How to pamper the body and mind in Karkidakam month
The Hindu
As Karkidakam month that falls in the Malayalam calendar during July-August draws to close, it’s a good time to try rejuvenation therapy
Karkidakam, the darkest month marked by heavy rains in the Malayalam calendar that falls between July and August, brings about a complete shift in culinary practices. Oushada kanji or marunnu kanji, a traditional dish believed to boost immunity during the rainy season, becomes popular during the month, and it happens to be a preferred month to indulge in soothing ayurvedic massages to rejuvenate body and mind. “Because of the change in weather, immunity is low and it’s a good time to go for detox of body with abhayangam, full body massage with medicated oils,” says P Durga, ayurvedic doctor.
While Abhyangam or full body massage is holistic, there is also Shirodhara, where a combination of ksheerabala oil is poured onto the forehead and then massaged to keep the stress away and have a calming effect on the eyes, says Dinesh. B, franchise partner of Naturals Ayur
After a quick consultation, I am ushered in to the massage room where S Maya takes over. She applies the warm naalpamaradi thailam (medicated oil) on my head. What follows is a 15 minute head-neck-shoulder massage that leaves me totally relaxed. And it gets even better with the 45-minute body massage where she applies pressure rhythmically as she massages with the oil. It gives an instant relief from aches and pains. The other added perks are an improved blood circulation, sound sleep, a flexible body and a recharged mind. Several youngsters appear to have signed up for Karkidaka chikilsa, inspired by family or friends, who follow the tradition.
“A majority of people who sign up are actually between 24 and 40. They are consciousness about health, and try to take time off to detoxify because of the pressures of modern, largely sedentary, lifestyles. These youngsters aim at preventing lifestyle illnesses such as back aches by taking precautionary steps. Thanks to the weather, this is, perhaps, the best time of the year to do it,” adds Dinesh.
You can choose from seven-day, nine-day and 21-day detox packages that cover abhayangam, shirodhara, pizhichil, njavarakizhi and more. Naturals Ayur is located at No.34 Perks Arch Road (near GV Residency). For details, call 967760877/ 04224366222.
Inside Copenhagen’s Alchemist: Chef Rasmus Munk on food, provocation and his India-inspired dishes
Explore the debate surrounding a potential dark matter discovery, highlighting skepticism and the need for rigorous validation in astronomy.
Discover how ice cores from the Pamir Mountains could unlock secrets to protect the world's glaciers from climate change.
Discover why spicy food causes a runny nose and how capsaicin triggers a protective response in our bodies.
In October this year, India announced its intention to build Maitri II, the country’s newest research station in Antarctica and India’s fourth, about 40 forty-odd years after the first permanent research station in Antarctica, Dakshin Gangotri, was established. The Hindu talks to Dr Harsh K Gupta, who led the team that established it
Study reveals rising artemisinin resistance in Africa, echoing Asia's past, urging urgent action to prevent widespread crisis.
Michelin launches The Grappe, a new wine distinction, recognizing excellence with one to three grapes, starting with the Burgundy and Bordeaux regions
A groundbreaking experiment transforms skin cells into egg-like cells, offering hope for infertility treatments amidst ethical considerations.
Discover Niraba, a collaboration merging Odisha's sabai grass weaving and dhokra craft into contemporary furniture and lighting design.
How do you create a Christmas tree with crochet? Take notes from crochet artist Sheena Pereira, who co-founded Goa-based Crochet Collective with crocheter Sharmila Majumdar in 2025. Their artwork takes centre stage at the Where We Gather exhibit, which is part of Festivals of Goa, an ongoing exhibition hosted by the Museum of Goa. The collective’s multi-hued, 18-foot crochet Christmas tree has been put together by 25 women from across the State. “I’ve always thought of doing an installation with crochet. So, we thought of doing something throughout the year that would culminate at the year end; something that would resonate with Christmas message — peace, hope, joy, love,” explains Sheena.
Max Born made many contributions to quantum theory. This said, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for physics in 1954 for establishing the statistical interpretation of the ____________. Fill in the blank with the name of an object central to quantum theory but whose exact nature is still not fully understood.
Join the Moms of Kochi for the Purple Carnival, a vibrant lifestyle exhibition featuring stalls, competitions, and entertainment on December 13-14.
Human-rating emerges as a crucial process ensuring that space systems like LVM-3 can safely carry humans by adding redundancy, robust abort capabilities, and rigorous testing