THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It’s Karkidakam again. Time for Malayalis to follow the ancient Ayurveda lifestyle for longevity and rejuvenation. Preparation of the Karkidaka kanji, the medicinal gruel, or undergoing a rejuvenation therapy, are easy affairs today, thanks to the kanji kits and numerous massaging centres. But experts warn people to be cautious about embracing anything that comes under the ‘Ayurvedic’ or ‘Karkidakam’ tags.
The market is flooded with dozens of brands of Karkidaka Kanji kits, but traditional healers recommend people to prepare the ingredients at home. If impossible, next choice could be reliable products like those of traditional Ayurveda houses. According to Dr KS Sukes, District Medical Officer of Indian Systems of Medicine, Karkidaka kanji is good for people of all ages, except children below the age of 12 who may not like its bitter taste.
“The medicinal gruel should be taken as breakfast. It would be ideal to reduce the intake of non-vegetarian food on these days,” he said.“It is good to mix the kanji ingredients at home rather than using ready-to-use kits. Those who cannot do it at home can buy kits of state-run Oushadhi or other trusted brands,” he said.
Unlike the gruel, Karkidaka rejuvenation therapies including medicines and oil massages are not “casual affairs” as an average Malayali would assume, says Sukes.
First, he says, a Karkidaka-time treatment is not necessary for everyone. “A treatment should be on the basis of a doctor’s recommendation. It is suggested for people who suffer from particular medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or those who are in need of a rejuvenation therapy. But unscientific medications can worsen the patient’s existing ailments,” he says.
The DMO said people can visit any of the government centres in the district to get a free consultation. There are 68 dispensaries under his department and 32 centres under the National Health Mission where outpatient facility is offered between 9 am and 2 pm. Many of these centres offer free medicines too.
Besides, there are 15 hospitals where in-patient treatment is provided.Traditional Ayurveda centres in the city too are welcoming people for the rejuvenation therapy. Dr Visakh VL, the consultant physician of the Vasudeva Vilasam, said treatment duration at his centre is decided on the basis of the patient’s health.
“Normally the tenure would range between seven and ten days, but may vary according to the patient’s condition. Except those who live in short distances, other patients are asked to stay at the hospital,” he said.
His centre has an in-house drug manufacturing unit which also sells Karkidaka kanji kits - both ingredients and ready-to-serve packets.Ayurvedic resorts in tourist destinations would receive a large number of international guests during the Karkidakam season.“Most of our guests are repeat visitors who want authentic treatment. We focus on individual health requirements,” says Dr Sreelaja of Ayur Hermitage at Kovalam.