काकविभागकरत्वादयते द्वे भवातों दक्षिणमुत्तरं च। तयोर्दक्शिणं वर्षाशरद्धेमन्ताः तेषु भगवानाप्यायते सोमः अम्ललवणमधुरश्च रसा बलवन्तो भवन्ति,उत्तरोत्तरं च सर्वप्रानिनां बलमभिवर्धते। उत्तरं च शिशिरवस्न्तग्रीष्माः तेषु भगवानाप्ययतेऽर्कः तिक्तकषयकटुश्च  रसा बलवन्तोभवन्ति,उत्तरोत्तरं च सर्वप्रणिनां बलमपहीयते ॥७॥

The six Rtus mentioned above are characterized by predominance of cold, heat and rain. These seasons are once again divided into two Ayanas – solstice or semesters. They are –

–        Dakshina Ayana – southern solstice and
–        Uttara Ayana – northern solstice

The division has been done on the basis of predominance of the effects of sun – heat and moon – cold.

The division of six seasons into two Ayanas is as follows –

1. Dakshina Ayana – comprises of three seasons, namely –

–        Varsha Rtu
–        Sharad Rtu and
–        Hemanta Rtu

In these seasons,

–        Lord Soma – the moon God is predominant
–        Amla – sour, Lavana – salt and Madhura – sweet tastes are more predominant / powerful
–        The bala – strength of all persons successively goes on increasing day by day in these three seasons

2. Dakshina Ayana – comprises of three seasons, namely –

–        Shishira Rtu
–        Vasanta Rtu
–        Grishma Rtu

In these seasons,

–        Lord Arka (Surya) – the sun God is predominant
–        Tikta – bitter, Kashaya – astringent and Katu – pungent tastes are more predominant / powerful
–        The bala – strength of all persons successively goes on decreasing day by day in these three seasons

One verse here:-

भवति चात्र:-
शीतांशु क्लेदयत्युर्वी विवस्वान् शोषयत्यपि।
तावुभावपि संश्रित्य वायुः पालयति प्रजाः ॥८॥

The effect of Sitamsu – moon and Vivasvan – sun is different on earth. While the moon, due to the influence of its cold rays causes moistening of the earth, the sun owing to its heat / hot rays dries up the earth. On the other hand, the Vayu – air / wind would protect and support all life and living beings by associating with both, moon and the sun.

Kala Chakra: Wheel of time

अथ खल्वयने द्वे युगपत् संवत्सरो भवति। ते तु पञ्च युगमिति संज्ञां लभन्ते।
स एषनिमेषादिर्युगपर्युगपर्यन्तः कालश्चकवत् परिवर्तमानः कालचक्रमित्युच्यत् इत्येके ॥९॥

Samvatsara – The two Ayanas (Solstice / semesters) i.e. southern and northern solstice together form one Samvatsara (year).

Yuga: Five such samvatsaras (years) together are called Yuga.

Kalachakra – This kala (time) commencing with nimesa and ending with yuga rotates like a wheel (continuously) and hence called as Kalacakra (the wheel of time), so says some authorities.

इह तु वर्षाशरद्धेमन्तवसन्तग्रीष्मप्रावृषः षड् ऋतवो भवति दोषपचयप्रकोपोपशमनिमित्तं ते तु भाद्रपदाद्येन द्विमासिकेन व्याख्याताः तद्यथा- भाद्रपदाश्वयुजौ वर्षाः कार्तिकमार्गशीर्षौ शरत् पौषमाघौ हेमन्तः फल्गुनचैत्रो वसन्त: वैशाखज्येष्ठौ ग्रीष्मः आषाढश्रावणौ प्रावृडिति ॥१०॥

According to Ayurveda, upachaya – mild increase, prakopa – aggravation and upashama – mitigation or coming back to a state of balance / normalcy of the doshas are brought about by the six rtus (seasons). They are –

–        Varsa – rainy season
–        Sarat – autumn season
–        Hemanta – winter season
–        Vasanta – spring season
–        Grishma – summer season
–        Pravrt – early rainy season

Each of these seasons are formed by 2 months (of a year) together i.e. 2 months constitute one season commencing from Bhadrapada (each season comes once in two months in a cyclic way).

Rutu Prabhava: Effects of the seasons

तत्र,वर्षास्वोषधयस्तरुण्योऽल्पवीर्या आपश्चाप्राशान्ताः क्षितिमलप्रायाः ता उपयुज्यमाना नभसि मेघावतते जलओरक्लिन्नायां भूमौ क्लिन्नदेहानाण् प्रणिनां शीतवातविष्टम्भिताग्रीनां विदाह्यन्ते,विदाहात् पित्तसंचयमापादयन्ति;संचयः शरदि प्रविरलमेघे वियत्युपशुष्यति पङ्केर्ककिरणप्रविलायितः पैत्तिकान् व्याधीञ्चनयति।

ता एवौषधयः कालपरिणामात् परिणतवीर्या बलवत्यो हेमन्ते भवन्त्यापश्च प्रशान्ताः स्निग्धा अत्यर्थं गुर्व्यश्च,ता उपयुज्यमाना मन्दकिरणत्वाद्भानोः सतुषारपवनोपस्तम्भितदेहानां देहिनामविदग्धाः स्नेहाच्छैत्याद्रौरवादुपलेपाच्च श्लेष्मसंचयमापासयन्ति ;स संचयो वसन्तेऽर्करशिमप्रविलायित ईषत्स्तव्धदेहानां देहिनां श्लैष्मिकान् व्याधीञ्चनयति।

ता एवौषधयो निदाघे निःसारा रुक्षा अतिमात्रं लघ्व्योभवन्त्यापश्च,ता उपयुज्यमानाः सूर्यप्रतापोपशोषितदेहानां देहिनां  रौक्ष्याल्लघुत्वाच्च वायोः संचयमापादयन्ति;स संचयः  प्रावृषि चावृषि चात्यर्थं जलोपक्लिन्नायां भूमौ  क्लिन्नदेहानां देहिनां  शीतवातर्षेरितो वातिकान् व्याधीञ्चनयति एवमेष दोषाणां संचयप्रकोपहेतुरुक्तः ॥११॥

Varsa Rtu – In this season, the plants (especially food crops such as cereals, pulses etc) are young / tender and possess little potency (properties). The water becomes contaminated with the waste materials of the earth and hence is not clean and clear.

The sky is full of clouds. The earth is greatly inundated with water. In such conditions, the bodies of the living beings will have more moisture and the agni (digestive fire) would become extremely weak due to the influence of cold wind. If these persons consume such plants (as food) and water, they would develop a burning sensation (excessive heat) inside the body.

Sarad Rtu – This burning sensation (excessive heat) would give rise to Sancaya (mild increase) of pitta. This accumulated pitta undergoes prakopa (severe increase) in Sarad Rtu (autumn – the next season), in which the sky comprises scattered clouds, the sun’s rays dries up the slush (moisture of the earth) and produces diseases of pitta origin.

Hemanta Rtu – In this season, the potency in the plants undergo change and get matured. This happens because of the change of seasons. The water not only becomes clear, but also would become unctuous and very heavy to digest.

In this season due to the mildness (mild nature) of the sun rays (not hot and intense) and due to contact and exposure to breeze consisting of snow, the body of persons would be stiffened (slight inactivity). The medicines and water administered to these persons would get converted into madhura vipaka (sweetness after digestion) and would cause kapha sanchaya due to their unctuousness, coldness, heaviness and stickiness qualities.

Vasanta Rtu – This kapha which has undergone mild increase will melt down due to the effect of heat of the sun rays coming into contact with the body in the next season i.e. vasanta rtu – spring season, undergo prakopa (great increase, aggravation) and causes diseases of kapha origin in the bodies of men (and other animals) whose bodies have stiffened (have become inactive slightly due to the impact of the seasons) due to the seasonal impact.

Grishma Rtu – The same plants become devoid of their essence, become dry and light (light for digestion) during the next season Nidagha (Grishma – summer). The water also acquires the same qualities during this season. When persons (and animals) whose body has become dry due to the effect of extreme heat of the sun consume these plants (as food), medicines and water, they bring about sancaya (mild increase) of vata due to their dryness, lightness and non-unctuousness.

Pravrt Rtu – This vata which has mildly increased would undergo prakopa (great increase, aggravation) during the next season i.e. pravrt rtu (early rainy season) when both the earth and bodies of men and animals get extremely moist and produce diseases of vata origin, stimulated by coldness, wind (cold breeze) and rains.

Thus, the causes of sancaya and prakopa of the dosas have been described.  

Proper time for elimination of Doshas

तत्र  वषहिमन्तग्रीष्पेषु संचितानां दोषाणां शरद्वसन्तप्रावृदसु च प्रकुपितानां निर्हरणं कर्तव्यम् ॥१२॥

Dosas which have undergone mild increase in Varsa, Hemanta and Grishma, and severely aggravated during Sarat, Vasanta and Pravrt, should be eliminated as indicated in the classics.

तत्र पैत्तिकानां व्याधिनामिपशमो हेमन्ते,श्लैष्पिकाणां निदाधे,वातिकानां शरदि स्वभावतएव  एव;त एते संचयप्रकोपोधमा व्याखयाताः॥ १३॥

Diseases produced by Pitta subside during Hemanta. Diseases produced by Kapha subside during Nidagha (Grisma). Diseases produced by Vata subside during Sarad – this is natural only.

Thus, sancaya, prakopa and prasamana of doshas have been described.  

Dina-Rtu-Bhava: Day and Seasons

तत्र,पूर्वाह्णे वसन्तस्यलिङ्गं,मध्याह्ने ग्रीष्मस्य,,अपराह्णे प्रावृषः प्रदोषे वार्षिकं,शारदमर्धरात्रे,प्रत्युषसि हैमन्तमुपलक्षयेत्,;एवमहोरात्रमपि वर्षमिव शीतोष्णवर्षलक्षणं दोषोपचयप्रकोपोपशमैर्जानीयात् ॥१४॥

During forenoon the features / qualities of Vasanta rtu (spring season) should be expected in the body.

During midday the qualities of Grisma (summer) are found.

During the afternoon the qualities of Pravrt (early rainy season) are found.

During evening time the qualities / features of varsa (rainy season) are found.

During midnight the qualities / features of sarat (autumn season) are found.

During early morning, the qualities of Hemanta (winter season) are found.

In this manner, the qualities of seasons such as cold, heat and rain should be understood as happening every day and night, just like they happen in a year, these shall be understood by mild increase, great increase (aggravation) and mitigation of doshas.

 Avyapanna-Rutu: Unvitiated / Normal seasons

तत्र,अव्यापन्नेषु ऋतुष्वव्यापन्ना ओषधयो भवन्त्यापश्च;त उपयुज्यमानाः प्राणायुर्बमवीर्यौजस्कर्यो भवन्ति॥१५॥

Avyapanna Rtus – means normal or uncontaminated season. The seasons get this name when they are not abnormal and manifest with their usual features.

The water and plants too will be bestowed with their normal qualities in these seasons. They will be extremely conducive to use. In these seasons, both plants and water will also be normal (having their normal qualities). The life activity, lifespan and longevity, strength, vigour and vitality of both men and animals would get enhanced by using such plants and water.

Rutu Vyapat: Abnormality of seasons

तेषां पुनर्व्यपदोऽदृष्टकारिताः,शीतोष्णवातवर्षाणि खलु विपरीतान्योषघीर्व्यपादन्त्यपश्च॥१६॥
तासामुपयोगाद्विविधरोगप्रादुर्भवोमरको वाभवेदिति॥१७॥
तत्र,अव्यापन्नानामोषधीनामपां चोपयोगः॥१८॥

The abnormalities of seasons are caused by adrsta (non-righteousness, adharma). The abnormalities occurring in cold, heat, wind and rain will also cause abnormalities in plants, medicines and water. (Herein cold, heat, wind and rain will become different and have abnormal qualities other than their normal qualities. The same is true with plants and water.)

By use of these plants and water, many kinds of diseases or pandemics / epidemics are caused.

When the seasons are contaminated and cause different diseases and epidemics, the plants (medicines) and water which are not contaminated shall be used (for treatment, as remedies).

Rutu Vyaapat: Diseases caused due to vitiated / abnormal seasons

कदाचिदव्यापन्नेष्वपि  ऋतुषु कृत्याभिशापरक्षःक्रोधाधर्मैरुपध्वस्यन्ते जनपदाः विषौषधिपुष्पगन्धेन वा वायुनोपनीतेनाक्रम्यते यो देशस्तत्र दोषप्रकृत्यविशेषेण कासश्वासवमथुप्रतिश्यायशिरोरुग्ज्वरैरुपतप्यत्ते,ग्रहनक्षत्रचरितैर्वि,गृहदारशयं ,सनयानवाहनमणिरत्नोपकरणगर्हितलक्षणनिमित्तप्रार्दुर्भावैर्वा ॥१९॥

Sometimes in spite of the seasons not being contaminated / vitiated i.e. seasons being normal, communities (of man and other living beings) suffer and get destroyed by the effects of sorcery, curses, anger of evil spirits (demons) and unrighteous behaviour of the people.

Sometimes, the country would get vitiated by the smell of poisonous plants and flowers carried by the wind. The people living in such countries become affected by diseases like cough, dyspnoea, vomiting, nasal catarrh, headache, fever etc which are not different from the dosha prakriti (constitution of the body).

Other times one would suffer from diseases caused due to the bad effects (inauspicious effects) of planets and stars. Also, at some times diseases are manifested due to the effects of malevolent qualities of the house, wife, cot, seat (furniture), vehicles, riding animals, precious stones, gems and household equipments etc. Diseases may also be caused due to many other signs which would suggest inauspiciousness (ominous signs).  

Vyapanna Rutu carya

– regimen during abnormal seasons

तत्र,स्थानपरित्यागशान्तिकर्मप्रायश्चित्तमङ्गलजलपहोमोपहारेज्यञ्च्व्यमलिनमस्कारतपोनियमदयादानदीक्षाभुपगमदेवताब्राह्मणगुरुपरैर्भवितव्यम्,एवं साधु भवति ॥२०॥

Below mentioned are the remedies people should follow during vyappanna rtus – when the seasons get vitiated / contaminated –

All these would bestow good benefits.

Avyapanna rtu Laksana: Features during normal seasons

अत ऊर्ध्वमव्यापन्नानामृतूनां लक्षणान्युपदेक्ष्यामः ॥२१॥
वायुर्वात्युत्तरः शीतो रजोधूमाकुला दिशः ।
छन्नस्तुषारैःसविता हिमानद्धा जलाशयाः ॥२२॥
दर्पिता ध्याङ्क्षखङ्गाह्वमहिषोरभ्रकुञ्जराः ।
रोध्रप्रियङ्गुपुन्नागाः पुष्पिता हिमलह्वये ॥२३॥

Next, the characteristic normal features of the seasons will be described.

Features of normal Hemanta rtu:-

–        The cold winds would blow from the north direction
–        Dust and smoke would be found covering in all the directions
–        The fog is seen to mask the sunrays
–        Snow or mist would cover the water bodies
–        Animals and birds including crows, rhinoceros, buffalos, camels and elephants are seen to be intoxicated and in joyous mood
–        Blooming of trees including Rodhra, Priyangu and Punnaga can be seen

शिशिरे शीतमधिकं वातवृष्टयाकुला दिश ।
शेषं हेमन्तवत् सर्वं विज्ञेयं लक्षणं बुधैः ॥२४॥

Features of normal Shishira Rutu

–        One experiences colder in this season
–        All the directions, quarters, spaces around are vitiated (surrounded) by breeze and rain.
–        Other features similar to those of Hemanta Rtu are seen

सिद्धविद्याधरवधूचरणालक्तकाङ्किते ।
मलये चन्दनलतापरिष्पङ्गाधिवासिते ॥२५॥
वाति कामिजनानन्दजननोऽनङ्गदीपन ः ।
दाम्पत्योर्मानर्भिदुरो वसन्ते दक्षिणोऽनिलः ॥२६॥
दिशो वसन्ते विमलाः काननैरुपशोभिताः ।
किंशुकाम्भोजबकुलचूताशोकादिपुष्पितैः ॥२७॥
कोकिलाषट्पदगणैरुपगीता मनोहराः ।
दक्षिणानिलसंवीताः सुमुखाः पल्लवोज्ज्वलाः ॥२८॥

Features of normal Vasantha Rutu

During Vasanta (spring), on the Malaya mountains having the footprints of lac painted on the feet of maidens (nymphs, brides), of Siddhas and Vidyadharas, the southern winds (of Malayagiri) carrying the sweet fragrance of the jasmine etc flowers climbing on the sandalwood trees (the winds coming in contact with the flowers and sandalwood trees) flow, producing pleasure in amorous persons, provoking the God of sex (enhances sexual desire in amorous persons), and smites the pride of the couple.

Apart from this, in spring season

–        All the directions (space, quarters) are clear, being decorated by forests and gardens filled with flowering plants and trees including Kimsuka, Ambhoja, Bakula, Cuta, Asoka etc and melodious tunes of herds of cuckoo and bees
–        Hanging creepers filled with beautiful red coloured tender leaves shaken by the southern wind would captivate one’s mind in this season.

ग्रीष्मे तिक्ष्णांशुरादित्यो मारुतो नैऋतोऽसुखः ॥
भूस्यप्ता सरितस्तन्व्यो दिशः प्रज्वलिता इव॥२९॥
भ्रान्तचक्राह्वयुगलाः पयः पानाकुला मृगाः
ध्वस्तवीरुत्तृणलता विपर्णाङ्कितपादपाः ॥३०॥

Features of normal Grishma rtu:

During Grishma (summer) Rutu –

–        The sun rays are hot and intense.
–        The wind blows from the Nairutya direction (southwest) and is unpleasant and troublesome.
–        The earth gets heated up due to the heat of the sun.
–        The rivers will have less water.
–        All directions (quarters) would appear as if burning.
–        Pairs (herd) of Chakravaka birds keep wandering here and there aimlessly (in search of water).
–        The deer and other animals run about here and there anxious to find water for drinking.
–        Small trees, grass and creepers get destroyed (dried up) and the trees get devoid of leaves (since the leaves dry and fall off).

प्रावृष्यम्बरमानद्धं पश्चिमानिलकर्षितैः॥
अम्बुदैर्विद्युदुह्द् योतप्रस्त्रुतैस्तुमुलस्वनैः ॥३१॥
कोमलश्यामशष्पाढ्या शक्रगोपोज्ज्वला मही ॥
कदम्बनीपकुटजसर्जकेतकिभूषिता ॥३२॥

Features of normal Pravet rtu:- In varsa rtu (early rainy season)

–        The sky is full of clouds. These clouds are driven by the western breeze and produce lightning and roaring thunder.
–        The earth is covered with plenty of slender, young grass and brightened by plenty of Sakragopa (Indragopa – cochineal insects).
–        Kadamba, Nipa, Kutaja, Sarja and Ketaki trees become decorated with flowers.

तत्र वर्षासु नद्योऽम्भश्छन्नोखाततटद्रुमाः ॥
वाप्यः प्रोत्फुल्लकुमुदनिलोत्पलविराजितः ॥३३॥
भूरव्यक्तस्थलश्वभ्रा बहुश्स्योपशोभिता॥
नागिगर्जत्स्त्रवन्मेधनिरुद्धार्कग्रहं नभः ॥३४॥

Features of normal Varsha rutu:- In Varsha rutu (Rainy season),

–        The rivers are full of water.
–        Due to their powerful waves and flooding the river water tends to uproot the trees along the banks.
–        The ponds are filled with blooming flowers like kumuda and nilotpala.
–        Since the earth is covered with grass all over, the pits and depressions on the ground are not seen clearly.
–        The earth appears pleasant with plenty of vegetation.
–        The clouds do not produce roaring sounds.
–        The sun and stars are hidden behind the thick clouds in the sky.

ब्रभृरुष्ण शर द्य र्कःश्वेताभ्राविमलं नभः।
तथा स सरांस्यम्बुरुहैर्भान्ति हंसांसघट्टितैः ॥३५॥
पङ्कशुष्कद्रुमाकीर्णा निम्रोन्नतसमेषु भूः ॥
बाणसप्ताह्वबन्धूककाशासनविराजिता॥३६॥

Features of normal Sarat rutu: During Sarat rutu (autumn)

–        The Sunrays are brownish in colour. They are also hot.
–        The sky would appear clear due to the presence of white clouds.
–        The ponds and lakes are full of lotus flowers being scattered by the swimming swans.
–        The earth (ground) would have slush, dryness (dried regions) and ants (which make the anthill) all around, in its lower (depressed areas), upper (elevated areas) and even surfaces.
–        Bana, Saptahva, Bandhuka, Kasa and Asana trees adorn the land.

Seasonal variations and doshas

स्वगुणैरतियुक्तेषु विपरीतेषु वा पुनः ॥
विषमेष्वपि वा दिषाः कुप्यन्त्यृतुषु देहिनाम् ॥३७॥

When there is improper manifestation of normal qualities of the seasons i.e. when they express either excessively, inadequately or in opposite manner, the doshas undergo prakopa.

Seasonal elimination of the doshas

हरेदुसन्ते श्लेष्याणं पित्तं शरदि निर्हरत् ॥
वर्षासु शमयेद्वायुं प्राग्विकारसमुच्छ्रयात ॥३८॥

The aggravated Kapha should be eliminated during Vasanta Rtu.

The aggravated Pitta should be eliminated during Sarat Rtu.

The aggravated Vata should be eliminated during Varsa Rtu.

The process of elimination shall be done in seasons favourable for particular dosha aggravation as said above and should be done before the diseases are produced.

इति श्रीसुश्रुतसंहितायां सूत्रस्थाने ॠतुचर्या नाम षट्ठोऽध्यायः ॥६॥

Thus ends the sixth chapter by Name Rtucarya in Sutra Sthana of Susruta Smahita.