Person could remain healthy all through the year, but in Kerala several Ayurvedic rejuvenation programs boost the well being of the physique and the mind in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July-August). This is due to the changing seasons that leave an impact on the body. In the summer and rainy seasons, the body gets weakened and is prone to diseases. The result is the onset of various ailments as the rains set in.
Regenerative therapy like sukha chikitsa gains significance in this aspect. The daily diet used in Karkidakam is also different. The food taken would enable easy digestion. It tackles the relatively slower digestive process witnessed during the rainy season. But hunger can be felt more acutely when it rains. Therefore, a low intake of food is recommended.
Treatment of ‘Karkidaka chikitsa’ (the treatment during Karkidakam) is done based on the Panchakarma method that aims at expelling the impurities of the body and maintaining health. This treatment has been resorted even when a person does not suffer from any particular disease. Wellness is ensured by Karkidaka chikitsa.
In Ayurvedic terms, the month of Karkidakam has the presence of causative agents leading to various diseases, as the ‘pitham, vatham and kapham’, increases. During the olden days, most Keralites would engage in agricultural activities. Karkidakam is a month when heavy rains are witnessed and people in the state find this time to engage in Ayurveda treatment and ‘pathyam’ (regulated diet suited for health).
The treatment of Karkidakam starts in mid-July and extends up to mid-August. People of any age starting from youth to old age could undergo Karkidaka treatment. Main stages of the treatment are ‘kashaya’ treatment, ‘uzhichil’, ‘pizhichil’, ‘njavara kizhi’, ‘dhara’ and ‘vasti’, along with adequate rest.
