The monsoon is marked by a dip in temperature, mouthwatering delicacies, festivities, and the earthy scent of the rain that makes the whole lot appear higher. But, as we all know, it additionally brings alongside a number of seasonal diseases, primarily gastrointestinal and vector-borne infections. “Cold and flu are common during the rainy season and these are usually due to fluctuation in the temperature and weather conditions,” Dr Gaurav Jain, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital mentioned. As such, it turns into essential to undertake wholesome way of life habits, particularly throughout these months, for holistic well-being.
Agreeing, Dr Archana Sukumaran, an Ayurveda physician (BAMS) at Kerala Ayurveda, defined that because the ambiance transitions from scorching, sunny, and dry to chilly, moody and humid, the physique takes a while to regulate. “It is believed that the body gets more vulnerable to respiratory, digestive, and musculoskeletal diseases during this time of the year. Conditions like joint inflammation and other inflammatory diseases, allergy, cough, cold, skin problems, digestive woes, and water-borne diseases are common in this climate.”
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Ayurveda, which relies on the assumption that well being and wellness depend upon a fragile steadiness between the thoughts, physique and spirit, highlights that seasonal adjustments can considerably decrease one’s immunity. To overcome these difficulties confronted by our physique throughout this season, many practise the Ayurvedic protocol of ‘Karkidaka chikitsa’.
What is Karkidaka chikitsa?
Karkidaka or Ramayana masa is the final month of the standard Malayalam calendar — from mid-July to mid-August. This yr, it began on July 17 and can finish on August 16. “Karkidaka also corresponds to the Shravana month in the South of India. In the Northern calendar, this falls between Amavasya of Shravana to Amavasya of Bhadrapad,” Dr Zeel Gandhi, In-house Expert(BAMS) for inner drugs, Panchakarma therapies, Yoga and Ayurvedic vitamin, Vedix, mentioned.
As such, Karkidaka chikitsa is a particular set of therapies adopted for this month, consultants mentioned. Dr Sukumaran highlighted that this protocol is just not present in classical texts and has been shaped over time in Kerala due to its geographic and climatic peculiarities. “It includes Keraleeya panchakarma chikitsa, diet modification, and healthy regimes. It has been followed by Keralites for centuries and has become one of the critical factors for health and immunity,” she mentioned.
Kizhi (Source: Kerala Ayurveda)
This is as a result of monsoon unleashes its full splendour and glory in Kerala and, thus, adopting a particular routine to keep up good well being throughout this month is the standard knowledge, Dr Gandhi mentioned.
Ayurveda and monsoon
Ayurveda considers the monsoon (Varsha Ritu) as a interval during which the Shareera Bala and Agni Bala stoop to their minimal.
Elaborating, Dr Sukumaran mentioned: “The body is still processing the switch from the hot summer, and immunity is compromised during this adaptation process. Ayurveda addresses these changes with the help of three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The balance between these doshas is very delicate, and a mild shift in atmosphere, diet, or regimen can disrupt the same.”
During this season, our doshas are impacted within the following methods:
*The piercing chilly and unceasing showers worsen Vata dosha.
*Pitta ranges are irked by the amlavipaka (elevated acidity) of crops and water our bodies resulting from rain falling on soil heated by the summer season.
*Kapha can also be affected by the chilly and humidity.
These altered doshiks ranges result in “reduced body endurance, and hampered digestive fire (Agni) challenge the overall health in this season- and this needs to be taken care of,” she mentioned.
This is the place Karkidaka chikitsa comes into the image. On being requested why this remedy works greatest within the monsoon, the Ayurvedic knowledgeable defined, “The moist and wet climate cools down the body and makes the tissues soft enough to absorb the medications. As the Varsha Ritu is said to be the time that gives one energy (visarga kala) compared to the summer that takes away the same, it is safe to assume that the body is naturally ready for treatment. The Karkidaka chikitsa takes advantage of this vantage point.”
How does it work?
The aim of Karkidaka chikitsa is, as mentioned, to revive the doshik steadiness. In Ayurveda, it’s achieved by using an acceptable eating regimen, correct routine, and genuine panchakarma procedures, Dr Sukumaran mentioned. She famous that Karkidaka chikitsa is usually executed in a preventive side slightly than healing.
Shirodhara (Source: Kerala Ayurveda)
She detailed the next three parts of Karkidaka chikitsa.
Diet – Any eating regimen plan ought to contain meals that doesn’t trigger bother with digestion. The meals consumed ought to be mild, non-spicy, scorching, and in much less amount. Karkidaka kanji or oushadha kanji is an unique medicated gruel, ready with njavara rice, pulses, herbs, and spices. Ashta choornam, an Ayurveda treatment with carminative herbs, like hing, jeera assist relieve bloating.
Regimen – Even although all three doshas are impaired, Vata undergoes extra vitiation in Karkidaka. Avoiding regimens that additional worsen Vata shouldn’t be entertained.
Panchakarma procedures – Panchakarma purification therapies like Vasti (medicated enema), Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Nasya (nasal errhines) preceded by correct Abhyanga (Oil therapeutic massage) with Dhanwantharam Thailam, Snehapana (administering of medicated ghee), and Panchakarma therapies like Pizhichil, Kizhi, Dhara, and so forth present greatest leads to regulating the doshas.
Dr Gandhi defined that each one Ayurvedic therapies start with Shodhan (cleansing course of). “Healthy detoxification may be attained via internal medicines. For most, it is via Basti Kriya — panchakarma. It involves a series of enemas, which help balance systemic Vata Dosha,” she mentioned.
This is adopted by Rasayana which is an Ayurvedic rejuvenation approach involving inner medicines. “Lifestyle correction and supportive treatments like Shirodhara, Kizhi Treatments (Pottali Massages), Pratimarsha Nasya, Abhyanga (Massages), Udvartana (Powder Massages), Swedana (Induction of Sweat), Bahya Basti (Kati. Janu, Hridaya), etc. An expert physician chalks out the rejuvenation plan for each after assessing their overall Prakriti, age, occupation, and life goals,” she defined.
Dietary modifications, in line with Karkidaka chikitsa
Ayurveda believes that your digestion is at its weakest throughout monsoon. “This, in turn, is the trigger for all diseases in Ayurvedic wisdom,” Dr Gandhi mentioned. Agreeing, Dr Sukumaran mentioned that, thus, that is the season to eat mindfully and diligently as even the slightest carelessness can corrupt the Agni. Certain dietary modifications indicated for Karkidaka are as follows:
Consume seasonal greens and fruits (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
*Eat mild.
*Favour candy, salty, and bitter meals gadgets.
*Prefer steamed meals as a substitute of fried and baked items.
*Stay away from refrigerated and frozen meals as they’ll worsen Vata and Kapha. Choose freshly ready meals.
*Use cow’s ghee as a substitute of standard oil.
*Vegetable soups are a wonderful option- they’re mild, scorching, and simple to digest.
*For poor urge for food, have a bit of ginger with salt.
*Consume seasonal greens and fruits.
*The wet season is just not an excuse to bail out your common fluid consumption. Drink lukewarm water, perhaps with a touch of honey.
*Avoid leafy greens as they’ll vitiate Vata.
*Limit meat consumption, particularly purple meat, which takes extra time to digest.
*Avoid curd. Use buttermilk as a substitute.
*Undercooked meals like salads usually are not entertained on this season. Salads might be chilly and Vata aggravating.
*Hot however wholesome drinks like inexperienced tea and natural tea are to be inspired.
“Food should be warm and adequately spiced. Trikatu — a mix of black pepper, long pepper, and ginger — is the spice of the season. The famous Pathimukham water or Jeera water is excellent for health during this season,” Dr Gandhi added.
Tips for newbies
Dr Gandhi defined that transitioning from the recent, dry and sunny summer season season to the cool, moist and gloomy monsoon is an suave balancing act. “Ayurveda advises never to bring abrupt and sudden changes. Forfeit a few daily and inculcate a few. This is called Ritu Sandhi Kriya, the slow transition at the cusp of seasons,” she mentioned.
As mentioned, Karkidaka chikitsa is a mix of dietary and routine modifications and purificatory therapies. Beginners should word that “while the former two can be set according to Ayurvedic rules and personal preferences, the Panchakarma therapies are not to be performed on your own. It needs precise guidance and expert surveillance,” Dr Sukumaran mentioned.
*Do not bask in extra workouts as it is going to improve Vata. Mild stretching workouts might be practised. Breathing workouts in Yoga might be practised whereas vigorous Yoga postures are prevented.
*Avoid day sleep and sleeping proper after having meals. It can decelerate metabolism.
*Remind yourselves to wash and dry your self, particularly the foot. Avoid strolling barefoot.
*Avoid overindulgence in sexual activity as it may set off Vata.
*Minimise using air-conditioners.
*Wear totally dried garments solely.
*Dhoopana (fumigation) is the Ayurvedic mode of disinfection and may defend you from vector-borne illnesses. You can use lemon grass, cinnamon, clove, tulsi, or neem leaves.
*Doing an everyday Abhyanga (oil therapeutic massage) adopted by a shower in lukewarm water shall be refreshing. You can use full nourishment oil like Dhanwantharam Thailam.
*For Panchakarma therapies, search knowledgeable steerage and high quality remedy.
*Relax. The atmosphere exterior is ideal for de-stressing and unloading your worries. A wholesome thoughts is as important as a wholesome physique.
Along together with your well being, your pores and skin and hair want particular consideration, too. Dr Gandhi prompt frequently massaging your pores and skin with ubtan fabricated from Vata-balancing herbs to assist keep pores and skin immunity. She added, “Ensure your moisturiser and cleanser are apt for the season. Do not skip on the sunscreen as the UV radiation of the sun is not blocked out by the clouds.”
Kizhijk (Source: Kerala Ayurveda)
For hair, she suggested oiling your hair earlier than washing them. Additionally, don’t depart the oil on and don’t get moist in rain.
Benefits of Karkidaka chikitsa
Calling it “a safe preventive measure”, Dr Sukumaran mentioned that this Ayurvedic protocol helps mitigate the toxins that accumulate within the physique through the shift of seasons by oxygenating the cells.
“It corrects the impaired metabolism and enhances the functioning of various bodily systems. This restores the balance of Tridoshas and protects them from further vitiation. The treatments reinforce immunity and safeguard the body from susceptible diseases,” she added.
Sharing the advantages of Panchakarma therapies, she mentioned: “They are a vital part of Karkidaka chikitsa that ensures the flushing of excessive doshas out of the system.”
Talking about eating regimen, the meals and routine suggested for Karkidaka additionally helps break down fats tissues, thus bestowing a wholesome physique weight. “As the ultimate aim of Karkidaka chikitsa is to set your diet and regimen healthily, an overall improvement of health and a solid daily routine benefits the mind and soothes it,” the knowledgeable mentioned, sharing the way it aids one’s psychological well being.
Is it protected for everybody?
There are neither any dangerous uncomfortable side effects nor an exception, consultants mentioned. “Ayurvedic therapies are tailor-made to suit everyone. There are no hard-set rules to be followed. So when an expert physician customises your Karkidaka therapy, one only benefits from it,” Dr Gandhi mentioned.
Agreeing, Dr Sukumaran mentioned: “Karkidaka chikitsa is a holistic healing practice that anyone of any age group could follow. It is a preventive treatment and, therefore, can be administered to any person with/without the disease. The instructions regarding the diet and regimen are suitable for everyone, from children to the elderly.”
The knowledgeable warned that panchakarma therapies require sure precautions. “All these procedures have clear-cut instructions in ancient scholarly texts, including indications, contra-indications, seasonal indications, dosage, benefits, etc. It is always safe to undergo panchakarma therapies under the supervision of experienced doctors. There is a lot of misinformation circulating about the same to lure people. If you are about to sign up for Karkidaka treatment, ensure that the source and the package are trustworthy,” she suggested.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
