Karkataka Chikilsa: Ayurveda Therapy During Monsoon

According to Ayurveda, the “science of Life” the whole of year is broadly categorized as AadanaKala (period of extraction) and Visarga Kala (period of discharge) wherein Varsha Ritu (Monsoon) comes under the early phase of Visarga kala. Hence during AadanaKala due to the predominance of the Sun, there is drainage of human power and Visarga Kala by the dominance of the Moon, there is gaining of strength.

Hence it is expected that Varsha Ritu falling under Visarga Kala helps gain strength. Contrarily, after Aadana kala, the earth is all dry and by sudden onset of Monsoon, the resulting rising vapors generate. “Amlavipaka”(sour) in all substances. This in combination with weak digestive power proves to be a very vulnerable seasonal zone to various forms of illness due to vitiation of all Tridoshas (humorous) namely vata, pitta, and kapha.

Karkataka Chikilsa: Improving Digestion with Ayurveda

Thus, for this reason, it is advised to adopt regimen that helps detoxify and balance the doshas along with igniting of digestive fire, which is the principle of Karkitaka chikilsa. The dietary patterns that can be adopted include-

• Drinking boiled water after it is cooled
• Including more liquid diet than solid
• Avoiding raw materials and salads
• Inclusion of carminates like ginger, etc in diet to ease digestion
• Food that is sour, salty, added with sufficient fat, honey and which are light and easy to digest
• Resorting to intake of pulses and grains
• Spicy, bitter, astringent foods to be avoided

Lifestyle modifications include avoiding wearing of moisturized clothes, daytime sleep, excessive workout or exercises. Ayurvedic treatment regimens that are generally advocated are Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Swedanam, Pizhichil, Udwardhanam and others that help detoxify the heap balance the doshas and mind.

Thereby the individual who resorts to their guidelines and regimens will be benefited both physically and mentally and can comfortably alleviate all forms of health concerns.