This is the time to rejuvenate and refresh the body, and steer clear of excesses.
In Ayurveda this is the season for rejuvenation. Monsoon tourism has become a buzzword now, and many corporate houses conduct work-cum-pleasure sessions in Kerala during the monsoons.
Rains and rejuvenation
The Malayali calendar month of Karkitaka (mid-July to mid-August) is the season for intense rejuvenation routines. Monsoons reduce the immunity of the body, rendering it amenable to any sort of healing. Geographically, Kerala combines heavy rains with perpendicular sun-rays in this season; in addition the herbs are now fresh and green and the atmosphere dust-free.
Food factors
Diets during this month tend to be vegetarian — greens such as spinach, tender colocasia leaves and even the stem of the colocasia plant, lightly cooked or sautéed with fresh grated coconut. A medicated gruel called marunnu kanji is now available commercially as part of the preventive therapy.
Surprisingly, drumstick leaves, which are popular in Kerala cuisine, are taboo in this season. Experts say that the loss of vitamin A following exposure to too much water may be the reason, but mythology tells a different story. Drumstick leaves are believed to be the mangalsutra of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, and the reverence attached to it on this count eliminates drumstick leaves from the diet. It’s funny, but the drumstick itself, however, falls outside the purview of the reverence.
Excesses of any sort (rich food, over-indulgence in sex) are frowned upon during this month, since the body, at its nadir of immunity, is believed not to be able to sustain excesses.
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Feel-good treatments
Ayurvedic treatments are not cosmetic and are to be initiated under medical advice. The rejuvenation processes of Ayurveda are essentially detoxification techniques and should be done under specialised supervision.
Oil massages
A relaxing massage with medicated oils, performed by a trained masseuse, smoothes out the tensions of body and mind. The herbal steam bath flushes out the impurities in your skin. It is a definite stressbuster and the benefits are many — good circulation, toned muscles, calmed nerves, lubricated joints, an alert mind, softer skin and deeper sleep.
Sukha Chikitsa (rejuvenation treatment)
This is an elaborate Ayurvedic spa session that goes on for several days. It completely detoxifies the body, reactivates the tired cells and restores your stamina. The body is de-stressed and purified, all toxins combated and neutralised. The least time span would be seven days, but that is a miniscule form of Sukha Chikitsa.
Therapeutic Ayurveda
Panchakarma is a fivefold therapy; it is highly personalised and based on the medical needs of the individual. Like the rejuvenation treatment, Panchakarma cannot be an on-demand treatment. You cannot go to an Ayurvedic centre and demand it; just as you cannot demand a surgery because you feel you need it. n
Suneetha B is a freelance editor and writer
