Why the Monsoons is the best time?
The ancients knew the best way to keep healthy. They knew that the human body needs periodic care based on seasons. No season was more suited for rejuvenating the body than the monsoons when the weather is cool and the body is relaxed and the mind is calmer.
The monsoons of Kerala can be stormy, aggressive, beautiful, and inspiring. Of the two monsoons, the Karkidaka, falling between the months of June and August is considered the best for Ayurvedic rejuvenation treatment Kochi. It is also understood that the Monsoons are precursors for various ailments and hence the body needs extra protection and fortification to ward off diseases. Monsoon in Kerala is commonly called the ‘Varsha Rithu’ or seasonal rains. There are two monsoons – the South-West Monsoons from June to August and the North-East Monsoons from October to November. The period between July to August is the “Karkidakam” month as per the Malayalam Calendar and hence the monsoons during this period are also called the “Karkidakam mazha” or Karkidakam rains. The treatment or “Chiktsa” during the month of Karkidam is called the Karkidaka Chikitsa.
The over 5,000 years old Ayurveda medical system considers the human body the most vulnerable during monsoons and hence, believes it to be the most ideal time for holistic healing. The weather plays a significant role in the humidity, the dust-free atmosphere, and the coolness is best for heating the body with herbal oils that can seep into the pores that open up and give the skin a lustrousness and suppleness. The right kind of food with a lot of seasonal, vitamin-mineral rich green vegetables and tubers clears and cleanses the digestive system. With yoga and meditation, the mind opens up and expands, enabling learning of religious philosophies as the Karkidakam also coincides with the “Ramayana-month” during which the religious epics are read and understood. It is the best time to remove toxins from the body and ward off excess energies or doshas.
The best way to heal
Undergoing a series of Karkidaka Chikitsa at Vaidhyamana has a salubrious effect on the physical, mental and spiritual health of the individual and under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic Doctor, many ailments can be rectified over a period of time. The Chikitsa helps in rectifying the imbalances in the body’s doshas/elements called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The toxins accumulated in the body during the years aggravated by acidic foods, fevers, indigestion, and inflammation caused by various reasons along with coughs, allergies and skin diseases can be alleviated or completely cured.
The treatment process can also help in resolving and preventing the reoccurrence of ailments like arthritis, spondylitis, insomnia, muscular pain, depression, and stress. The treatment process helps in prolonging wellbeing and extending good quality of physical and mental state in a person.
Normal routines during the Karkidaka Chiktisa period
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A recital or listening to spiritual scriptures and discourses.
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Drinking of warm water boiled with purifying herbs.
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Healing diet of special “Oushada kanji” (rice gruel fortified with herbs) to enhance immunity.
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Ayurvedic massages, herbal tonics, and medicines to alleviate existing health conditions and to prevent the occurrence of illnesses.
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An ‘early to bed – early to rise’ routine
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Deep breathing exercises every morning
The Panchakarma Treatment
The Panchakarma (the five-point treatment) is an Ayurvedic routine treatment during this period. The Panchakarma, being a curative treatment, detoxifies the body and reinforces the immune system. The body becomes stronger from the inside, healthier, and becomes free from chronic ailments. and leaves it healthier, stronger, and free from chronic ailments.
The Panchakarma treatment in Kochi involves Snehana (oil application) and Svedhana (steam treatments). These techniques are best suited for eliminating toxins from the body. It brings about intense cleansing of the body and with the right diet, the body becomes stronger naturally and healthier too. At Vaidhyamana, medicated herbal oil is applied over the body, which penetrates the skin, down to muscles, nerve endings, and vascular system. This process excites the peripheral nervous system which in turn stimulates multiple organ systems. This treatment is good for Neuromuscular disorders, Pakshavadha (Hemiplegia), paraplegia, and Gridhrasi (Sciatica). It also helps alleviate Rheumatological problems, Arthritis, Lumbago, Old age, Headache, Bodyache along with helping in the Rejuvenation of the body.
A detailed diet is prepared and enforced. Strict discipline on the schedule of massages, exercise, and diet plans is required. The food is completely plant-based (vegetarian) and wholesome. All forms of intoxications like excessive brews, meat-based food, fried food, alcohol, and smoking are completely taboo and not allowed. The whole program detoxifies you, boosts your immunity, rejuvenates your body giving it more energy, reduces fat and flab, exfoliates and reveals fresh supple skin, alleviates current ailments, and brings about better confidence through better mental calmness. Since the monsoons have begun to intensify earlier, the Vaidhyaman has adapted to the changing weather patterns and commences Monsoon Treatment Karkidaka Chikitsa from the second week of July right through August.