'Karkidaka chikitsa' is not just a fancy health package at resorts: Doctor explains

Kerala's famed 'Karkidaka Chikitsa,' or the traditional Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy that coincides with the monsoon season, is quite a sought-after treatment by many these days. The body’s digestive strength is believed to be relatively weak during Karkidakam, making it susceptible to diseases. Besides, existing diseases may worsen and adversely affect general well-being. So, the Karkidaka Chikitsa aims to restore the body’s balance through a combination of medicines, diet and exercise. Regardless, there are many misconceptions about it. Dr KV Rajagopalan, the chief medical officer of Kottakkal Arya Vaidyashala, explains what it is all about and treatments for various issues. The treatments mentioned here are for informational purposes only, and patients should consult their doctors before trying any of them.

No common package
Most people falsely believe that Karkidaka Chikitsa is nothing but a therapeutic package offered at a fancy treatment centre or resort. The truth is that there is no common package that suits everyone. Ayurvedic treatment is intended to be individualised rather than offering one solution to all. The treatment that is effective for one person may not work for another person. So, it is key to seek treatment only with the proper guidance of a doctor or an Ayurvedic medical practitioner.

Karkidakam is the time to conduct a health audit to realise our problems and seek solutions to treat them. Dr Rajagopalan says that one could enjoy good health throughout the year if they follow proper and scientifically backed therapies during Karkidakam.

Digital detox
In the modern age, people tend to spend more time in the digital world than the real world. It is best to take a break from the virtual world to rejuvenate your mental health. The duration of using gadgets could be significantly reduced if you are not able to give it up completely. Human beings are a microcosm of nature and hence reflect the changes that are happening in nature. The human mind tends to be depressive just like the skies get cloudy and dark during the monsoon. You struggle to find light and clarity, and the mind gets heavier. So, it is important to have control over your mind and emotions and not let your mind wander to unwanted thoughts.

Memory loss
This condition is mostly seen in the elderly. However, it is possible to control it before it is too late. Manasamithra vadakam tablet should be consumed before going to bed. Massaging the forehead using 10 drops of ksheerabala (101) tailam every day would also be effective.

Thyroid, cholesterol
Taking two kanchanara guggulu tablets each twice a day is effective for thyroid and cholesterol-related problems.
Piles
One Kankayanam tablet before going to bed.
Leg pain caused by diabetic neuropathy
Warm some Prabhanjana Vimardama Kuzhambu and massage the legs. Wash it off using lukewarm water after half an hour.

Knee osteoarthritis (pain and swelling)
Take two Ostikot tablets each in the morning and at night. Massaging with an equal amount of warm kottamchukkadi tailam and pinda tailam will be effective; wash it off using lukewarm water after half an hour. Mix 15 ml maharasnadi kashayam and two grams of dried ginger powder in 45 ml lukewarm water and consume twice a day.

Constipation
One teaspoon trivrithu lehyam on an empty stomach
Dryness in eyes
One drop of Netramrutham twice a day.
Sexual problems in men
One abrabhasmam tablet before going to bed. Mix five grams of amukkuru powder in warm milk and have it on an empty stomach.

Hand and leg numbness due to diabetes
Massage equal amounts of warm Mahamasha tailam and Prabanjana tailam, then wash off after half an hour.
Gastric issues
Take two Mahadanwantaram tablets each twice a day with cumin-infused water. Besides, roast 10 grams of dried ginger and mix it in 100 ml buttermilk with 10 curry leaves, ¼ tsp turmeric powder and some salt. This will cure constipation and other gastric issues.

Fungal infections
Apply eladi cream and take three vajraka kwadham twice a day.
Prolonged dry cough
Take two vidaryadi kwadham twice a day. Take a teaspoon of agastyarasayanam before going to bed. Make sure to gargle salt water. Including tempered buttermilk in regular diet will be helpful.

Tingling sensation on hand
Two ashtavargam tablets each twice a day, one maharaja prasarini tablet once a day. Massage using warm valiaprasarini tailam and wash off after half an hour.
Pain on right thigh (nerve related)
Melt two suvarnamuktadi tablets in some butter and have it before going to bed.

Nausea
One gorochanadi tablet before going to bed.
Diabetes, blood purification
Mix five grams of dried neem leaf powder in lukewarm water and have it daily.
Brain fog
Doing nasyam treatment using anu tailam daily would be effective. It is best to do nasyam as soon as one wakes up.

Stomach ulcer in kids
Mix two to five grams of triphaladi choornam in honey and have it before going to bed.
Memory loss due to old age
Mix one suwarnamktadi tablet in one ounce of mritasanjeevani and have it twice a day after food.
Mucus in respiratory tract
Two teaspoons agastyarasayanam daily before going to bed.

Leg pain
One ganda tailam capsule twice a day. Massage warm danwantaram tailam and wash off after half an hour.
Goitr
Mix 15 ml varanadi kashsyam in 60 ml water and have it along with one kanchanara guggulu tablet twice a day before food.

Dry skin
Grind neem leaves in coconut milk into a smooth paste and apply it all over the body before taking a shower. Applying chembarathyadi coconut oil too is effective to soothe dry skin.
Allergy, sneezing
Doing nasyam by dropping two drops of anutailam in the nose will be effective. Besides, massaging the body with thulasyadi tailam would also help relieve allergy.

BP, tension
One HT Kot tablet twice a day.
Inflammation
One ounce of punarnavasam twice a day after food.
Shudhi chikitsa or detoxification
Karkidakam is also the time for detoxification to restore the balance of the body, eliminate toxins, and bring clarity to thoughts. Panchakarma therapy, or five procedures, is used for this. Therapeutic purgation or controlled bowel movements overseen by a physician is a common treatment method in Ayurveda. For that, mix 20 grams of avipathi choornam in lukewarm water and have it on an empty stomach.

Mukkidi
Mukkidi is a healthy drink that could nourish the body during Karkidam and throughout the year. It is prepared by boiling kudakapala (Holarrhena pubescens), dried ginger, pepper, cumin, carrom seeds, coriander seeds and tamarind leaves in buttermilk with some turmeric powder and salt. This drink is excellent for improving digestion and immunity.

Thavidappam
It is a delicious dish made using rice bran and other healthy ingredients that could be enjoyed during Karkidakam. Mix rice bran powder into a soft dough and spread thinly on a plantain leaf; add jaggery, grated coconut, cumin, dried ginger and cardamom powders as the filling. Cook thavidappam in steam.

Pharmacy at home
Make sure to have the following medicines and tablets at home to ensure your health and wellbeing.
Fever – Vettumaran tablet
Cough – Vashakot syrup
Wheezing – Shwasanandam tablet
Diarrhoea – Vilwadi tablet
Vomiting – Sheethajwarari kwadham

Digestive issues – Hingwadi tablet
Gastric trouble – Mahadanwantharam tablet
Body pain – Pain balm
Itching – Eladi cream (use as per the doctor’s instructions)

Note: Please consult your own doctor before following any prescription or treatment mentioned here.