Climate change hits rejuvenation
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Climate change is not just about the melting of the Himalayan glaciers; it appears to be upsetting a tradition of body rejuvenation that is to start a week from now.
Come the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (mid-July to mid-August) when the monsoon peaks, the season for ayurvedic rejuvenation begins in the state.
From special porridge of herbs and cereals to massage, that would turn people fit for the next full year, this is generally believed to be the time for the health therapy.
But the scenario is changing. The monsoons over the years have been peaking during the latter half of the month and day temperatures range around 32-34 degree Celcius, whereas it used to be at least six to seven degrees lower during the periods in the past.
This is prompting ayurveda physicians and experts to have a rethink on Karkidakam rejuvenation. “Climate change calls for a change in the rejuvenation therapy during Karkidakam since it was meant to strengthen the body during the monsoon after the fatigue from a hot summer,” says Dr Sethumadhavan of Padinjarekkara Ayurveda Hospital.
“The treatises were based on the climatic conditions then, and so most of the grains and herbs used in those times may not be suitable for use in these hot days.
This business of ‘karkidakam rejuvenation porridge,’ which has turned into a fad because of climate change, may instead have to be resorted to at some other time,” admits leading physician with the Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Dr KT Ravindran.
The chief physician and managing director of the Dhathri group, Dr S Saji Kumar, says it is not possible to be rigid about having the rejuvenation therapy during this month itself.
“The system has been in place for treatment, as during this season it is normally believed that the absorption and immunity power of the body are weak owing to
the downpour,” he says.
Adds he, “And the herbs and medicines are decided on the basis of the changes that happen in the body during such times. But things are changing, and there has to be a new approach. We need to adapt to the changing times.”
“The treatises were based on the climatic conditions then and most of the grains and herbs used may not be suitable to these hot days.
This whole business of karkidakam rejuvenation porridge which has turned into a fad may have to be taken at some other time,”admits leading physician with the Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Dr KT Ravindran.
The chief physician and managing director of the Dhathri group, Dr S Saji Kumar, says that it is not possible to be rigid on rejuvenation during this month.
“The system has been in place for treatment as during this season it is normally believed that the absorption and immunity power of the body is weak owing to downpour and the herbs and medicines are on the basis of the changes that happen in the body during such times.
But things are changing and there has to be a different and new approach, adapting to the changing times.”
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