Dinacharya

Ayurveda means ‘’Science of Life’’. Ayurveda is eternal and has no beginning or end. From time immemorial man has been in search of the ways and means of attaining true happiness, which can be achieved only by having an ideal state of physical and mental health. And this is achieved by the principles of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda gives equal importance to the care of body as well as mind. Ayurveda, is not simply a health care system but a form of lifestyle adopted to maintain perfect balance and harmony within the human existence, from the most abstract transcendental values to the most concrete physiological expressions. Based on the premise that life represents an intelligent co- ordination of the Atma (Soul), Mana (Mind), Indriya (Senses) and Sharira (Body), that revolves around the five dense elements that go into the making of the

constitution of each individual, called Prakriti.

Which in turn is determined by the vital balance of the three physical energies - Vata, Pitta, Kapha and the three mental energies - Satwa, Rajas, Tamas.

According to Ayurvedic lifestyle there should be discipline and awareness which should be slowly integrated into the daily life. Here are some of the Dinacharya practices that should be included in life. Dinacharya is the Ayur Vedic term for a daily lifestyle/routine. There are several things you can implement in your daily life that will make you feel healthy, happy and full of energy. This daily routine list was written thousands of years

ago and obviously in our lives nowadays it would be very challenging to live completely according to this ancient routine. However maybe it will inspire you to create the time to make a few small changes that can help bring out the best in you!

According to Ayurveda, lifestyle begins with –

Early rising. Early to bed and early to rise, keeps one healthy wealthy and wise!

Waking up at sunrise or even up to 2 hours before is preferable. The predominant element at this stage of the day is Vata (air + ether). Vata is light, subtle and clear and brings you in contact with the subtle messages nature beholds. Have you ever noticed how magical the early morning can be? The rise of a new sun, a new day,

new opportunities.. this is because there is a lot of Sattva (purity, cosmic intelligence) in the early morning air. The first thing in the morning is to discharge waste elements from the body. There

should be minimum one bowel movement in a day.

This process helps to revitalize the body as well as the system and prepares the body to receive more nutrients. Otherwise these toxins will be absorbed back to the body and would result in diseases.

In order to have easy bowel movement one must eat enough fiber-rich food and good quality oils like flax, sesame and olive oil should be used.

Avoid excessive amount of raw foods and chilled drinks. Traditional herbal compounds are

available that gently cleanse the colon and thereby help to maintain and restore the colon.

The next thing is to wash ones face and eyes with water. Ayur Veda recommends the use of rosewater or Triphala for washing. One should clean the tongue with a special tongue scraper. Then gargle with warm water to purify the voice.

One can gargle the mouth with sesame oil, it has a warming effect that soothes Vata and acts as mouth freshener as well as gives strength to gums and teeth.

Massage keeps us strong and is beneficial for body and mind. Ayurveda recommends to massage morning before bath. Massage the scalp, forehead, hands and feet .

Next and the most important thing the body requires is exercise. Early morning exercise removes stagnation in the body and mind and allows energy to flow. It also strengthens the digestive fire (Agni) which promotes better digestion of foods as well as emotions. Recommended exercises are: walking, pranayama (breathing exercises), yoga.

After exercise, one must take a shower or bath to remove any excess oil. Put on clean clothes after bath.

One must sit still and meditate in a silent area and focus on your breath and take a moment to be grateful for this new day.

Then one must have healthy nutritious breakfast, and should be the heavy meal of the day. Choose food wisely; Vata people can choose to eat a warm breakfast like oatmeal or other porridge, Pitta people can also choose oatmeal or cooked fruits,

Kapha people are suggested to eat cooked fruit, no heavier breakfast.

Ayur veda recommends lunch to be taken between 12 and 1 pm and your lunch should be your largest meal as the predominant element during this time of the day is Pitta (Fire + Water) and this element is responsible for digestion.

Ayur Veda recommends just a short nap when you really feel the need but in general sleeping in daytime should be avoided as it can accumulate excess kappa.

Dinner is recommended to be taken between 6 and 7 pm and should be lighter than lunch as the predominant element in this time of day is Kapha (earth and water). Digestion is low and going to bed on a full stomach can prevent one from a

having a good night sleep. Dinner should be taken at least 3 hours before sleeping.

To aid digestion, one should sip a small cup of lukewarm water with some fresh ginger.

When in bed, one should lie on back and relax like in savasana (corps pose in yoga). One should take slow and deep breaths and consciously hold attention on every body part and relax each body part. Starting from feet and slowly moving up towards the crown of the head.

The Three key Pillars of Life

The key to health depends not only in the application of drugs but on the prime factors of life and vitality. The three most important factors according to Ayurveda are food, sleep and sexual energy. These are considered three pillars of life.

AHARAM (Food)

Food sustains the life of all living beings. Human body is nothing but food.

All food articles are composed of these three factors

• The five elements i.e., Panchabhuthas.

• The six tastes (Shad Rasas) .

• The twenty attributes (Vimsathi Gunas)

There are certain rules for taking food and also one must follow proper time,

Aharakalam (time for food intake)

• When previously taken food is completely digested.

• After defaecation and micturition.

• When belching is pure i.e, devoid of the smell of any food.

• When proper hunger arises.

One must also keep in mind the Aharamathra (quantity of food)

• One must keep in mind that only half the capacity of stomach is filled with food

materials.

• ¼th space of the stomach needs to be filled with water.

• The balance space to be spared to facilitate smooth movement of air.

Other factors one must keep in mind while consuming food are:

• Food must be fresh and consumed in a clean place in a comfortable

environment, without talking and laughing and with concentration.

• While taking food, mind should be peaceful. Mindful eating is very important.

• Do not take excessive quantity of food; do not take inadequate quantity also.

NIDRA (Sleep)

When the body gets tired and mind turns away from the sense organs owing to the increase of the quality of Tamas in the mind, person falls asleep. Just as we require proper food, rest to the body and mind are also essential. Happiness and misery, obesity and leanness, strength and weakness, sexual vigor and impotence,

consciousness and loss of sensory acuity, life and death all depend upon proper and improper sleep.

Sleep can be classified into

• Natural.

• Due to exhaustion of mind and body.

• Due to increase in Tamas or dullness in the mind.

• Owing to aggravation of Kapha which causes heaviness and fatigue.

• Caused by external injury (as to the head).

• Due to diseases and fatigue they cause.

• Due to the advent of the night or according to the movement of time.

• In order to sleep better at night and reduce daytime sleepiness, try practicing

the following sleep tips:

• Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule including weekends.

• Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as taking a bath or listening

to music.

• Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and

cool è Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.

• Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex è Finish eating at least 2-3 hours

before your regular bedtime.

• Exercise regularly but avoid it a few hours before bedtime è Avoid caffeine

(e.g. coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate) close to bedtime.

• Don't smoke - not only is it a major health risk, it can lead to poor sleep.

• Avoid alcohol close to bedtime; it can lead to disrupted sleep later in the

night.

• Sleep therapists today suggest that you listen to your body. It’s the best

indicator for how much sleep you require, though you must draw the line

between sleeping out of laziness, and requirement. These two elements

should not be confused. The same way some people eat when they are

bored or depressed, some people sleep.

• Aim for deep and undisturbed sleep. 7 hours of irregular sleep may not be

the best solution.

Complications of Insomnia

• Body pain.

• Indigestion and vomiting.

• Giddiness.

• Laziness.

• Yawning and weakness.

• Senselessness.

• Diseases of aggravated Vata.

ABRAHMACHARYAM

This deals with sexual enjoyment. And to regulate sexual energy and keep healthy one must follow certain rules according to Ayurveda:

• Both partners must want to perform the act.

• Both of them should be good in physical and mental health.

• Should not engage in sex with a woman in her menstrual period..

• Avoid women who are devoid of passion, not clean, too old, too young, sick or

pregnant.

• Both partners after enjoying the sexual intercourse, should take a cool bath,

drink cool water, milk or wine or food containing natural sugar .

• Those who regulate their sexual energy will have increased memory, power,

intelligence, health and longevity.