Dinacharya Practices: Your Guide to a Long and Healthy Life

A daily routine is a vital and integral part of our state of health. A routine that is followed with care and awareness concerning our constitution and balance will bring many health benefits. In Ayurveda, there are certain steps prescribed to drive you along to your daily chores which are valuable in their relation to boosting your health and longevity. It’s called Dinacharya practices.

Introduction

Many of us in our lives are busy and overwhelmed with how much there is to do in such a limited time.  We rush out of bed in the morning, grab breakfast, and rush out the door to the next place we are supposed to be and continue rushing until we get home in the evening.  This frenetic pace is unhealthy. It is very difficult to find time for yourself.

It is important to assess any imbalances in your natural constitution before initiating a daily routine as it should be catered to your current state of health. However, some general guidelines are recommended from an Ayurvedic perspective.

The Link between Dinacharya and the Circadian Clock

There’s a link between the circadian clock and Dinacharya. The cycles of nature direct our internal biological clock, which is known as the circadian clock.  The circadian rhythm governs our body’s daily fluctuations of temperature, blood pressure, muscular strength, levels of circulating hormones, neurotransmitters, and numerous other metabolic compounds and physiological processes like sleep, and wakefulness. These processes are influenced by the natural patterns of day and night. 

Ayurveda divides the day into four hourly segments based on the Doshic (body types) system to identify and describe each time segment.  It recommends certain lifestyle behaviors for each segment to benefit from this circadian cycle.  Additionally, there has been research documenting the benefits and value of the Ayurvedic circadian rhythm system for medical treatments.

The Dinacharya Practices 

1. Morning routine:

• Regular waking time – This will vary a bit throughout the year. For example, in the winter waking before sunrise will help to prevent stagnation and accumulation in the body and dullness in the mind. In the summer, waking a bit after sunrise soothes the heat and intensity of the sun’s effect on our body. Say a personal prayer or mantra in bed reminding yourself of your positive connection to all things.
• Clean the face, mouth, and eyes – Splash some cool water on the face and eyes and rinse your mouth out. Gently rub the eyes and then rotate the eyes in all directions.
• Evacuating the bowels and bladder – Ideally, this happens naturally as an early morning impulse. If it doesn’t, drinking a large glass of warm water can be helpful. Also, the healthiest position for evacuating the bowels and bladder is squatting with the knees higher than the hips.
• Scrape the tongue – Take note of the color and texture of the tongue coating. If it is thick and white, it indicates your diet is too heavy and your body is not digesting completely. If it is greasy and yellow, there is too much heat in your system. The dry and grey coating can indicate stress or overwhelm.
• Clean the teeth – Classically, it was recommended to use bitter, pungent, and astringent herbs to clean the mouth. If this is impractical for you, find a toothpaste that is not very sweet.
• Before taking a bath, give yourself an oil massage. During the months of winter and spring, especially on cloudy or damp weeks massaging every part of yourself with a gentle, natural bristles brush enhances circulation and helps eliminate toxins and stress. Using heated oil to the whole physique all over the summer, fall, and winter—especially during windy, dry days—helps reinforce the skin, reduce anxiety, enhance distribution, and preserve the body hydrated while also warding off disease.
• Bathing – The pressure of the stream of water in a shower can be disturbing to the body and mind. Sitting in a bathtub and bathing by pouring buckets of water over the body calms the mind and encourages the energy of the body to flow smoothly.
• Meditation – Depending on the type of meditation practice you do, you might want to choose to practice before exercise, after exercise, before lunch, before dinner, or before bed (or multiple times per day).

2. Midday routine:

• Lunch – Relax and make it the largest meal of the day. Do not snack until dinner.
• A brief rest on the left side and light walking (10 to 15 minutes) after lunch will facilitate digestion.

3. Evening routine:

• Dinner – the lighter and earlier, the better.
• Regular bedtime – Make sure to go to bed at the same time every night; preferably not later than 10pm.
• Turn off electronics after sunset (or at least an hour before bed). Allow your mind to become more quiet and ready to rejuvenate through sleep. Exposure to artificial lights and computers damages our body’s relationship to natural cycles.

These are systemic routines in Ayurveda that have been developed to ensure proper hygiene and dosha balance in the human body. It varies according to day, night, and season. At first glance, these guidelines may seem time-consuming, complicated, and trivial but they have been scientifically developed keeping your health in mind. These guidelines ensure proper hygiene, tridosha harmony, internal balance, and reduction of stress on the body and mind. Once these daily and nightly regimens are sustained, they become a natural part of life and easy to adhere to. These routines are not just ‘rules’ but practical guidelines for healthy living daily.

Simple changes in daily lifestyle after consulting with experts from the field of Ayurveda will help us to create a better and healthier future for individuals which indirectly leads to a healthy society and can cause growth in overall performance at higher levels. This is the need of the modern era!

A Word From WG

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Whether you’re facing physical or mental health concerns, life hurdles, or simply aiming to enhance your overall well-being, we’re here to provide the support you need. Get in touch with us to explore the possibilities and embark on your journey towards holistic therapy and improved health.