The answer is simple-Monsoon starts in the month of June that is normally a hot season. This sudden change in the climate from hot to cold can do wonders to our body if exploited properly. Let us see how the change in climate becomes beneficial to our body.
Life on the Earth depends largely on the Sun. If the Sun fails to rise for days it can lead to the termination of many creatures on the Earth. The more perpendicular the Sun rays, are the more we benefit from the same. Hence, the body has to be prepared to receive this maximum benefit when we get perpendicular Sun rays, normally radiate more heat, which is sometimes unbearable. This hinders body conditioning activities like exercising receiving “uzhichil”(massage) etc. as the body gets heated.
As far as the climate of South India is concerned, in the months of April, May,June and July we get almost perpendicular Sun rays. But April and May, we know, are too hot. In June the monsoon starts with rain, keeps the atmosphere and Earth cool. Therefor, we get the maximum benefit from the Sun at this time because of the perpendicular rays as well as the cold whether. Therefore, monsoon is the ideal time for re-conditioning the body.
What do we have to do during monsoon?
We should first prepare our body to receive maximum benefits from Nature, for which we have to activate all systems of the body like the circulatory system, nervous system, digestive system, Iymphatic system etc, through which the whole functions of the body and mind are regulated .In order to achieve this, all organs of the body like kideney,liver etc,must function properly. As a first step massage is done and the second, intake of nutritious or perfect food is most important.
As the old toxins move again in channels of circulation and digestion, the whole system will be slower and weaker. As a result, you will feel tired and more lethargic than you are used to .For this reason .even the practice of yoga. Including pranayama, is discouraged during the treatment, unless specially advised by the doctor Follow the recommendations given to you to avoid fatigue. Only spend limited time reading, speaking, on the computer or writing and avoid television totally. All these recommendations enhance the healing process. Yet, daytime sleeping is not advised as it will increase lethargy and block the channels, hampering the flow of toxins towards the digestive tract.
Regimen Following Treatment.
The improvements during panchakarma are only about 5% of the improvements which will come following the treatment .It will take from three months to one year for the full benefits to show. It is thus very important to follow a light diet and relaxed regimen as much as possible for at least the first few months following panchakarma .Your body will have just cleaned itself of old toxins which took space in your tissues and thus provided a certain support ,albeit not a healthy one .It will take little time for your body to fill up those spaces with healthy tissue and regain its full strength. Avoid heavy foods and physical straining, and build up to your normal routine gradually. It is also a good idea to continue regular gentle massage if you have the opportunity.
