DINACHARYA - Ayurvedic Daily Routine

 DINACHARYA (Daily regimen)

Our body has many inbuilt rhythms or cycles according to medical Chrono-Biology. Most of our body functions follow a daily cycle. Our body weight fluctuates during the day & is maximum in the evening. Our body temperature is highest in the evening and most of our hormones have their well-defined periods of high and low secretions during the day and the most obvious of all is the Sleep- Wake cycle.
Therefore intrinsically the emphasis of Ayurveda is on natural cycles. 'Dinacharya' refers to a healthy and sustainable pattern of lifestyle. In order to be optimally healthy, one should tune the body to the nature's cycle which in turn regulates the various other rhythms. To achieve this, Ayurveda told a specific routine in general and also on the basis of psychosomatic constitution of an individual. The various aspects of daily routine in general are as follows: -

1) Waking up	Since our biological clock is tuned to the rising and setting of the sun, it is advisable to wake up before the Sunrise in perfect synchronization to the natural clock. An ideal time to wake up is BRAHMAMUHURTA (1-2 hours before sunrise).
2) Natural Urges	Dawn is the best time to eliminate the body's physical waste. Drinking one or two glass (for adult) of luke warm water before sunrise helps in proper elimination of mala and renders multiple health benefits.
3) Oral Hygiene	Brushing of teeth and cleansing the gums early in morning and after each meal by using twigs or thin stems of different plants like Neem (Azadirachta Indica), Khadira (Acacia Catechu) etc. Scrapping the tongue using cleaners made up of metals or plants are beneficial. The gargling with water, decoctions/kwath and medicated oils like Arimedadi taila keeps gum, mouth, teeth and throat healthy.
4) Eye care	Washing the eyes every morning with clean and cold water or decoction of Triphala is very useful. Use of medicated collerium (Sauviranjana) every day is also recommended for healthy eyes.
5) Nasya	Regular inhalation in morning of the Anu taila, the oil prepared by boiling different medicinal plants in gingelly oil and goats milk prevents all ailments of the eyes, hair, nose and the ears. Nasal instillation is also very effective for migraine, Ankylosing spondylitis etc.
6) Exercise	Exercise increases stamina and resistance to disease by facilitating the immune system, clearing all channels, promoting circulation and waste disposal and destroying fat also. It may be in form of yoga or walking. Depending on age, prakriti, VATA type should perform light exercises, PITTA type should do moderate and KAPHA type can go for heavy exercises. Should not be done during illness and just after meal.
7) Massage	The gentle oil massage (Abhyangam) everyday makes the skin supple; controls Vata by reducing its cold, dry, light, rough and erratic qualities; enhances blood circulation, encourages elimination of metabolic wastes and relaxes the body. Dry message with medicated powder (Udwartanam) may be performed for rheumatic affected and obese people.
8) Bathing	Warm bath is advisable for the body and normal temp water for the head.
9) Clothing	Clothing should always clean, tidy, light and made of natural fibbers as cotton, wool or silk. The use of natural perfumes in moderation promotes pleasant feeling.
10) Sleep	Night is the natural time to sleep and day sleep is contraindicated except for very young, old, very weak and those intoxicated, diseased, exhausted or traumatized and who could not have sufficient sleep during night. The person with disturbed sleep should massage the feet with oil before going to bed.
11) Brahmacharya	In the broad sense it means control of the sense or Indriya especially sexual life. More specifically, it refers to celibacy or chastity. Like all traditional spiritual traditions, Ayurveda advocates restraining from indulging in sensual gratification. The broader definition of Brahmacharya also includes conduct that leads to the realization of the self. The Conservation of energy that comes from practicing celibacy is converted into OJAS. Many people mistakenly believe that practicing Bramacharya means suppression of the natural urge but on the contrary anything that is suppressed will eventually lead to disorder.