What is Karkidaka Chikitsa ?
Rainfall is a welcome respite from high temperatures, being quite cool for most of July-September. In the Malayalam calendar, Karkidaka – the last month of the year falls during the monsoon season . It is considered as the month of poverty and diseases. Your immunity will be at the lowest during this month. And this is when Karkidaka Chikitsa – an exclusive Ayurvedic therapy – plays its part.
Karkidaka chikitsa is also known as Monsoon treatment in ayurveda, is a therapeutic style originated in the Kerala’s traditional healing practices.
Karkidaka Chikitsa helps improve your immunity and physical and mental strength. It also helps remove toxins from your body and bring back a healthy, rejuvenated you!
We will look into the depths of Karkidaka Chikitsa exploring its essence and benefits.
The 5 Ayurvedic treatments of Karkidaka Chikitsa
Abhyanga (Oil Massage)
Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic oil massage practice that uses warm herbal oils on the entire body.
Benefits of Abhyanga
- Improved Blood Circulation: Abhyanga helps enhance blood circulation in the body.
- Detox the Body: Abhyanga helps in loosening and liquefying body toxins and thereby makes excretion easier.
- Helps Your Skin Glow: Regular use of oil on the skin helps to moisturise and soften your skin giving it a natural, healthy glow.
- Decrease Stress: As Abhyanga relaxes your body and mind, it reduces stress.
How to Do Abhyanga?
Take some oil in your palm and apply it gently on the top of your head – at the bregma.
Then, use your fingers to massage the scalp (you can also choose to massage the oil along the length of your hair.)
Then, massage your face. Follow by massaging your hands, feet, and the rest of your body.
Use gentle, circular motions over joints, but with long strokes on limbs for the self-Abhyanga session at home.
Wash it off with warm water after 20 minutes by taking a shower.
Swedana
Swedana or sudation therapy is a part of Panchakarma preparation.
There are 13 types of Swedana and in each type, sweat is induced using different methods.
Benefits of Swedana
- Reduces Toxins: Swedana opens pores in the skin to help release toxins.
- Relieves Muscle Tension: The warm experience relaxes your muscles.
- Detoxification: Sweating helps remove toxins.
- Promotes Respiratory Health: The aroma from herbal steam helps clear sinus passageways and restore easy breathing.
How to Do Swedana?
You can get it done at an Ayurvedic hospital under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a full body cleansing therapy that helps detoxify the body and bring back the balance of the Doshas .
It includes five types of Ayurvedic treatments – Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti(enema), Nasya(nasal administration) and Rakta Mokshan (blood purification).
Benefits of Panchakarma
- Detoxification: Panchakarma enables deep cleansing, removing toxins found in tissues and deeply embedded throughout the body.
- Balances Doshas: This therapy balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas of the body.
- Improves Digestion: Panchakarma improves the digestive fire (Agni) in the body hence it improves digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
- Improves immunity: When Panchakarma flushes out all toxins in the body, it helps to boost overall immune strength and function.
How to Undergo Panchakarma?
Panchakarma therapy is subject to the constitution and other health conditions of a person.
So, it is best to have the treatment under the guidance of a qualified doctor.
Nasya
Nasya is the process in which oil is instilled via the nasal route. It is especially helpful in the monsoon as it protects us from recurring respiratory issues.
Benefits of Nasya
- Clears Sinus: Nasya can clear congestion and sinus.
- Boosts respiratory health: It enhances the general function of your respiratory system to a great extent and relieves you from allergies, colds, etc.
- Great mental health: Nasya helps to obtain mental clarity and also cuts down the recurrence of headaches or migraines.
- Dosha balancing: It also helps balance the Vata and Kapha Doshas.
How to Do Nasya?
I recommend using Nasya Oil and Steaming Oil to do Nasya.
Massage your face, neck and chest with Steaming Oil while applying slight pressure on sinus areas.
Now, apply steam on your face, neck and chest, while covering your eyes using a blindfold.
Lie back with your face raised upwards. Now, apply 2 drops of Nasya Oil in each nostril. Hold the position until you feel the oil enter your nasal cavity.
The next step is very important – spit out the mucus.
Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana)
This method often involves the use of particular herbs and adapting to dietary and seasonal changes to promote longevity and slow down the ageing process.
Benefits of Rasayana
- Strengthens Immunity: Herbs, such as Ashwagandha, Amalaki and Shatavari boost immunity.
- Higher energy levels: This therapy Increases your overall metabolism which in turn helps decrease fatigue.
- Enhances Memory: Rasayana provides mental clarity by improving brain function.
- Brings Good Health: Consuming Rasayana herbs improves overall health.
How to Incorporate Rasayana
Add Rasayana herbs to your diet in the form of powders, capsules and herbal tea only according to the advice of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
Eat a well-balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
During Karkidaka month, Ayurveda hospitals and clinics in Kerala offer Karkidaka Chikitsa.
It is an Ayurvedic therapy that includes a combination of Ayurvedic treatments and diet, especially of medicated rice gruel.
This treatment is great for boosting your immunity and detoxifying your body.
If you are struggling with any health issues, you can book a consultation with us or give us a message via WhatsApp at +91 79074 89839. We have the Best Ayurvedic Doctors in Trivandrum who is always glad to helps you . If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit.