We all try to live a healthy life by incorporating good habits in our lifestyle. Because who doesn’t want to live fearlessly without worrying about health problems? However, in today’s world, it has become challenging to pay equal attention to health and work. Living an Ayurvedic lifestyle by following Dinacharya, an Ayurvedic daily routine is a simple solution to all the health related worries and key to promoting a harmonious balance between mind, body and soul.
The word Dinacharya is derived from two words; ‘dina’ meaning day and ‘acharya’ meaning activity. Dinacharya, according to Ayurveda , is a daily routine that promotes self-care through different daily activities. Know more on what is Ayurveda . By bringing us in tune with nature, it regularizes our own biological clock and makes us more self-aware. If you follow this routine regularly with intense care and dedication, your health will benefit in several ways.
Dinacharya Daily cycles
Ayurveda Dinacharya consists of two daily cycles:
During these two cycles, there are 4 hour periods of Vata dosha, pitta Dosha and kapha dosha energies also known as Ayurvedic Body Types . These energies are also present in our body with varying intensity and combinations. Thus, you should prevent activities that aggravate the cycle of the three energies.
First cycle: Sunrise to Sunset-(6:00 am – 6:00 pm)
- 6:00 am – 10:00 am – Kapha
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Pitta
- 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Vata
Second cycle: Sunset to sunrise (6:00 pm – 6:00 am)
- 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Kapha
- 10:00 pm – 2:00 am – Pitta
- 2:00 am – 6:00 am – Vata
Dinacharya Ayurveda
Here are some major practices that Dinacharya promotes for a healthy lifestyle and body:
1. Rise and shine
According to Dinacharya, it is important to wake up before the sun rises. The time between 4:30 – 5:00 am is considered to be an ideal time to wake up. This pre- dawn time is when the Vata dosha is dominant, and the energy present in the environment will make it easy for you to wake up. Moreover, it is that time of the day when there is a certain amount of peace and freshness that is necessary for the body and soul. Before getting out of bed you should say a prayer since it will induce positive energy into your mind and soul.
2. Rinse
Rinse you face with cold water to become alert for the coming day. You should also perform ‘Jalneti’ a technique prescribed by Ayurveda, which involves cleaning your sinus, nasal passage and mouth with the help of a tea pot like vessel called neti pot.
3. Cleansing of your senses
To enhance all your senses in the morning, your sense organs should be cleaned thoroughly. Wash your eyes with rose water and ears with sesame oil. Brush your teeth and clean your tongue to enhance your taste buds and to stimulate digestive responses. Read more on how to improve digestion.
4. Drink warm water
Though most people consume caffeine in the morning, Ayurveda recommends the consumption of warm water. It enhances peristalsis and also flushes the kidney of any harmful toxins and free radicals.
5. Evacuation
Evacuation is one of the most important pillars of health according to Ayurveda. If this does not occur regularly, or is delayed, it slows down digestion and causes constipation. Read more about ayurvedic medicine for constipation. This in turn forms harmful toxins in the body that can give rise to chronic diseases.
6. Oil massage
Massaging your body with essential oils daily will keep your body moisturised and will prevent your tissues from getting dry. This ensures that there is good blood circulation in your body for a calmer and healthier nervous system.
7. Exercise
This can be done in any form, be it Yoga ex. Surya Namaskar or jogging. Exercise will remove stagnation and fat from your body and will strengthen your muscles. Learn about the various benefits of yoga.
8. Bathe
Bathing will remove excess oil from the surface of your skin and will make you feel fresh and energized to take on the tasks for the day.
9. Meditate
Meditation will help you concentrate on your goals, by maintaining a balance between your mind, body and soul. It will also calm your nervous system and will make you feel peaceful and steady.
10. Unwind
After finishing the day’s work, it is important to unwind and relax your body. Shut your eyes, lie down, light some scented candles and listen to soulful music. This will not only make you feel at peace, but will also release all the stress and tension from your body. Another effective way of relaxing after a day’s hard work is spending time with loved ones.
Benefits of Dinacharya
1. Connection with nature
This Ayurveda daily routine helps you connect with nature by making you conscious of your natural surroundings. In fact, it ensures that you live in harmony by aligning your body with the rhythm of nature.
2. Prevention of diseases
It promotes a healthy lifestyle since it strengthens your immunity and protects you from diseases.
3. Release of stress
Meditating and massaging yourself with essential oils, releases all the stress and tension from your body and mind.
4. Digestion and absorption
By following a pattern of meal timings and by regulating the amount of food being eaten, it helps your body to digest and absorb the nutrients from food effectively.
5. Discipline
It also helps in maintaining a certain discipline in the mind and body which is beneficial in several other aspects of life.
6. Peace
Meditating and absorbing the positive vibes in your surroundings helps you achieve a peaceful state of mind.
7. Happiness
Following Dinacharya every day, removes all the stress and worries in your life. This, in turn, brings you happiness.
8. Longevity
It ensures a healthy lifestyle and promotes longevity.