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Dinacharya
- living in harmony with nature’s rhythms -
Dinacharya, the Sanskrit word for daily routine, is a simple and effective way to balance the body. Our daily
activities have a profound effect on our health and a routine, practiced daily, is stronger medicine than an
occasional remedy. Dinacharya establishes healthful habits through attunement of the body to the natural cycles
of the day. The three doshas, vata, pitta and kapha, each have their own periods of time within a twenty-four
hour day in which their energies predominate. By establishing a routine that “goes with the flow ” of these
elemental energies, we are able to more easily support the body ’s natural rhythms and healing potential.
Waking
Th e first Vata period of the day ends around dawn with the first rays of sunlight. At this time of day Vata
qualities are at their strongest and if we arise between 4–6am we will imbibe the positive qualities of alertness,
vibrancy, enthusiasm, energy, clarity, strengthened intuition and motivation. It is the most sattvic, peaceful, and
still time of day and is an ideal time for spiritual practice. If there are time constraints we can simply take a few
deep breaths and adopt an attitude of gratitude for waking up to an exciting new day.
Elimination
Our bladder and colon should be emptied upon rising. To facilitate this practice we can drink a glass or two of
warm water with a slice of lemon added. This helps rehydrate the tissues, flush toxins that have accumulated
overnight, enkindles agni or digestive fire and stimulates peristalsis.
Clean sin g th e sen ses
Ayurveda recommends purifying the senses each day in preparation for taking in all the rich, new experiences
that life has to offer. Refresh and energise the mind by splashing the face and eyes with cool or luke-w a r m w a t e r.
Gently wash the ears and apply a thin coat of sesame oil to the inside of the ear with your little finger. Use a neti
pot with saline solution to cleanse the nasal passages. Brush the teeth. Scrape the tongue using a tongue cleaner
to remove any coating. Notice your tongue each morning. A thick coating is indicative of ama, or toxins in the
digestive tract. Scraping the tongue helps to purify your sense of taste and benefits the internal organs. Finally,
gargle with warm water, or salt water and turmeric to help purify and strengthen the voice and keep the gums,
mouth and throat healthy.
A b h ya n g a
According to Ayurveda, abhyanga, or oil massage is an essential component of dinacharya. This practice
n o u r i shes and strengthens the body, encourages regular sleep patterns, stimulates internal organs, enhances blood
circulation and can significantly reduce vata.
B a t h e
After you have massaged your entire body, enjoy a warm bath or shower using a minimal amount of mild soap.
Towel dry with a towel you do not mind collecting oil with.
Clothing
Always wear clean clothing, preferably made from natural fibres such as cotton, wool, linen or silk. Ayurveda
discourages wearing used clothing, particularly other peoples’ sh o e s, because of the polluted subtle energies
which they collect.
Take your herbs
Taking herbs at the same time each day will enhance their medicinal effect. Herbs taken on an empty stomach
have the most potent action in the body.