AP Daily Routines & Seasonal Practices 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which dietary guideline is MOST appropriate during Grishma Ritu (summer) according to Ayurveda?
- Heavy, oily foods to counteract heat
- Light, cool, sweet, and liquid foods (Correct answer)
- Pungent and salty foods to promote sweating
- Dry and astringent foods to reduce Pitta
Correct answer: Light, cool, sweet, and liquid foods
During summer, Ayurveda recommends light, cool, sweet, and liquid foods to counter the aggravated heat and prevent Pitta and Vata imbalances.
Question 2: What is 'Shirodhara' and in which part of the daily or therapeutic routine is it typically administered?
- Herbal enema given early morning before meals
- Continuous stream of warm oil poured on the forehead, used therapeutically (Correct answer)
- Foot massage done at night for grounding
- Steam bath applied after vigorous exercise
Correct answer: Continuous stream of warm oil poured on the forehead, used therapeutically
Shirodhara involves pouring a continuous stream of warm medicated oil onto the forehead (third eye area) to calm the nervous system and balance Vata and Pitta.
Question 3: Rainy season (Varsha Ritu) in Ayurveda is primarily associated with the aggravation of which dosha?
- Kapha
- Pitta
- Vata (Correct answer)
- Vata and Pitta equally
Correct answer: Vata
Varsha Ritu (monsoon) causes the greatest aggravation of Vata due to the irregular, windy, and cold qualities of the rainy season.
Question 4: According to Ritucharya, which food practice is specifically recommended to be AVOIDED during Varsha Ritu?
- Eating warm cooked grains
- Drinking river or surface water without boiling (Correct answer)
- Consuming ghee and oils
- Eating root vegetables
Correct answer: Drinking river or surface water without boiling
During the rainy season, river and surface water becomes contaminated; Ayurveda recommends using boiled, cooled, or well water to prevent disease.
Question 5: The concept of 'Sadvritta' in Ayurveda refers to which aspect of daily routine?
- Physical exercise regimen
- Ethical and behavioral code of conduct for good health (Correct answer)
- Seasonal dietary adjustments
- Sleep hygiene practices
Correct answer: Ethical and behavioral code of conduct for good health
Sadvritta encompasses the ethical, social, and behavioral guidelines in Ayurveda that promote mental health, social harmony, and overall well-being.
Question 6: Which Ayurvedic practice involves holding a specific quantity of oil in the mouth (without gargling) for an extended period?
- Gandusha (Correct answer)
- Kavala
- Pratimarsha Nasya
- Mukha Lepana
Correct answer: Gandusha
Gandusha involves filling the mouth completely with oil or liquid and holding it still (not gargling) for several minutes to strengthen the jaw, teeth, and oral tissues.
Question 7: In the Ayurvedic seasonal calendar, which Ritu immediately follows Sharad (autumn) and marks the transition toward winter?
- Vasanta
- Hemanta (Correct answer)
- Shishira
- Grishma
Correct answer: Hemanta
Hemanta Ritu (early winter, approximately November–December) follows Sharad Ritu and precedes the coldest season, Shishira.
AP Daily Routines & Seasonal Practices 3
Which dietary guideline is MOST appropriate during Grishma Ritu (summer) according to Ayurveda?