Dincharya (daily routine)

An Ayurvedic Way to Prolonged & Healthy Living

In Sanskrit Din -Charya means Daily Routine.
Ayurveda recommends adapting to a daily routine which connects us to the rhythm of the universe.
To be healthy we must attune our body to the master cycles of the universe.
Everyday there are two cycles of changes which bring about predominance in our bodily humours (Vata, Pitta & Kapha).

The ideal Dincharya is set to harmonize this dosha balance in relation to this universal clock.

• Waking up: (braham muhurta jagran):

A healthy awakening is before sun. 2 hrs before sunrise gives enough time to get ready.
It is the period of Vata. It is most pure time of the day with sattva when atmosphere is calm and devoid of pollution.
In Yoga scriptures there is mention of ushapana (drinking water through nose) or jala neti.
It is said that the person who consumes the water through nose, soon after darkness of the night is over, gains bright intelligence and sharp eyesight. His hair don’t gray and he remains free from all diseases.

• Elimination (Malotsarg):

Wash your face, mouth, and eyes.
Drink one or two glass of water placed overnight in copper vessel helps in cleaning. Late evacuation leads to absorption of toxins in the body thus causing chronic diseases.

Never suppress nor forcefully void the call as it leads to lot of problems.

• Brushing (Dant dhawan):

Brushing teeth and scrapping the tongue bring about the hygiene of oral cavity and prepares body for fooding. The twigs of plants like neem (azadirachta india), khadir (acacia catechu), babool (acacia arabica) etc are ideal for brushing.
It is called datuna. A little of turmeric, salt and mustard oil will also work well.
The tongue scrapper (jivha nirlekhni) of silver, bronze, copper etc. is ideal for usage. But it should be soft, flexible and long enough for proper cleaning.
Kayaphal, ginger, molasiri, triphala are other herbs used for tooth powders.

• Nasal drops (Nasya) :

It is ideal to put two drops of Anu taila in each nostril. It prevents premature ageing, graying of hair, baldness, and ensures good sleep.

• Gargling (Gandoosh):

Fill mouth with triphala decoction or other medicated oils. It improves the taste and brings oral hygiene, and makes teeth and gums healthy.

• Massage (Abhyanga):

Massaging with sesame oil, coconut oil or mustard oil is good option for this procedure.

Sesame is best among all the options. It is beneficial as it makes the muscles tones up, increases circulation, keeps skin soft and removes toxins. Clear eyesight, good sleep, long age, beautiful skin and stout body are gained by this practice.
It is said that as polishing with lubricants makes a pot, leather, and a cartwheel shining, smooth and strong, the body also becomes strong and possess skin with good complexion. Signs of ageing become less obvious.

• Kshaur Karma (Shaving):

It is a necessary requirement for adult males.
Ayurveda identifies it as cleaning and beautifying measure. Nails should also be cut regularly.

• Udvartana (Dry massage):

Udvartan is massage of the bodwith some extra pressure in a direction opposite to direction of hair.
It melts the kapha, removes the toxins and melts subcutaneous fat. It also opens micro channels and expels odour. Turmeric and lentils are also used in daily udvartana.
It can also be called as lymphatic massage.

• Exercise (Vyayam):

Exert to half of your body capacity.
One can follow Yoga for strength and balance.
It Increases stamina, and resistance to diseases. Improves blood circulation.
Surya namaskar (Sun Saluting: comprising of 12 postures) is a better option available.
Improper or over exerting can lead to excessive thirst, vomiting, giddiness, piles, cough, breathing problems, and fever .

• Taking shower (Snan):

Take bathe only after half to one hour after the exercise. It improves appetite, gives vigor, strength and vanishes bodily odour.

• Meditation and prayers:

Meditation is a mental discipline for peace; it is also called as bliss.
Meditation is a practice in which an individual trains the mind and/or induces a mode of consciousness to realization.
According to the Hindu Yoga Sutra, written by Patanjali, dhyana (meditation) is one of the eight limbs of Yoga, (the other seven being Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, and Sam?dhi).

• Food (Bhojan):

Take tasty and nutritious diet.
Don’t overeat. Eat at a moderate pace until you are three-quarters full.
Following your meal, relax for a short while to let your food digest before going on to the next activity.
It enhances growth and gives strength. Lunch should be largest of all meals.

• Good conduct (Sadvritta):

Ayurveda teaches us the way to live gracefully. The mind and body having a connect gets affected by our deeds. Do not follow violence, keep cheerful disposition, help distressed. Provides mental peace and keeps us pleasant and calm.

• Sleep (Nidra):

Proper sleep is one of the importants factors determining our health.
Proper sleep ensures longevity and health, and improves complexion and glow.
Avoid day sleeping as it may increase the Kapha. Keep the environment calm and pleasing. Massaging the soles with oil and Shirodhara are very helpful in loss of sleep.