Dinacharya in Ayurveda: Your Ayurvedic Daily Routine

Dinacharya

Ayurveda, the science of life, provides a holistic approach to the maintenance of one's health; i.e., it gives treatment to “ATHURA (one who is having disease)’ and “swasthya samrakshana” (protection of health) for a normal person. Dinacharya plays an important role in both these conditions. By practicing dinacharya, one attains the state of equilibrium of Dosas, dhatus, and digestive fire. And by these, the sense organs become active, the mind and soul become pleasant. 

Ayurveda dinacharya includes

1.      Waking up in Brahma muhurtha

Waking up in brahma muhurtha i.e., one and a half hour before sunrise. Brahma means knowledge, the time apt for perceiving knowledge is known as brahma muhurtha. It is the best time for meditation also.

After analyzing for a while about one’s own body and being clean after evacuation, do oral hygiene.

2.      Dhanthadavana (Brushing of teeth)

Brushing of teeth with drugs having astringent, acrid, bitter, and sweet taste is indicated. Herbal brushes with a length and diameter of the tip of one’s little finger are advised.

3.      Anjanam (Collyrium)

Anjanam is pleasing to the eyes. Ayurveda mentions two types of anjanam

a.      Sauveeranjanam  can use daily

b.      Rasaanjanam, having more purificatory properties, can be used once a week

4.      Nasya (Nasal use of medicines)

Nasya, which is one of the panchakarma procedures, can be practiced as a dinacharya.

5.      Thambulacharvanam (beetle leaf chewing)

It stimulates the taste buds, increases salivation, and scrapes the deposited matter.

6.      Abhyanga (Oil application)

Abhyanga reduces ageing. Overcomes fatigue, gives good sleep, good skin, and a sturdy physique. It should be particularly practiced on the head, ears, and soles. 

7.      Vyayamam (exercise)

In the new era, it plays a pivotal role because everyone has a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise gives lightness to the body, efficiency in activity, good digestion, etc. Vyayama, in general, helps to maintain the state of proper health. Vyayama is contraindicated in very aged individuals and tender children. Strong individuals using oily foods under favorable rthu  (winter and spring season) do exercise with half the strength. In other seasons, it should be with lesser strength. Like less exercise, excessive exercise is also contraindicated. 

8.      Udwarthana (upward massage with powdered drugs)

Medicated herbal powder is used for udwarthana. It disintegrates kapha and dissolves fat. It provides a firm body and clear skin.

9.      Snanam (Bath)

Bath provides improved digestion, sexual drive, and removes fatigue. Hot water bath below the neck gives strength to the body, but contra contraindicated for the head. 

10.   Ahara (food)

Food should be wholesome and moderate quantity. One shall take food only when the previous meal has fully digested.

11.   Nidra (sleep)

The aspects of happiness, nourishment, strength, virility, and long life are attained by sound and timely sleep.

The entire activities of all organisms are aimed at comfort. There is no comfort without dharma (Virtue). All our activities should be with dharma. Never induce much strain on the senses, nor let them remain inert.

This life routine is crucial for maintaining well-being in today’s stressful and fast-paced world. It promotes holistic health by aligning daily activities with natural cycles, balancing the body’s dosha, and fostering discipline. Following dinacharya can improve digestion, boost immunity, reduce stress, and enhance overall vitality.