karmakerala.com news

During the bygone era, the monsoon months of June and July were exclusively reserved for rejuvenation therapies that helped to relax and unwind the tired body and soul of the health- conscious malayalees. During this period, the rain fury would keep the people indoors relieving them from the daily grinds of cultivation activities in farms and the paddy fields.

The Malayalam month of ‘Karkidakam’ (July) is also known as Ramayana month during which the epic would be read out in temples and all Hindu homes at dawn break. Women, after taking an early morning bath wear shoots of ten specific plants (‘dasapuspam’) in their hair and wear home- made kajal in their eyes and the dark green juice of ‘mukutti’ leaves ( a small shrub with yellow flowers seen in Kerala) on their forehead .

Rice porridge enhanced with an array of ayurvedic medicines along with home grown vegetable preparations and sprouts forms the lunch. During this month, the body is ensured plenty of rest and relaxation. Tender shoots and leaves of countless useful plants including pumpkin  and drumstick are lavishly included in the vegetarian food through out the month and abstinence from alcohol and smoking are strictly propagated during this period. Not forgetting the many herbal oil massages and ayurvedic treatment regimens that would put them back on their feet to get along with the dreary and demanding daily routines for the rest of the year.

Though the life style in this part of the world has undergone a sea change with many traditional customs and life styles fast eroding with the onslaught of time, Keralites still value the timeless charm of rejuvenation therapy known in local parlance as ‘sukha chikitsa’ which would roughly translate as pamper sessions.
  
These days, ready made medicinal porridge kits are made available for sale, which is a handy option for those who are hard pressed for time. Many renowned ayurvedic resorts and hospitals come up with convenient rejuvenation treatment packages and massages to suit the diverse needs and budgets of the health conscious lot in Kerala. The younger generation too takes great interest in preserving these age old customs and rituals, which in turn would ensure the propagation and conservation of these unique practices which are handed down the generations since time immemorial.