Power of Ayurveda

A balanced and healthy life requires a good sync between the mind, body and the spirit. This Karkidakam, discover Ayurvedic ways to a harmonious living

   

The month of Karkidakam, which falls during the mid-month of July to mid-August, is the best time for rejuvenation and cleansing the body of all impurities. Ayurvedic treatments during this month are gaining momentum, as people are increasingly becoming health conscious today.

Common treatments
Ayurvedic treatments vary with each patient but the most common ones during the month of karkidakam are abhyangam, pizhichil, elakizhi, choorna swedam, and mathra vasthy or kashaya vasthy.

           However, Dr Mohan Babu, chief physician, Krishnendu hospital, Alleppey, suggests sneha dhara and njavara kizhi as the ideal treatments during monsoon. “While sneha dhara is an oil application, for cleansing and improving blood circulation, njavara kizhi nourishes the muscles,” he adds.

        According to Ayurveda, our body consists of three main elements or 'doshas' - ‘vata’, ‘pitta’ and ‘kapha’. “Traditionally in Kerala, Karkidaka is considered the most ideal time for undergoing Ayurveda therapies, as the body is considered highly receptive to medication during this period. And these therapies help to live the rest of the year with an energized body and mind,” explains Dr Anil V Kaimal, senior physician, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda foundation.

What to eat during monsoon
Ayurveda practitioners recommend a vegetarian diet for this season. Karkidaka kanji or oushadha kanji, the herbs-mixed rice gruel, is an integral part of the rejuvenation process. “A fat-free, light and cleansing diet, which is less spicy and less oily, is what I would recommend during karkidakam,” says Dr Mohan Babu. The porridge comes in different flavours including ‘jeeraka kanji’, ‘uluva kanji’, ‘njavara kanji’ and ‘wheat kanji’.

Another important tip for healthy eating is to eat light breakfasts like rava upma, idli, idiyappam, etc. Avoid uncooked food and salads. Drink warm beverages only. Old wines and arishtas are also good for it helps in digestion. When it comes to fruits, bananas, chikoos, dates and pomegranates are ideal.

Apart from these, one must take care to drink only boiled water and consume properly cooked food with sufficient warmth. It is also advised to eat moderately during the monsoon.

A strict adherence to Ayurveda and a disciplined way of life can keep you healthy this karkidakam. The observance of good hygiene, clean food habits and a healthy lifestyle during this monsoon is the key to a healthy tomorrow.

- sherene joseph