Karkitakam fall under the Sharat Rithu according to Ayurveda. Earlier it was a period of Famine and scarcity. During this dreadful period, people considered spiritual wellness and health important. It was a time when the only known field of medicine was Ayurveda. They relied on Ayurveda for a better health.Even now the tradition is being followed. Karkitakam is considered to be a month for Rejuvenation and Ayurveda treatments.
According to Ayuveda, the Pitta which is in chaya avastha during Varsha Rithu gets aggravated during Sharat rithu. This may result in various diseases. Hence to pacify the aggravated Pitta administration of ghee is advised in Karkitakam. If the ghee is processed with bitter drugs the effect will doubled.
Karkitakam is also an ideal month for detoxification. So Virechanam (Purgation) need to be done during this month. Since Avipattikara choorna is known to pacify Pitta, it can be used in quantities according to one’s prakrithi.
Food should be predominant of Thiktha(bitter) , Madhura(Sweet) and Kashaya(Astringent) tastes. Usually it is well and good if one uses light food for easy digestion during this month.
This is also an ideal period for Rakta Mokshana( Blood Letting.
The following are to be included in Diet in this scarce month
1) Raktha shali(Red Rice)
2) Green Gram
3) Sugar
4) Goose Berry
5) Snake giurd
6) Honey
7) Meat of arid locales
It is not that I forgot about “Karkidaka Kanji”. But in this era even a kid knows it’s good for health in Karkitakam.
Oil bath is ideal and a must during this month. Coconut oil itself is capable for pacifying Pitta in the body. Oils like Nalpamaradi Keram, Pinda thailam etc can be applied before taking bath.
Thought its not followed now a days , women used to keep Dashapushpam (Karuva, Poovan Kurunnu, Thiruthali, Krishnakanthi, Nilapana, Cherula, Kayyunni, Uzhinja, Mukkutti and Muyal Cheviyan )on their head during this period. These flowers were believed to have physical healing properties.
Now the Don’t Part
1) Exposure to fog
2) Intake of alkalies
3) Heavy food
4) Curd
5) seasame/ Gingelly oil
6) Alcohol
7) Day time sleep
These should be strictly avoided.
Leafy vegetables like Moringa and spinach has to be avoided during this period since the seasonal changes makes them poisonous.
One can gain a healthy body by following these things in the month of Karkiakam. Internal ayurveda medicines should be taken only on the advice of an experienced physician. And our legacy always advises Chanting Ramayana and Visiting Nalambalam for spiritual wellness during this period.
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