Karkitaka Practices

It is time to prepare to keep the mind and body refreshed for a year. Ayurveda has mentioned the habits to be followed in Karkitaka.

Foods and medicines which are fiery (appetizing) and Trido Shasamanas should be especially practiced in Cancer. Karkitaka kanji is the most special one made with Panchakolam, Kuvala leaf, Paja Mutira, Chickpea, Ayamodaka, Cumin, Dasamoolam, Intup, and many other herbs.

Herbs can be used for pacifying vata dosha and baths with oil and Kuzhambu is also helpful. Daily bathing (abhyanga) is recommended in Ayurveda. Abhyanga relieves rheumatism, and fatigue prevents acne, and promotes eyesight, vitality, longevity, good sleep, skin elasticity, and firmness. Studies have shown that Sesame oil is best for baths. Sesame oil has special ability to prevent diseases. Oil should be applied especially on the head, ears, and soles. Abhyanga should not be performed by those who have increased Kapha dosha and are subject to vomiting and diarrhea. People with indigestion should also not apply oil. Plavila, Vatam kolliila, Avanakila, and Kadukuda bark can be used for bathing. Dhanvantaram oil, Kuzhamb oil, Balashwagandadi oil, Sahacharadi oil can be applied on the body, and Ksheerabala oil, Asanavilvadi oil, etc. can be applied on the head. Karkataka kanji prepared in the morning can be eaten by ten o’clock after bathing. Panchakarma treatment, mainly kashayavasti, can be done by purifying the body. After Kashaya Vasti, one can eat foods made from grains like old wheat, wild wheat and wild lentil. Always use smokeless clothing. No napping during the day. More labor and sun should be avoided.

HEALTHCARE IN KARKITAKAM

Karkitaka treatment is Panchakarma treatment done in the month of Karkitaka. Its purpose is to keep the body healthy by expelling the dosha that has accumulated in the body through proper means. Even if there is no particular illness, this treatment can be done to protect the health of the body. Hence this treatment is also called as “ Sukha Chikitsa”.

Karkitaka is the time when the three doshas, which are the causes of disease, vata, pitta, and kapha, increase. Due to the heavy rains, Keralites who were engaged in agricultural activities could find more time for Ayurvedic treatment and diet which added importance to Ayurvedic treatment in the month of Karkitaka.

KARKITAKA CAN BE MADE ENJOYABLE

Snow, rain, and sun alternate in Kerala. Karkitaka and Kumbha are the two temperate seasons of Kerala. Kumbha, which naturally cools after Makaram, and Karkitakam, which naturally cools after hot summer. This is an opportunity to repair and rejuvenate the life engine. Change of kala and change in karma will affect the body. The seven elements (Saptha dhatus) that make up the body will also decay. Vata rogas will also increase. So it’s time to adjust your diet and lifestyle a little bit.

Dos and don’ts

The weather is gradually getting colder. Karkitaka is the time when food, rest, intercourse, and sleep should be followed without fluctuation and in moderation. Be careful not to over-exercise. Infectious diseases ranging from fever to diarrhea are waiting for karkitaka to arrive. Wet clothes can be left behind. Avoid cold food completely. Pungent (Katu) and Astringent (Kashaya) can be preferred. Eat more grains and pulses.

Bacteria and viruses are transmitted through water. Boil the water and drink it. One change is runoff and pollution from rain. When the old water and the new water mix together, the water in the well also gets mixed. The presence of germs inside the house will increase in cold weather. Fumigation of the house and surroundings is done to get rid of them. Open all doors and windows only if necessary. Meat should not be avoided but excessive consumption should be reduced as it can lead to indigestion. Buttermilk can be used but curd should be avoided. Avoid napping during the day. Since it is a time of purity for the body and mind, Karkitaka is also good for healing, which includes body massage(Abhyangam), Dhara, and intake of internal medicines.

Don’t forget the age

The routine in karkitaka is different for every age group. Many diseases await children in karkitaka. Coughs, fevers, diarrhea, worm bites and other infectious diseases will follow karkitaka children without leaving them. Easy-to-digest food and steamed food can be given to children these days. karkitaka is a good time for beauty care for women.