Home / Health Tips / Karkidaka Chikitsa
Seasonal care
Karkidaka Chikitsa: Ayurvedic care for the monsoon
Karkidakam, the peak monsoon month from mid-July to mid-August, is traditionally a time to rest, rebuild strength and prepare the body for the year ahead.
Watch the video
Monsoon2:09
Monsoon1:04Why the monsoon needs extra care
In Ayurveda, the rainy season (Varsha ritu) is a time when digestion (Agni) naturally weakens and Vata is aggravated by the damp, cool weather. People often notice more joint pain, indigestion, colds and tiredness. The Malayalam month of Karkidakam falls at the height of the monsoon, so traditional Kerala Ayurveda sets it aside for rejuvenation.
What Karkidaka Chikitsa includes
Karkidaka Chikitsa is a seasonal programme planned by a physician for each person. Depending on your health it can include:
- Abhyanga (oil massage) and herbal steam
- Panchakarma-based cleansing, such as Vasti, where suitable
- Rejuvenating medicines
- A light, easily digested diet
Karkidaka kanji
A traditional part of the season is Karkidaka kanji, a medicated rice gruel cooked with a mix of herbs and spices. It is light, warm and easy to digest, which suits the weaker digestion of the monsoon.
At AyurRemedy
We run a Karkidaka Chikitsa programme every year during the Karkidakam month. Watch our page or WhatsApp us for this year's dates. See the season guide on our home page for care through the rest of the year.
- Karkidakam (mid-July to mid-August) is the peak monsoon month
- Digestion weakens and Vata rises in the rainy season
- Karkidaka Chikitsa is a physician-planned seasonal programme
- Karkidaka kanji is a light, warm medicated rice gruel
Interested in this year's programme? Book a consultation or see our Panchakarma treatments.
General information only, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a consultation. See our medical disclaimer. More health tips.