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clarity. It helps remove sweat, dirt and environmental toxins from the skin. It helps relax the mind and balan ce
the emotions.
Ideally begin with a full-body warm oil massage. Then bathe, using water that is neither too hot nor too cold.
Apply a cleanser to your skin gently. Do not bathe in a hurry. Take your time and try to relax so that both mind
and body benefit from the bath. Use gentle aromatherapy oils such as lavender, sandalwood, patchouli or orange
(do not use harsh or artificial fragrances that strip moisture from the skin an d damage the delicate wisdom that
facilitates the reflection of the inner glow, called prabha in ayurveda). Th e ancient ayurvedic texts also
recommend adding rose petals, milk, honey, and turmeric to your bath. After you towel off, spritz your body
with rose water.
Sleep
Finally, the next active Pitta period runs from 10pm until about 2am. If one is not asleep during this period the
body begins to wake up and one attains a second wind around 11pm, which may have you up until 1am! Sleep is
then impaired and the elimination of impurities and toxins within the body suffers greatly. Being in bed by 10pm
will ensure 6-7 hours of refreshing, detoxifying sleep that will leave you revitalised and re-en er gised. It is a good
practice to apply oil to the scalp and the soles of the feet before bed to calm the nervous system and promote
sound sleep.
This Pitta period is also a second ‘digestive phase’ but it is not intended for digesting large quantities of food or
heavy foodstuffs. The metabolism work differently than at midday and is far less efficient in terms of breaking
down the contents of the stomach and intestines. It will try to digest them as well as possible but usually leaves
the process incomplete leading to a further build up of undigested food or ‘Ama’ (hence the very furry, white
tongue in the morning after a late night of alcohol and heavy food). This is why the evening meal should be light
and easily digestible.
Following dinacharya is a way to bring more awareness to all of the habits and choices we make throughout the
day. Conscious awareness in our daily lives enables us to be whole and healthy beings, bringing us closer to our
true selves. Living in harmony with the cycles of nature is not only the path to health, but to true freedom.
Seasonal Rhythms
As the day goes through a cycle of Vata, Pitta and Kapha so does the year.
The qualities of Vata are cold and moving (wind) and these qualities are prevalent in the winter. Vata-types
especially must try to follow a Vata pacifying routine and diet at this time o f y e a r to prevent Vata dosha f r o m
drifting out of balance. Whe n t he cool, dry winds begin to blow it can sometimes be difficult to maintain a
peaceful, grounded state of being. Having a routine to follow restores balance throughout the day, everyday,
safeguarding against the anxiety and stress associated with increased vata.
Summer is hot, just like Pitta dosha, and those prone to Pitta-type imbalances should keep cool and follow a Pitta
pacifying routine and diet.
Spring (and to some extent autumn) can be cold and damp exhibiting the qualities of Kapha. Kapha-t y pes
should follow a Kapha pacifying diet and routine to keep their bodies in balance and free from the usual
complaints of flu, cold and blocked sinuses.