Karkidaka Chikitsa- Top 4 Ayurvedic Treatments in Monsoon

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 a month of poverty and diseases.   Your immunity will be at its lowest during this month. And this is when Karkidaka Chikitsa –  an exclusive Ayurvedic therapy – plays its part.     What is Karkidaka Chikitsa?     Karkidaka chikitsa, also known as Monsoon treatment in Ayurveda, is a therapeutic style that originated in 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!   Let us look into the depths of Karkidaka Chikitsa exploring its essence and benefits.     Common Karkidaka Chikitsa Methods     Here are the common treatment methods of Karkidaka Chikitsa that helps build your immunity.     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, moreover, it reduces stress.     How to Do Abhyanga?     Take some oil in your palm and  apply it gently on the top of your head – specifically, 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, in fact, a part of Panchakarma preparation.   There are 13 types of Swedana. In each type, sweat is induced using different methods.     Benefits of Swedana     Reduces toxins: Swedana, therefore, opens pores in the skin to help, consequently, 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, therefore, get it done at an Ayurvedic hospital under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.     Panchakarma     Panchakarma is, in fact, a full body cleansing therapy that not only helps detoxify the body but also brings 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?   It is best to have the treatment under the guidance of a qualified doctor.   An Ayurvedic doctor recommends the required Panchakarma treatment methods for a patient based on the patient’s  Prakriti (body constitution) and health conditions.     Nasya     Nasya is, in fact, 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.      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 not only great for boosting your immunity, but also for detoxifying your body.   Read also: Monsoon Seasonal Care     If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839.  We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Career in Ayurveda: My Journey and Insights

After earning my Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree, I believed my dynamic nature wasn’t suited for patient consultations. This led me to interview for a position at an insurance company in Dubai. In Dubai, without a medical license, options are limited to roles in insurance companies or similar fields.   A Change in Perspective   During the interview, I was asked why I wasn’t pursuing a career in consultations. I explained that I thought my dynamic nature wouldn’t fit into the structured world of patient care. This belief persisted until I started practicing Ayurveda. My first few patient interactions were eye-opening. Seeing patients recover and their satisfaction made me realize my true potential. I found that my dynamic nature allowed me to connect with patients on a deeper level. Consulting in Ayurveda became incredibly rewarding. The joy of seeing patients recover and the satisfaction of making a real difference in their lives was beyond any material gains. I realized that being an Ayurvedic doctor was about transforming lives and bringing happiness to others. Today, I lead a team of eight Ayurvedic doctors and twenty-four nutritionists trained in Ayurveda. Together, we have helped over 20,000 people from 61 countries heal through Ayurveda. This journey from a single practitioner to leading a diverse team has been immensely rewarding. It stands as a testament to the potential of Ayurveda and the impact it can have on people’s lives.   Advice for Aspiring Ayurvedic Practitioners   For those considering a career in Ayurveda, I have some advice based on my experiences:  Embrace Consultations: Don’t shy away from patient consultations. The joy and fulfillment of treating someone are unmatched. Believe in Yourself: Confidence in your abilities is crucial. If I can achieve this, so can you. All you need is self-belief and hard work. Work Hard: There is no substitute for hard work. Unlike a 9 to 5 job, being an Ayurvedic doctor might require you to work round the clock. Your dedication will determine your success.   The Reality of Ayurvedic Practice   Practising Ayurveda is not just about the time spent with patients. It involves keeping detailed records of case studies, learning from each patient, revisiting textbooks, engaging with peers, and continuously striving to improve. Each patient encounter is a learning opportunity. Every patient presents a unique case, and each encounter teaches you something new.  As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” Each patient you treat will add to your experience, and by the time you’ve treated hundreds or thousands of patients, you’ll have a vast repository of knowledge to draw from. This continuous learning and improvement are what make Ayurveda a rewarding career.    The challenges and Rewards   One challenge of being an Ayurvedic doctor is maintaining a work-life balance. Unlike a typical 9 to 5 job, your work hours can be unpredictable. Patients may need your attention at any time. This can be demanding, but the rewards of helping people heal make it worthwhile. A quote I read encapsulates this well: “If you want to buy something without looking at the price tag, you have to work without looking at the clock.” Success in Ayurveda depends on the hours you put into your practice. One of the most fulfilling aspects of being an Ayurvedic doctor is the ability to transform lives. Over the years, I’ve seen countless patients recover from chronic illnesses and improve their quality of life. The gratitude and joy in their eyes are the greatest rewards. Knowing that I’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life is deeply fulfilling.   Also read: How I changed from ‘Shy’ to ‘Outspoken’   The Role of an Ayurvedic Doctor As an Ayurvedic doctor, your role goes beyond diagnosing and treating illnesses. You become a guide and mentor to your patients, helping them navigate their health journey. This involves educating them about Ayurveda, guiding them on lifestyle changes, and supporting them through their healing process. Building a strong relationship with your patients is crucial. Listening to their concerns, understanding their needs, and providing personalized care creates a trusting and supportive environment that promotes healing. Establishing a career in Ayurveda has been a rewarding journey. From initially doubting my fit in consultations to leading a successful team of practitioners, I’ve learned the true potential of Ayurveda and the impact it can have on people’s lives. So, to every beginniers who are looking forward to start a career in Ayurveda, be ready to work hard, and success will follow!       If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Seasons Change, So Should Your Ayurveda Routine

With changing seasons, our bodies undergo various changes. You might experience Dosha imbalances, seasonal allergies, gut health issues due to varying digestive fire (Agni) and more. But you don’t have to worry! Ayurveda offers the perfect advices to take care of yourself with the changing seasons. In this blog, let us delve deeper into the principles of Ayurveda and how they guide us towards optimal health and wellbeing, particularly in alignment with the changing seasons.   Understanding Ayurveda   Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that focuses on the physical, mental and spiritual well being of a person. It is not just about treating health conditions; Ayurveda can also be considered as a way of life that ensures the overall wellness and well being of an individual.  At its core, Ayurveda recognizes that each individual is unique, with their distinct constitution, or “Prakriti,” which is determined by the three Doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These Doshas govern various physiological and psychological functions in the body and are influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, environment and the changing seasons.   Seasonal Wellness from Ayurvedic perspective   According to Ayurveda, the key to maintaining good health lies in living in harmony with nature’s rhythms, including the cycles of the seasons. Each season influences the doshas with its own set of qualities.  Therefore, Ayurveda recommends seasonal adjustments to diet, lifestyle and daily routines to maintain balance and prevent imbalances or illnesses. For example, during the hot summer months, when Pitta Dosha tends to be aggravated, Ayurveda advises consuming cooling foods and beverages, such as fresh fruits, salads and herbal teas, to pacify excess heat in the body. Similarly, in the cold, dry winter months, when Vata Dosha may become imbalanced, nourishing and grounding foods like soups, stews and warm spices help to counteract the cold and keep Vata in check.   Ayurvedic Treatments for Seasonal Wellness   In addition to dietary and lifestyle recommendations, Ayurveda offers a wide range of treatments and therapies to support your health with changing seasons.    Abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage)   Regular massage with organic sesame oil or Sheeta Tailam (during summers) helps to lubricate the joints, nourish the skin and calm the nervous system. These massages are particularly beneficial during the dry, cold winter months.   Panchakarma   This Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapy involves a series of cleansing procedures designed to eliminate toxins from the body and restore balance to the Doshas. Health professionals often recommend Panchakarma during seasonal transitions to reset the body and boost immunity.   Herbal remedies Ayurveda employs a vast array of herbs with specific properties to address imbalances associated with each Dosha and season. For example, herbs like Tulsi are known for their adaptogenic and immune-enhancing properties. they, therefore, make an ideal choice for supporting overall health and well-being throughout the year.   Ayurveda and Seasonal Routines   Ayurveda and Ayurvedic medicine take into account the natural properties of the elements. The different combinations of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) form the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).  The varying characteristics, such as mass, heat, feel, compactness, etc., are present in nature, including the different seasons. These characteristics directly influence our physical, mental and overall well being.  Understanding the characteristics of each season is crucial for making necessary adjustments to your diet and lifestyle in order to maintain good health. The ancient Ayurvedic texts advise adhering to a schedule that aligns with the six distinct seasons in their region.  We will simplify things – routines, foods and more for each of the four seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. But they can vary depending on your location, your Prakriti and Dosha imbalances.    Routines for the Autumn season During autumn, Vata’s dominance brings cold, wind, dryness and restlessness. Adjust by adding warm foods and fats like ghee, dressing warmly, and having warm oil massages. Opt for seasonal foods, warm water, and less cold foods like salads.   Routines for the Winter season In Winter, colder weather worsens Vata and increases Kapha. Neglecting season-appropriate routines may lead Vata-dominant individuals to have dry, cracked feet, poor sleep and distress. Vata types can stick to Autumn routines. But Kapha types should opt for warm, light foods and aromatic spices like black pepper and mustard, with less oil.   Routines for the Spring season During Spring, increasing warmth melts built-up Kapha qualities, causing phlegm and allergies. For renewed energy, engage in more movement like walks, gym or yoga. Massage dryly, and consume warm, dry foods with bitter greens and spices. This season is also ideal for detox or Panchakarma.   Routines for the Summer season In summer, Pitta-dominant individuals must take extra care in the hot weather. Stay cool by avoiding midday sun, walking in forests and using Sheeta Tailam for massages. Try relaxing yoga and cooling pranayama, like Shitali and Sheetkari, along with meditation. Stay hydrated with drinks like coconut water, and have cooling and seasonal foods.   Consult an Ayurvedic Doctor   Incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your daily life isn’t just enough. It’s essential to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic doctor for personalized guidance to ensure your overall well being. An Ayurvedic doctor assesses your Prakriti, identifies imbalances, and recommends personalized treatments.   Embracing Emotional and Mental Wellbeing   In addition to physical health, Ayurveda also places great emphasis on emotional and mental wellbeing. According to Ayurvedic teachings, the mind and body are intimately connected, and imbalances in one can manifest as symptoms in the other. Therefore, we encourage practices such as meditation, yoga, and Pranayama (breathwork).  They help promote relaxation, reduce stress and cultivate mental clarity and emotional balance. In this fast-paced world, Ayurveda reminds you to slow down, reconnect with nature and prioritize our health and well-being. By aligning our daily routines with the changing seasons and understanding our Prakriti, we can cultivate vibrant health, balance and vitality in our lives. So, let us embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda; furthermore, let us embark… Continue reading Seasons Change, So Should Your Ayurveda Routine