Why Karkidaka? Karkidaka & Health
Monsoon season is the most romantic season.On the other side it is considered as the most challenging month of the year in terms of spiritual, mental and physical health. Deaths due to illnesses, accidents etc are its highest level during this month. Agriculture was the major occupation of Malayalis, they choose Karkidakam for their rest due to the unending rains. During Kumbham and Meenam months they had to fight with severe heat, so in Karkidakam they revamped and prepared for the next year. Sudden climatic change from hot to cold tremble the normal being of living body. The unbalanced tridoshas and the degraded digestive system affect natural immunity of the body and it becomes an easy target for pathogens .So our ancestors had followed several customs to minimize the inflictions during Karkidaka.
The monsoon rains are at its peak in Karkitakam month. More than 80% of the diseases that inflict us are water borne . As the rain increases the chances of water borne diseases also increases. In addition the humidity in the atmosphere often aggravates arthritis, allergies, asthma etc. From the view of Ayurveda when the balance between Tridoshas- Vata, Pitta and Kapha is broken ,the diseases is develop.In Monsoon season Vata dosha is in its aggrevated stage.So inorder to prevent vatavikaras ,eliminate the prakupitha vatha through sodhana and samana therapy.
Karkidaka Chikitsa
Karkidakam is most suitable season for the Ayurvedic treatment. Due to the moist climate all the pores in the human body will be open and the Ayurvedic medicines especially external medicines works effectively in the body. Monsoon treatments help to promote health, to prevent life style disorders like diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, obesity etc. It is the ideal treatment period for patients who suffer with chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lumbar and cervical Spondilosis,anxiety, depression, insomnia etc .The Karkidaka therapies are a means to keep Vata, Pitta and Kapha in balanced leval , increase the immunity and make fit physically ,mentally, spiritually .Thus karkitaka chikitsa alleviate existing health conditions and to prevent illnesses.
It is a traditional practice in kerala that has been in practice since several centuries ago.It's a fabulous healing strategy to exploit times of physical, mental and spiritual challenge, to achieve healing in physical, mental and spiritual level and prolonged well being.
Karkkidaka Kanji
The season of monsoon is reflected with much of diseases and sufferings. The body needs to be rejuvenated at this time. Karkkidakam Kanji, a porridge made out of Ayurvedic medicines is a best food which is consumed by the Keralities during the month of Karkkidakam. This is considered as a good medicinal food to keep good health in the time of Karkkidakam. Due to the stopped agricultural jobs, the farmers who will be remaining in their homes will make this time for invigorating their body through such Ayurvedic practices.Karkkidaka Kanji is a traditional Ayurvedic blend which is used as a medicine for body purification since many centuries. The ingredients of Karkkidaka Kanji are boiled Navarra ari (rice), Jeerakam, Thiruthalli, Uzhinnigi, Bala, Attibala, Chathurjatham, Jathikka, Gathipathari, Danakam, Kalasam, Assalli, Satkuppa, Manjal ,Kakkankaya, etc.The ingredients are boiled using coconut milk or cow milk along with coconut jagarry and pinch of salt .The Karkkidaka Kanji can be consumed during early mornings or in dusk timings.