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Human body resembles a machine in its functioning. Most of its parts function without a break to ensure that we go about doing our duties and live our life to the full. It is only prudent that we take care of our bodies well, ensuring that it is not fatigued due to wear and tear. And if there is any, the repair is done in time.

Ayurveda suggests that perfect health is a result of a balance among the tridoshas: Vata, Pitha and Kapha. When any of the three is vitiated, the balance gets upset. During monsoon, Vata, the most important of the thridoshas, is vitiated the most, and moves around disturbing the body metabolism. The other two also leave their own functional areas in this season. Hence monsoon is considered the best time to pacify them and restore the balance by eliminating impurities. In the process, the body enhances its immunity also.

Ayurveda, despite its unquestionable efficacy as a curative regimen, also advocates preservation of good health (Swasthya samrakshanam). It has stipulated daily regimen and seasonal regimen so that one retails health, improves immunity and diminish susceptibility to disease. Monsoon is the time when one can take a break and attend to the body. Follow the healthy practices Ayurveda prescribes. Allow the age-old system to take care of you.

It has scientific means to do a perfect job of it. So how does life look life if you choose to submit yourself to Ayurveda during monsoon? How does a day’s life go? It would definitely vary from person to person. However, there are certain general processes one undergoes. The day could begin with brushing teeth with herbal powders (Dandadhavana) scraping the tongue (gihwa nirlekhana), instilling nasal drops of specific formulations (pratimarsa nasya), Kavalam and Gardoosam (gargling) followed by fumigation therapy for nose and throat (Dhoomapanam), fumigation therapy for ear (Karna dhoopanam) and instilling eye drops (Aschothanam).

Yoga comes next. It helps energise the body and to stabilise the mind. The art of breathing/pranayama brings in positive energy and reduces oxidative stress to the body. Oil bath, or abhyangam, which involves massage after application of oil over the entire body and head for about 45 minutes, comes next. It is followed by a steam bath for 10-15 minutes. If there is no contra-indication, one is given a foot massage for 30 minutes to relieve the muscular aches and stress.

Bathing is a ritual from ancient times to guard personal hygiene. Water sanctified by cleansing herbs, powders of pulses instead of soap, and natural base organic shampoo, gets one back to perfect cleanliness. Fumigating of hair, or Kesha dhoopanam, not only gives fragrance to hair but relieves headache, sinusitis and infestations if any. Diet or Ayurvedic “pathya ahara” as per classics is recommended according to the natural constitution and age of the person. Nutrientrich food, which includes seasonal fruits, nuts and soups are advised.

The other usual procedures include: Fomentation or Elakizhi , using a bundle made of a piece of linen filled with finely chopped medicinal leaves warmed in medicated oil, is performed over the entire body by two therapists in different postures. Elakizhi helps relieve muscle tension and wear and tear. It overhauls the musculo-skeletal system in order to perform efficiently. Body scrub or Udwarthana, with dry herbal powders enhances exfoliation of the dead skin cells and improves peripheral blood circulation. It also assists in mobilisation and elimination of fat and keeps the body supple.

Sirodhara, in which medicated milk or butter milk is poured over the forehead, promotes rejuvenation and revitalisation and even works to diminish the effect of ageing. It also helps relieve stress. Vasti, one important part of panchakama, cleanses the alimentary/digestive tract. It is performed strictly after assessing the body constitution. Most of these procedures are performed strictly under the supervision of a qualifies Ayurvedic physician. Every procedure has been designed after a careful study of the human body in its entirety, and hence their right administration can be done only by a qualified physician.

Fly-by-night operators who offer massage in the name of Ayurveda will do only harm to the body. So next monsoon, you could choose to indulge yourself by taking to a rejuvenation treatment. All that you have to ensure is that you go to an authentic centre.

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