Dinacharya, the Sanskrit word for daily routine, is a simple and effective way to balance the body. The three doshas, vata, pitta, and kapha, each have their own periods of time within a twenty-four-hour day in which their energies predominate.
Kapha = 6 a.m.–10 a.m. and 6 p.m.–10 p.m.
Pitta = 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and 10 p.m.–2 a.m.
Vata = 2 p.m.–6 p.m. and 2 a.m.–6 a.m.
Wakeup – Between 4–6 a.m
In ayurveda, the night time is divided into sixteen periods, starting from the sunset ( of the previous day ) to the sunrise of the following day.
Ayurveda Rishis suggested that the ideal time to wake up is during the 14th period, which is almost two hours prior to sunrise around 4 am to 5 am.
This is primarily due to the fact that Sattva in the air is at its maximum during this time. Infact, it is the most fresh and pure time of the entire day and the time when Prana Vayu is flowing ( air carrying the purest form of Oxygen ).
After Wakeup – Right after waking up to start the day, one should take a moment to see true nature.
To serve the purpose, take a short stroll outside the home and soak up the good vibes and see what life is beyond the four walls of the home.
Eliminate – Be sure to eliminate the bodys waste products to empty the Colon and Bladder to avoid illness. It is always suggested not to wait until late in the morning or during the day to defeat.
Clean Yourself – Brush teeth, scrape tongue and floss mouth. Wash Eyes with Rose water and Ears with Water. Gargle with warm water.
One may also use a cup of Herbal Tea for the purpose.
By cleaning the senses, one would be prepared for the day.
Give an Oil Massage – Dryness in the tissue of the Skin is a major part of aging. This is the reason why many people show the sign of aging at a very young age. Therefore Abhyanga or Oil massage is highly recommended. Typically, a self massage, the morning Abhayanga rejuvenates the skin and nurtures your mind and Soul.
Exercise – Vyayama or exercise is an important part of Dincharya.
Physical Exercise can be a yoga, a walk, Swim or whatever that provides exercise to your muscles.
Not Strenuous through simple exercise would make a huge difference in one person.
The Exercise would provide one with much needed energy and activeness for the day.
Take a Bath – Bathing is inevitable in the dincharya as recommended by Ayurveda.
Warm water baths are usually suggested but one may opt for a shower in cold water as well.
Apart from cleaning the body, bathing also stimulates the digestive fire.
Meditate – Meditation refreshes the mind, increases the concentration power and builds the energy needed for the rest of the day.
Before going to Dining hall, sit in peace for a little while, say for ten minutes.
Breakfast – Breakfast should be moderate with maximum nutrients. By doing this one is able to get the optimum amount of energy needed to stay active until the next meal.
Kick start the day with a healthy breakfast. Be sure not to skip the breakfast, because it is the first meal of the day.
Work – From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
When pitta predominates, are the most productive hours for work. Choose this time of day for problem solving or completing any task that requires full attention and focus.
Lunch – After four to five Hours of Breakfast, it’s the time to have Lunch.
Since this is the main meal of the day, one needs to eat a nutritious Lunch, with moderate calories intake.
After having Lunch, it is suggested to go for a little walk, say for five minutes.
This helps proper digestion of food.
Twilight – Twilight is the special time, which is a balance between the day and night. Evening prayers meditation should be carried out during twilight, because it is the best time to see ones inner self.
Supper – Ayurveda recommends supper time between 6 pm to 8 pm. However, it is not practical in the fast moving life. It is still advisable to have dinner before you exhaust completely, but definitely two hours prior to going to Bed.
After the dinner is over, take a walk for short while, say fifteen minutes.
Go to Bed – After having the dinner, it is the time to Relax. Spend some quality time with your family.
Sit back and relax. Read a book or listen to soothing Music. This is the time to claim your system down. Thereafter one should have a sound sleep of Six to seven Hours.
Follow a Seasonal Ayurveda Routine
Follow seasonal recommendations to balance the Vata, Kapha and Pitta doshas. Each of these mind body types is more active during particular season. The seasonal directives for each are guides to keep them balances.
1 Eat light foods and drink water with Honey.
2. Chew each bite of food as it helps in keeping the kidneys active.
3. Have regular baths and Oil massage and avoid napping during the day.
4. Drink more fluids during the summer. Avoid foods that are pungent, acidic or salty.
5. Avoid foods that are cold, Sour or difficult to digest during spring.
Jagdish Singh
( Yoga instructor )
Author is President to Alumni Association of Yoga Department, Ranchi University, Ranchi
