It is widely believed that the Malayalam month of Karkidakam is considered to be a 'Panja masam' - the month when human body is at its weakest level. Keralites make the best of the period to undergo rejuvenation therapy through traditional massaging practices such as ‘uzhichil’ and ‘pizhichil’ from head to toe to instil renewed energy to the mind and soul. Even in Covid time, Karkidaka healing therapy is practised in strict adherence to safety protocol.
Head massage
Acute mental stress and neck pain lead to migraine attacks. Massages on the scalp, shoulders and back are the perfect remedy for such attacks. They relax the muscles and increase the blood flow to the head and effectively keep headaches at bay.
» Head massage using oil nourishes the hair follicles and encourages oxygen supply to the brain and also stimulates hair growth.
» Oil massage cuts down the stress to a great extent and rejuvenates the body and boosts the blood flow to the scalp. The increased oxygen supply through the massage wipes off unnecessary anxiety stress and frustration, and above all improves memory.
Body massage
A good massage drives away physical ailments and mental depression and is the best ritual to enhance your beauty. A full-body massage rejuvenates not just your body but also the mind. It alleviates muscle pain, serves as an immunity booster and retains body flexibility. It is the best medicine to treat daily life injuries, apart from curing headaches and migraine attacks.
Reflexology vs. foot massage
Imagine the immense daily workload of your feet that holds the whole weight of the body. A small amount of regular rubdown given to legs is enough and more to benefit the entire body. Foot massaging and foot reflexology are the best medicines not just to relax your legs but also to keep your body healthy and reduces tension.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a powerful body rejuvenation therapy by applying pressure on the reflex points on the feet and hands. The therapists use a special tool at the pressure points so as to stimulate the internal organs or systems that correspond to the points. Reflexology is considered as an effective mechanism to treat acute headache and foot pain and lifts your mood.
Unlike massaging, reflexology gives quick results and helps gain a better understanding of the body problems of which we are quite unaware. The pain in response to the right amount of pressure applied at the reflex points helps to identify the ailments within the body.
Reflexology is a widely accepted holistic therapy and is practised in clinics and beauty parlours. But experts say the service offered in both the places is not of the same nature. Beauty parlours apply the therapy to destress the body and make you feel relaxed, while reflexology sessions in clinics are solely held for treating depression, neck and shoulder pain, back pain and headache.
Foot massage
Wearing heeled or tight shoes can lead to poor blood circulation. A daily dose of foot massage for at least 10 minutes can rejuvenate the whole body and reduces foot injuries. Foot massaging before going to bed will guarantee you a tight sleep.