WHAT IS THE IDEAL SEASON FOR AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS IN INDIA?

Karkidakam or the Monsoon season – June to September is most suitable for the Ayurvedic treatment as the human body will be more recipient to all Ayurvedic medicines and treatments. The monsoon rains are at its peak in Karkitakam month. Due to the moist climate all the pores in the human body will be open and the Ayurvedic medicines works effectively in the body. If you have plans toavial Ayurveda treatments do not postpone further. There are wonderful packages for holiday and treatment. You can visit ” Kerala- God’s own Country” , have fun and become rejuvenated.

Monsoon itself gives rise to several diseases. The heavy rains and chilly winds during monsoon play havoc with the human system. The unbalanced tridoshas and the degraded digestive system affect natural immunity and thus the body becomes an easy target for pathogens. During monsoon, the temperature dips and inflames vata and pitta doshas and increases kapha dosha. The Karkidaka therapies are a means to keep in check the increase of Vata, Pitta and Kapha and increase the immunity of the body.

Karkidaka Masam, or Karkidakam Month, is the last month in the traditional Malayalam calendar followed in Kerala. The month is also known as the Ramayana Masam – the epic Ramayan is read in the month in homes and temples.

Monsoon treatments help to promote health, to prevent life style disorders like diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, obesity etc. and also re-vitalize both body and mind. It is the ideal treatment period for patients who suffer with chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lumbar and cervical Spondilosis, obesity, anxiety, depression, insomnia etc. Therefore Monsoon is the ideal season for Ayurvedic treatments and massages.

According to Ayurveda, it is when the balance between those 3 doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha is broken that you develop diseases. You then have to purify your body to suppress the toxins that are released. Ayurveda prescribes five way of body purification:

• Therapeutic vomiting
• Purging
• Enema
• Elimination of toxins through nose
• Bloodletting or detoxification of the blood

Before you start an Ayurvedic treatment, you need to keep in mind that:

• The recommendations by the physician will be for an individual. The recommendations can change between people because Ayurveda is based on the specific food and lifestyle habits of each person.
• Everything in Ayurveda is validated by observation, inquiry, direct examination and knowledge from ancient text.
• It takes into account that energy forces influence human beings and nature.

The medicinal Ayurveda massages are very popular. The helpful in improving the health of your body and mind. Ayurveda massage can help accomplish the following:

• Improve circulation
• Reduce Stress
• Reduce the pain and physical discomfort.

AYURVEDA TREATMENTS AND MEDICINES

Ayurvedic medicines can effectively work only if they system is free of toxins. Therefore, before any treatment, the ayurvedic physician cleans the body of the patient with strong purgatives. Intensive Ayurvedic oil therapies like Abhyagam, Dhara, Pizhichil, Njavarakizhi, Elakizhi and Panchakarma treatments are recommended during the season for cleansing the body systems.

The oil used for the massage is made according to individual’s own unique combination of doshas. There are different forms of massage:

Abhyangam: Full body massage with medicated oil.

Dhara: Dhara is an Ayurvedic treatment method, which includes the application of a continuous stream of mildly warm oil to the body  parts

Pizhichil: Pizhichil is a relaxing, soothing and rejuvenating treatment with medicated warm oil used in a continuous stream for a definite period for the whole body (excluding head & neck).

Njavarakizhi: Njavara Kizhi is an integral part for keeping the balance between 3 doshas . In “Pindasweda” the Njavara rice is boiled in “Kurunthottikazhayam”,  which is a decoction of sida root and milk. It is taken in cloth bags (Kizhis) and is used for massaging. It involves pressurized massaging so that there is an increased perspiration following the oil massage.

Shirosvasti: also involves pouring oil on head covered by means of a leather band.

Elakijhi and Ubtaan: techniques whereby the skin and external beauty are vitalized.

The Ayurvedic medicine in Karkidakam treatment is Karkidaka Kanji or medicated rice porridge.This is the reason when rains are heavy and this medicated porridge will enable the individual to remain healthy.

Classification of Ayurvedic centres in Kerala:

Ayurvedic resorts have become popular destinations for relaxation and rejuvenation in India, while ayurvedic hospitals cater for people seeking ayurvedic treatment for more serious health problems.

Kerala Tourism has introduced the “Green Leaf” and “Olive Leaf” grading for Ayurvedic institutions in order to ensure quality service. “Green Leaf” is given to those Ayurvedic centers that provide five star facilities while “Olive Leaf” is for the three star category. These classifications ensure the credibility of service providers and the quality.

 Popular traditional Ayurveda centres in Kerala:

Here are some of the traditional Ayurveda facilities in Kerala. Hotels and resorts also offer Ayurveda packages.

• Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala
• Kandamkulathy vaidya sala
• Thaikattu mooss
• The Arya vaidya pharmacy
• Padinharkkara Ayurveda Hospital and Research Center

The results of Ayurveda are not instantaneous; it takes time. To ensure long-lasting and quicker results, it is important to follow the recommendations of your Ayurveda doctor.

IS IT SAFE TO USE LEFTOVER ONIONS THE NEXT DAY?

There is a lot of rumor that cut onions or left over onions are unsafe to consume the next day. It causes infections and diseases .From times immemorial onions are being  used in cooking. Onions are basically soft and are prone to damage upon handling. The rate of onion decay will depend upon the level of bacterial present, the type of bacteria, temperature, oxygen and light.

Few precautionary measures to avoid onions spoil and decay. When you purchase onions select dry ones. Handle onions with care. Store them in a dry, cool and well ventilated place. Do not place them in poly covers which are sealed. Lack of air will make onions rot. Place onions in meshed trays such that aeration happens.

Onions are high in vitamin C and are a good source of fiber and other key nutrients. Onions are fat free and low in calories. Onions have anti-cancer properties too. Onions are added to dishes to enhance the taste and add flavor. It is consumed fresh as salad too.

Reasons for onions decay:

When you cut a vegetable the cell walls are disrupted, water and fluids are released and these may contain nutrients that enhance bacterial growth. So if there are bacteria present the cut surface will provide an enriched environment for more growth. Placing the onion or vegetable in the refrigerator will typically slow down the bacterial growth, but does not inhibit it completely (and some bacteria actually grow very well at refrigeration temperatures). So any vegetable, cut or not, is likely to have bacteria that will result in decay eventually, even if refrigerated.

Chopped onions do not decay on its own. It decays due to the environmental conditions. The bacteria attacks and the surface starts decaying. Onion sliced with tail is used for oiling dosa pans. Dispose it the same day. Retention of onion with oil will attract bacteria and it will start smelling too.

Suggest you place the left over onions in air tight packs in the refrigerator. Left over onions should be stored in a hygienic manner to avoid deterioration and color change. Consume it within 2 to 3 days. If you observe color change or a slimy feeling- dispose them off.

Left over or cut onions are not poisonous. They can be used when stored in a refrigerator, in a sealed container at the proper temperature of 40°F or below for up to 4 days. You can also store them safely in zippered bags and use them within a day or two. But onions can lose their nutrient value when stored over a period of time.

General information about onions:

It is observed the pungent odor is absorbed by the container in which the onions are stored. To remove unpleasant odors , wash these containers with lime juice or lemon peels.

You may have observed that at times sauted onions tastes bitter. High heat makes onion tastes bitter. Therefore always sauté onions on medium or low flame to avoid bitterness. People do sauté chopped onions on low flame and refrigerate. This can be used for recipes that require frying of onions.

To reduce eye watering or tearing when cutting onions, you can first chill the onions for 30 minutes. Then, cut off the top and peel the outer layers leaving the root end intact. The main reason being the root end has the highest concentration of sulphuric compounds that make your eyes water.

Left over onions handled and stored in hygiene conditions are safe to consume. There is no risk involved. Ayurveda recommends usage of onions for health and hair growth. Now with women working and leaving home in the early hours, you need to make arrangements for next day’s menu and cooking. Peeling and chopping onions will save lots of time. Ensure you do not keep it in the refrigerator for more than 2 to 3 days.