Your first abhyangam: what happens, step by step
From the oil check to the hot-water bath: an hour of full-body oil massage at Thanal, described plainly.
A Kerala monsoon routine
The rainy months are the traditional season for therapies. Here is why, and how to plan.
In Kerala, the monsoon months of June to August, karkidakam in the Malayalam calendar, are traditionally the season for ayurvedic therapies. The cool, damp weather keeps the skin soft and the body rested, and many families plan treatments around it.
If you are thinking of a programme, book a consultation in May. Monsoon slots fill quickly, and the doctor needs time to plan your days. Most people choose seven or 14 days of morning therapies with afternoons free.
Diet in this season is usually kept simple and warm: rice gruel, cooked vegetables, ginger and pepper in moderation, and less fried and cold food. Many homes make karkidaka kanji, a medicated rice gruel, for a week. Your doctor can suggest a version that suits you.
Keep your daily routine steady. Wake at the same time, avoid sleeping during the day, and keep your feet dry when the rains are heavy.
Finally, be realistic. A therapy programme is time for rest, so avoid planning a busy workweek alongside it. The afternoons are best spent quietly, with a book and a window that looks out at the rain.
