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Health Secrets of Ayurveda #14: Why monsoon is the best time for rejuvenation

June has begun and soon the monsoons will be upon us.

According to Ayurveda, ‘Agni’ is responsible for the digestive & metabolic activities of the body. During the monsoon season, Agni is weak due to the aggravation of the Vata and Pitta dosha (body’s internal energies) which is the root cause of various diseases.

Monsoon is a time when our body’s immunity drops, and in these Covid-19 times, proper care should be taken to prevent possible illnesses
Monsoon is a time when our body’s immunity drops, and in these Covid-19 times, proper care should be taken to prevent possible illnesses

This imbalance imparts weakness and dryness of tissues, making ourselves vulnerable to lower immunity, allergies, indigestion, infection and sluggish metabolism.

Body responds better to treatments

Ayurveda strongly recommends Varsha Ritu (Monsoon season) as the time for rejuvenation and purification of the body. Even the ancient writings of Indian healing tell us that the Monsoon season offers the best conditions for Ayurvedic treatments, since the herbs can be picked fresh and are at their most potent.

When Nature chooses her way to cleanse the Earth, Ayurveda offers us the benefits of detox! The traditional Ayurvedic treatments done in monsoon season are called Karkataka Chikitsa (monsoon treatments) or Varsha Ritucharya (Ritu which means season and Charya which means regimen or discipline).

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As the rains clean the dust from the air leaving it fresh and moist due to humidity, the body’s pores open up and become more receptive to healing and the process of getting rid of toxins. Ayurveda treatments often involve the application of oils and use of steam to flush out toxins from the body and rebalance the doshas. When the skin’s pores are open, the oils penetrate better to cleanse away toxins. Besides, monsoon temperatures between 27 and 30 degrees are suitable for every Dosha type.

Water Pennywort (Indian name Gotu Kola or Mandukaparni) a herb used in Ayurveda
Water Pennywort (Indian name Gotu Kola or Mandukaparni) a herb used in Ayurveda

The calming effect of the rain is also soothing and when your mind and body are in a relaxed state, they are much more open to the healing powers of Ayurveda.

Proper diet

It is also important to follow a proper diet regimen during this season. Honey is one of the elixirs of Ayurveda. Charak Samhita recommends the use of honey every day for good health, especially in the rainy season.

Honey is a natural Kapha balancing substance - this helps to alleviate several disorders like body pain, pain joint pain, headache, depression during the rainy season.

Ayurvedic porridge, Karkidaka Kanji herbal gruel in clay pot. Aged grains of jowar, wheat, and rice, help to protect the digestive fire during the rainy season. They are also very easy to digest
Ayurvedic porridge, Karkidaka Kanji herbal gruel in clay pot. Aged grains of jowar, wheat, and rice, help to protect the digestive fire during the rainy season. They are also very easy to digest

Aged grains of jowar, wheat, and rice, help to protect the digestive fire during the rainy season. They are also very easy to digest.

According to Kerala Ayurveda, some of the common Panchakarma therapies that can be practised during this season include the following:

  • Abhyanga: Massaging medicated oils into the body to increase blood circulation and to relax, nourish and rejuvenate the body cells

  • Shirodhara: Pouring warm oil, milk or medicated buttermilk on the forehead for a specified period. This reduces headaches, minimises stress, improves memory and eliminates disturbances during sleep

Ayurvedic treatment, characterised by dripping oil on the forehead, on a patient at the Ayurveda Mana treatment centre, during the monsoon season, in Guruvayur, Kerala on January 15, 2017 in India (Photo by Frédéric Soltan/Corbis via Getty Images)
Ayurvedic treatment, Shirodhara, is characterised by dripping oil on the forehead, over a long duration (Photo by Frédéric Soltan/Corbis via Getty Images)
  • Swedanam: The patient is made to sweat by using steam from boiling herbs

  • Pizhichil: A post-massage procedure, wherein the oil is poured over the body. It helps keep your skin away from dryness, reduces fatigue and fights neurological disorders

  • Virechana: Helps cleanse the toxins from the body.

Apart from these, Basti Karma is also very beneficial during this season. Basti refers to the Enema therapy of Panchakarma. Herbal oils and ghee along with medicines are made into a decoction which is given as enema to cleanse the body.

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