Major Reasons Why Karkidaka Chikitsa is Required in Monsoon

What is Karkidaka Chikitsa?

Kerala receives two monsoons; the south-west monsoon, which arrives in June and lasts until August and the north-east monsoon, which brings rains in October which continue until November. The term Karkidaka Chikitsa is derived from the Malayalam word Karkidakam, which in the Malayalam calendar refers to the period between July & August, which is also the monsoon season. The term chikitsa translates to treatment.

Karkidaka Chikitsa is a healing ritual, practiced primarily during the monsoon season. It is known to have a positive impact on the physical, mental and emotional health. The practice is based on the doshas, namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha that are influenced by the rhythm of nature, seasonal change and the time of the year.

Why Monsoon is the best season for Karkidaka Chikitsa?

Monsoon can have an adverse effect on the body, and Karkidaka Chikitsa practiced during this season provides relief and heals the body, in a holistic way. Summer months create a build-up of toxins in the body and the arrival of the monsoons worsens the condition, which leads to an increase in Vata dosha, which causes ailments.

According to Ayurveda, rain at the end of a hot summer increases the acidity levels in the crops and their consumption increases Pitta dosha, which causes digestive problems, acidity, inflammation and fever. The chances of food and water becoming contaminated are higher, in this season, and their consumption aggravates Kapha dosha, which causes cough and cold, allergies and skin infections.
Practicing Karkidaka Chikitsa in the monsoon seasons keeps a check on the doshas and ensures that the body remains disease free. The main purpose of Karkidaka Chikitsa is to stabilize the doshas – it is a preventive step against common diseases related to the season. Karkidaka Chikitsa strengthens the immune system, boosts energy levels, reinvigorates the body, improves sluggish metabolism and enhances the quality of life.
Karkidaka Chikitsa is also used to cure certain chronic medical conditions that become aggravated during the monsoon season. Patients suffering from spondylitis, backache, arthritis, muscular pain, stress, insomnia and depression can find relief from their health issues if they practice Karkidaka Chikitsa. Treatments for chronic conditions are prescribed based on the severity of the problem.

Karkidaka Chikitsa encompasses different treatments such as –

Abhyangam

Dhara

Karnapooranam

Medicated steam bath

Nasyam

Njavarakizhi

Pizhichil

Snehapana

Tharpanam

Vasthi

Virechanam

These Ayurveda treatments focus on eliminating toxins from the body. Different techniques are applied, which include but not restricted to massage, intake of medicated oils and ghee, fomentation, scented Agaru paste application and steam baths, decoction and oil enemas, etc and purgation and induced vomiting. There is excessive use of herbs in all the treatments – they are natures doctors. Once the toxins are eliminated the doshas become realigned and the healing process begins.

Karkidaka Special Diet – Karkidaka Kanji

A special diet is recommended in Karkidaka Chikitsa and it is important that the same is followed strictly for the treatment to be effective.

Intake of water that has been boiled and cooled

Goat meat soup

No cold foods and drinks

Increase fluid intake and decrease food intake

Include vegetable soup

Foods must be prepared from old grains

Wine consumption in moderation

Sour, salty and ghee rich items to be included in the diet on very cloudy days

Do not include potatoes, pulses, especially gram, curd and garlic in your diet

Add ginger to your diet

Abstain from spicy, oily and excessively salty foods

Stay away from junk food and foods that have been deep fried

Include easy to digest vegetables in limited quantities

Avoid eating fish

Go in for regular herbal oil massages to enhance the effect of the treatment

The above diet plan helps with the detoxification of the system. Toxins get released from the body, allowing it to strengthen from within. The process sets the foundation for the healing to begin.

In addition to the above, Karkidaka kanji needs to be incorporated into the diet. Karkidaka kanji is a rice porridge made using red rice, coconut, jaggery, oushadha churna, and ghee. It is a nutritious meal supplement meal with remarkable healing properties. Karkidaka kanji is known to buffer the immune system, improve metabolism and boost energy levels and stamina.

What are the Goals of Karkidaka Chikitsa?

The wet weather and high levels of humidity during the monsoon create an imbalance in doshas and deplete the ojas, causing weakness and breathlessness. However, the good thing about this season is that the body’s seven dhatus or tissues – bone, blood, fat, muscle, nerve and marrow, plasma and reproductive tissues are more receptive to the treatment.

Karkidaka Chikitsa balances the doshas and fights common diseases, in a natural and holistic way, to heal the body. The cleansing routines makes the body healthier. To be effective the treatment must be followed diligently. The Vaidya (doctor) recommends the duration of the treatment, after an analysis of the individual. Treatments can be short, lasting just 7 days, or can take up to 41 days.

Why Hindusthan Ayurvedic Trivandrum for Karkidaka Chikitsa?

Hindusthan Ayurvedic is a leading Ayurveda Hospital in Trivandrum that offers traditional Ayurveda treatments that have been practiced since ancient times. Karkidaka Chikitsa is one such treatment that Hindusthan Ayurvedic specializes in. The Ayurveda center’s trained team of doctors follow a holistic approach in healing and revitalizing the body. They prescribe special Ayurveda therapies along with a therapeutic diet plan.

The therapies include –

Abhyanga– a traditional Ayurveda therapy that involves a body massage, using rhythmic steps. The treatment invigorates and revitalizes the body, and is extremely relaxing. Hindusthan Ayurveda suggests this treatment for painful joints and body aches.

Swedana– is a steam therapy in which herbal steam is used to bring out toxins from the body, through perspiration. It is a common Ayurveda therapy practiced as part of Panchakarma.

Basti– is one of the most important therapies in Ayurveda. It eliminates toxins from all doshas and helps cure various ailments ranging from nervous disorders to chronic arthritis and constipation etc.

Panchakarma– Panch means five, and the treatment involves five procedures, namely oil massage and sweating, purgation, induced vomiting, medicated therapy through the nostrils and decoction enema. Panchakarma purifies the body, in a natural way and leaves it refreshed and energized.

Schedule a Karkidaka Chikitsa session at Hindusthan Ayurveda Hospital, and reap the benefits of the ancient healing therapy. It is a well-equipped and highly recommended Ayurveda Hospital, in Trivandrum. The staff is trained, dedicated and professional. You will definitely enjoy the experience and benefit from it.

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How to Cure Parkinson’s Disease through Ayurveda?

It is very painful to see someone you care about, becoming a victim of any disease. Some diseases are said to be incurable by the mainstream medical system. But we at Hindustan Ayurveda, beg to differ. Parkinson’s disease is one such disease. One of the most notorious diseases, it affects a large population every year, globally. People generally become hopeless in case of this disease as there is a general understanding that it is not curable.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a gradual disorder in the nervous system that targets the flexibility and the ability of the body to move. The disease occurs when nerve cells (called neurons), in a part of the brain that controls bodily movements, become damaged. These neurons produce and release an important organic chemical known as dopamine which facilitates the physical movements of the body. When those cells die or become damaged, they produce fewer amounts of dopamine, which leads to Parkinson’s disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

The symptoms don’t just appear, but it is a progressive system in which the symptoms appear in a slow and gradual manner. The symptoms may start with a mere tremor in any part of the body which may not even be easily noticeable. The disease will then eventually cause the body to become stiff and will hinder the movements of the body.

Different people have different experiences of Parkinson’s and the quantum of progression varies from one individual to another. Sometimes people ignore preliminary symptoms of Parkinson’s as being signs of aging. In general parlance, there is no medical procedure to absolutely detect and undeniably claim the presence of disease so it can be difficult to diagnose accurately.

Types of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s diseases are of different types –

Multiple System Atrophy

As the name suggests, the disorder consists of several neurological disorders which affect multiple parts of the body. This occurs generally in the age of mid-’50s.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

This is the most common form of this disease. It creates problems in basic movements like swallowing, sleeping, memorizing and other motor skills.

Corticobasal Syndrome

As opposed to PSP, this form of Parkinson’s is the least common. This syndrome causes fast limb movements, difficulty with motor skills, difficulty with language, etc.

Drug-Induced Parkinson

This is known as secondary Parkinson, for obvious reasons. This one is caused due to the side effects of drugs, which leads to lowering the levels of dopamine.         

Treatment Through Ayurveda

 Parkinson’s is connected with Vata in Ayurveda. In old age, Vata disorder is potent in the body. This Vata in the brain dries up the brain cells leading to tremors and instability. Parkinson’s disease reflects huge vitiation of Vata which involves practically all aspects of the body. Disrupted digestive process, disordered assimilation, and the existence of poisons are commonly seen in the patient at gastrointestinal levels, which caters advantageous condition to vitiation of Vata. Stomach related herbs and nerve tonics are applied to re-establish stomach related capacity both in the gastrointestinal tract and at a cellular level. Specific weight control plans and routine are recommended. Parkinson’s treatment in Ayurveda gives rare neuro-chemicals which invigorate synapses and aide in defeating the problem and as well as calming down the brain.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

As ecological toxins are suspected to be one of the major reasons for the ailment, staying away from them, however, reasonably, is the best way to limit the danger of the illness. Hindustan Ayurveda always recommends that lousy nourishment, packaged and processed food, stale or rotten food, synthetic substances, contamination and so on, ought to be kept away from as much as reasonably be expected. Food and exercises which bother Vata ought to be stayed away from as much as reasonably be expected. Instead, nutritious options like almonds, walnuts and so on, benefit the sensory system and control Vata. Making them a regular intake of your diet is eventually going to help you control all kinds of diseases. Ayurvedic herbs like Nasya, Karnapuran, Basti and so forth help in limiting Vata disorders and keeping up soundness of the neurological system. Their ordinary practice can help in limiting the danger of the disease. Routine with regards to Yoga has constantly demonstrated its viability in limiting Vata disorders and keeping up the wellbeing of the sensory system.

Yoga, Meditation and Massage

Yoga and Asanas have always been an integral part of any treatment under Ayurveda. Mentioned below are few of the recommended Yoga Asanas for Parkinson’s-

The Tadasana or the mountain pose, Uttanasana or the standing and forward bend pose, Virabhadrasana or warrior pose, Jathara Parivartanasana or abdominal twist pose, etc. are some of the asanas which are highly recommended for people who are suffering from the disease.

Meditation helps your body to de-stress and reap the optimum benefits out of the yoga techniques practiced by you. It will also help the patient to create a balance and coordination with the mind and the body without which any kind of well-being is not possible.

A whole Body massage or Abhyanga is also one of the most important ingredients of treating Parkinson’s. It adds to the overall benefit of Yoga and meditation knit together.

Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease – Where to Go?

Ayurveda, just like other systems of medicine requires expertise and knowledge for proper application. It may be recommended for everyone, but cannot be practiced by a layman. Ayurveda demands accuracy and knowledge of yoga, meditation and massage techniques. The basic tenet of Ayurveda and its techniques is that it is to be practiced in the long term and in a regular manner. So if there is even a minor flaw in the techniques, it may render all of your hard-work fruitless.

But, worry not! We at Hindustan Ayurveda are here to help you. It would be a shame if people in India face problems in getting quality and genuine Ayurvedic treatment. Hindustan Ayurvedic is one of the most popular Ayurvedic hospitals in Trivandrum. The hospital boasts of fabulous reviews and ratings like 100% customer satisfaction rate and a 99% success rate. These ratings make it one of India’s most popular and sought after ayurvedic institutions. It provides special packages for healing and treating Parkinson’s disease and other related issues. The treatment packages include Ayurvedic and herbal medication, ointments and different yoga techniques, which provide a holistic cure for Parkinson’s Disease.

Therefore, when the whole world gives up on you, Ayurveda comes to your rescue. Do not let your loved ones suffer. Take the help of Ayurveda and fight against Parkinson’s disease.

Top 5 Natural Herbs in Ayurveda for Treating Hair Loss

Are you sitting in your room and scrolling through your teenage photos, wondering how good your hair was back then? Distressing, isn’t it? Losing your hair at any age could be upsetting for a person. At times it may also prove to be detrimental to the self-esteem of the person and leaves him or her disappointed. The harsh truth is that, howsoever well maintained your hair is, you will start losing them with age.

Why Do We Lose Hair?

Normally, people lose approximately 100 strands of hair on a daily basis. This process generally does not cause any noticeable thinning of the scalp as there are new hair growing simultaneously. The problem occurs when this cycle of growing and re-growing of hair is disrupted. The most common cause of hair loss is the genes of the person. If the family history of the concerned person displays a trend of hair loss, it is likely that the person will experience hair loss at some or the other point in his life. Other than the above, some other common reasons for hair loss are stress, hormonal imbalance, use of harsh chemicals on hair, etc. At Hindustan Ayurvedic, it is believed that Ayurveda has a different explanation for the problem of hair loss. It states that those with an excess amount of Pitta, lose hair early in life and are susceptible to thinning and premature greying of hair.

How Ayurveda can Cure Hair Loss?

In Ayurveda, the hair is considered to be an offshoot of the process of bone formation. That is the same tissues which form the bones, also facilitate hair growth.  As per the experts at Hindustan Ayurveda, the basic step taken to reduce hair fall is to first diagnose the cause for the same. Ayurveda ensures that for better treatment it is essential to first recognize the real reason for the same. As stated above, Ayurveda helps in creating a balance between the basic elements of life, i.e – the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Ayurvedic Tips for Controlling Hair Loss

Ayurveda is special because it addresses the root of the problem and not the problem itself. Therefore, the most basic solution for almost all problems in Ayurveda is to create a balance between the basic elements of life and coordination between the soul and the body. Other than that, Ayurveda prescribes certain measures to be taken for keeping your hair strong and prevent loss. Nutrition is an important part of taking care of hair. Healthy food and foods rich in proteins and minerals are good for your hair and will give you thick bulky hair. Also, it is always advised to keep a proper daily routine including correct sleeping time and duration. Instability in routine leads to stress and stress is one of the main causes of hair loss.

Natural Herbs in Ayurveda for Treating Hair Loss

Ayurvedic knowledge boasts of hundreds of herbs that prove to be naturally curative for hair loss and other hair related problems. Some of them are enlisted below –

• Bhringraj:

One of the most beneficial herbs, Bhringraj also popularly known as Kehraj, is considered to be an effective and strong cleanser and one of the most appropriate herbs for preventing and curing hair loss. It has a rejuvenating effect that helps in slowing down the process of aging. It is known for its cooling effect and it helps in reducing stress and stress-related hair loss.

• Amalaki:

Amalaki which literally translates to as “mother” or “nurse” is very beneficial for the hair. Abundantly rich in Vitamin C and other nutrients like carbohydrates, citric acid, calcium, vitamin A and iron, this herb is a powerful ayurvedic rejuvenator. The fruit is an excellent herb for preventing and curing hair problems like premature greying, dry scalp and especially hair loss. Other than that it leaves your hair with a dazzling luster and delicate smooth texture.

• Brahmi:

This Indian ayurvedic herb is a multi-starrer when it comes to health and medicinal benefits. Brahmi is rich in biochemical compounds and nutrients, which makes it a perfect herb for scalp nourishment. Regular and proper usage of this oil helps in strengthening hair follicles. Brahmi massage is very popular for its anti-dandruff properties and helps in getting rid of dry scalp, itchiness, split ends and flakes.

• Jaswand:

This herb is a flower with a sweet and pleasant smell. But its qualities are not limited to that. A study has shown that Jaswand or hibiscus oils have shown humongous results in improvising and boosting hair growth, thereby preventing hair loss. The herb is copious in nutrients like Vitamin C and Amino Acids like Collagen that cultivates and nourishes your hair, roots, and scalps.

• Bhallataka:

It is a popular statement that there is no Kapha disorder that cannot be cured by Bhallataka. The herb has some very useful properties like being anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-microbial which makes it a perfect cleanser for hair and scalp. It is very useful in removing unwanted dirt, dead scalp particles and other itchiness causing elements. It is a hair growth promoter at the outset and thereby makes them strong and durable.

Where To Go?

Though recommended for everyone, one thing that the Ayurveda demands is precision and knowledge of the perfect herbs. Being a long term plan, even a slight difference in the prescribed herbal medication may lead to fruitless hard work or sometimes even negative results.

But this should not be an issue at all. India is full of experts, professionals, and institutions promoting and employing Ayurvedic treatments for hair loss. Many of them specialize in a particular class of problems like hair fall as discussed above. One such institution is an Ayurvedic Hospital in Trivandrum, called the Hindustan Ayurvedic.

The Hindustan Ayurvedic is one of the best Ayurvedic Hospitals in Trivandrum. With impressive ratings like 100% customer satisfaction rate and a 99% success rate, it is not only one of the best in Kerala but also in India. It also specializes in healing and treating the problem of hair loss and other hair related problems. It provides the customers with package treatments which include Ayurvedic and herbal medication, ointments and other techniques, which provide a holistic treatment for hair loss and related problems.

For more information on the benefits and significance of Ayurveda read the following articles:

5 Reasons Why Ayurveda is The Best Method Of Treatment

Top 5 Ayurvedic Secrets To Glowing Skin

Top 5 Ayurvedic Secrets to Glowing Skin

Looking for the top Ayurvedic secrets to glowing skin? Then you should know much about skin type and its unique traits. Your skin is the largest and complex organ that changes continually throughout your growth, depending on your lifestyle, age, diet and several other factors. As skin is the very first thing people notice about you and gives signs of your overall health, it needs much care and attention like any other organs in the human body. If you are suffering from some sort of skin issues, definitely it is a signal of your deeper imbalances. So, from now onwards stop torturing your skin with chemicals and synthetic makeup products. Instead, switch to the Ayurveda, the 5000-year old system of natural healing to get healthy and glowing skin. Trying Ayurvedic treatment for skin disease will help to get rid of your deep-rooted skin issues. 

According to Ayurvedic experts, your skin issues are mainly due to the imbalance of the ‘tri doshas’ or three humors. Hence, surface treatments alone won’t be enough to eradicate skin problems. Changes in diet and lifestyle are very much essential to eliminate skin issues like pimples or acne, dry skin, etc. Following Ayurvedic routines, your dream for a glowing skin can be easily achieved and you too can flaunt healthy and radiant skin that draws everyone’s attention.

Know your Skin for its Health

Ever thought of what happens to the things you put on your skin? Believe it or not, the creams, synthetic oils, powder and each item you apply on your skin are actually eaten up. Skin is like our stomach. It consumes and digests everything that you dab topically. So, whatever you apply, be careful. It’s not about just synthetic beauty care products, the food, drinks, and emotions all you take enters your body and affect your physiology also. Apart from this, the toxic environment around us pollute our skin and we take in these toxins knowingly or unknowingly through the air, water and food. This makes our body and minds lethargic, making our immune system vulnerable. It also causes an imbalance in our body humors and creates a lot of issues including digestive problems, weakness, inflammation, body pain and skin infections.

The Ayurvedic Perspective

Ayurveda has a force of natural healing that can cure many kinds of skin diseases. As per Ayurveda, Pitta dosha is responsible for metabolism, digestion, transformation and providing color to your skin. Aggravated pitta dosha can create an imbalance in the internal functioning occurs and this affects the skin badly. The pores on our skin get blocked with impurities thus making it impossible for the skin to breathe. Our skin has the power to repair and replenish itself. The skin also follows a detoxification pathway through sweating. Skin issues like acne, eczema or rashes occur when the skin tries to get rid of metabolic toxins from the blood. In Ayurvedic treatment for skin disease, the medication starts only after finding the root cause of the disease. If the disease is deep-seated, it is hard to eliminate the issue rapidly. Ayurvedic skin treatments usually take a couple of weeks to eradicate the indications, but the cure will be permanent.

Keep your Liver Robust for Healthy Skin

Liver, the largest internal organ in the human body detoxifies our blood. It cleanses our blood and ensures that the toxins are safely removed from the blood. Liver plays a crucial role in keeping what is required to nourish our body and eliminating anything that is not. When your liver functions slow down by poor diet, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and chemicals in your make up products, the liver cannot function properly. Too much load on the liver leads to accumulation of toxins and circulation of impurities through the blood causing skin problems like acne, psoriasis, warts, eczema, rashes etc. If you have a healthy liver with clean blood that is free of toxins, your skin will glow like flowers. Ayurvedic treatments help to detoxify your blood and rejuvenate the whole body cleansing all the impurities from your body.

Importance of Ayurvedic Detoxification

Ayurveda prescribes us to detoxify our body and mind to keep our skin healthy. According to Ayurveda, there is a distinct relationship between the brain and the skin. If you are emotionally disturbed, that will reflect on your skin in the form of a rash, acne or eczema. So, it is very much important to be happy for glowing skin. Ayurvedic treatments like Abhyanga-warm herbal oil massage, exfoliating scrubs, Swedanam or steam bath stimulates the lymphatic system and proper circulation. These treatments enhance lymphatic cells, remove dead cells and boost immunity. Oil enemas are also helpful to calm down the nervous system and alleviate dry skin. Hindusthan Ayurvedic, one of the leading Ayurveda hospitals in Trivandrum, Kerala provides several herbal treatments to improve your skin and relieve the stiffness, relax the muscles and re-hydrate dry skin.

Tips for Glowing Skin:

• Follow a high-fibre diet
• Drink hot water with lemon
• Eat organic, fresh food for proper digestion
• Drink herbal tea to detox your body
• Liquid fast once a month
• Drink aloe vera juice that helps cleanse the liver, blood and skin
• Do Ayurvedic massage with warm herbal oil.
• Get Panchakarma treatment from an Ayurvedic expert
• Steam bath or face steaming to open up your skin pores

The same way, pay attention to the food you have and what all you put onto your skin. Try to choose natural ingredients for your skin to get ingested and assimilated properly. Above all, get seasonal detoxification treatment from your favourite Ayurvedic hospital for radiant skin throughout the year.