DINACHARYA - DAILY REGIMENS

  

DINACHARYA    (Daily regimens)

                     Ayurveda literally means Science of life which ultimately intends to preserve the health to attain the Purushartas (pursuits of life) i.e., righteous living, righteous amassing of wealth and to experience the righteous happiness. For achieving these goals, a long and healthy life is essential.

According to Ayurveda, the health is defined as a state of equipoise of functions in the system, integrity of the tissue principles, proper metabolic functions and pleasant state of mind senses and spiritual well being. These factors will get deranged due to seasonal variations, improper interactions of senses with environment and the perverse activities of the body, mind and words. In this context, Ayurveda is termed as holistic in preservation of health of the body as well as mind which acts as integral part in the system.

Ayurveda proposes preventive care with much significance in view of the above factors. The daily & seasonal regimens, dietetics, rejuvenate measures etc.draw great attention in this regard. The daily regimen consists of the measures to adapt from dawn to dusk for righteous living and for ultimate happiness.

                         Dinacharya implies  the daily regimens of ones daily life which actually means to merge your daily cycle with the natural cycle of the Sun, Moon, Earth, and the other planets in our Solar system The reason for this is that our most healthy and happy state is the most natural state, and vice versa. Dinacharya is one of the best things that can be done to stay in balance, prevent disease and in the treatment of almost all diseases.

Researchers have long discovered that our body has many inbuilt rhythms or cycles. Most of our body functions follow a daily cycle. Our weight fluctuates during the day and 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 the sleep – wake cycle. Therefore intrinsically the emphasis in our body is on natural cycles.

Everyday two waves of change pass through us, each bringing a Vata, Pitta, and a Kapha cycle. Everyday two waves of change pass through us, each bringing a Vata, Pitta, and a Kapha cycle. The approximate times of these cycles are as follows:

 
First cycle:

6 A.M. to 10 A.M. – Kapha               10 A.M. to 2 P.M. – Pitta              2 P.M. to 6 P.M. -Vata
 
Second cycle:
6 P.M. to 10 P.M. – Kapha                 10 P.M. to 2 A.M. – Pitta             2 A.M to 6 A.M. –Vata

The regimens involve physical, mental, and spiritual purity which are the essential prerequisites of body mind and words. The daily sacrificial ritual replenishes the bodily field and exhilarates the Gods of the microcosm.

Waking Up

The regimen starts by arising before dawn in order to enter the new diurnal cycle.

In Ayurveda the night is divided into 16 periods from sunset to sunrise. The ideal time to arise is during the 14th period that is about 2 hours before dawn, around 4:30 to 5. This is the time when there is the most sattva in the air. It is the most fresh and pure time of the day. This is the best time for study and obtains Brahma or knowledge.

Passing of Natural urges

Dawn is the best time to eliminate the body's physical waste accumulated during the past day and night. The malas like urine and feaces are the excretes resulting from aharaparinama (digestive and metabolic functions) and to be eliminated which got accumulated over previous day. The retaining and compulsive passing of urges will cause serious vata disorders. This also helps remove the kapha and other metabolic waste from the colon and in cleaning the channels there by the movement of vata becomes smooth.

Teeth Cleaning

Ayurveda proposes Dhantadhawanam (teeth cleaning) as a significant aspect of oral hygiene and to maintain good healthy teeth. Ayurveda recommends the use of small twigs of particular herbs for this purpose which is astringent, pungent and bitter in taste. The twigs of Arka, Khadira, Mango, Neem leaves, etc.are utilized. The twigs should be of the size of the tip of little finger in thickness and 12 Angulas in length. The tip of the twig should be softened by crushing and the teeth should be cleaned without hurting the gum. Persons suffering from indigestion, vomiting, dyspnoea, cough, fever, facial paralysis, ulceration of the mouth, diseases of the heart, eyes, head and ears should not make use of the twig. They can make use of the powder of drugs instead of twigs.  Today, Ayurvedic tooth powders made from the herbs are available.

Eye Care

In Ayurveda the eyes symbolize Agni and it is always under the risk of accumulated wastes from kapha dosha.The eye care focuses basically to drain the kapha which might got accumulated during the previous day. A type of Anjana (collyrium) to be applied daily to clean the eyes and to keep sense of vision intact. Anjana is used as a medicine as well as a cosmetic. A kind of collyrium (eye-salve, Kajal) is commonly used by the people of India for the luster of eyes. One should be seriously alert not to wash the eyes with cold water suddenly coming from sun. It should be done only after giving rest to the eyes. Hot water is always contraindicated in eyes.

Navanam

        
Navana is desired for the cleansing of the parts above the shoulders i.e. neck, face, channels of senses and help eliminate the kapha from the head region. It is advised in minimal dose in the morning before taking bath and after brushing the teeth. It removes the fatigue, improves sight, bestows sturdiness to teeth and mitigates the vata.It is good to apply after collyrium.

Gandoosham (Filling the mouth fully with liquid)

                                                          

 Mouth gargles with decoction of astringent and bitter drugs is good to keep the oral hygiene.  

This also removes the kapha and other wastes from the mouth. For daily use sesame oil or honey is   good. Holding comfortable warm water furnishes lightness of the mouth. It cures teeth problems ,oral ulcers, and bad odour, distaste.throatdisease,dryness of mouth, and rhinitis.

Dhoomapanam

Ayurveda recommends inhalation of medicinal smoke to prevent the onset of diseases for the parts above the shoulder due to the vitiation of kapha and vata.The smoke could be inhaled either through the nose or mouth and it is done thrice at a time. The drugs used are guggulu, maduka, yava thila with ghee. The smoke wick is prepared of twelve angula in length wrapped in five layers with ribbon of cloth smeared with the paste of above drugs with ghee. It is lit with fire and smoke can be inhaled. This cures rhinitis, cough, and disorders of hair, ear, mouth, eyes, nasal discharges.

Thamboolasevanam

Chewing of betel leaves is a ancient custom described in Ayurveda.Vaghbhata prescribes two betel leaves, one small arecanut, little quantity of slaked lime as ideal combination. Fragrance substances like cardamom are also permitted. None of text mentioned either tobacco or any other intoxicating substances to be mixed with betel leaves. Betel chewing is good for oral hygiene and is harmful to those suffering from wounds, poisoining, unconciosness, and intoxication.

Abhyangam

Abhyanga is the procedure of applying oil on the whole body and head about which Ayurveda talks at length. It should be practiced  daily and should take bath in like warm water. Daily oil massage strengthens the skin, improves its colour and texture and makes it soft and unctuous.  By doing the Abhyanga daily one will be benefited with good vision, nourishment of the body, long life, good sleep. It improves the circulation and drains the wastes from the tissues and alleviates the complications of old age. It should be done specially to head, ears and feet. It also reduces vata and alleviates stiffness. The heart, naval, joints, head, and other seats of vata should be well oiled. Oiling of the naval improves the flow of vata

Massage has always been traditional especially in South India and becomes a ceremony in certain occasions. There are various types of massage techniques for different purpose. The oil to used for massage depends on the constitution, season etc. It is contraindicated in fever.

Vyayamam

Vyayama or physical exercises should be done as a part of our day to day life. It gives lightness to our body, provides ability to perform hard works, proper digestion and depletion of excess fat. Persons suffering from any disease especially due to vata and pita, indigestion, children and the aged need not do Vyayamam.  Exercise is best performed in the early morning to balance the kapha which is predominant at that time. One should not expend more than ones half of available energy on exercise. Exercising until sweat appears on the forehead is sufficient to strengthen the circulation. After doing the exercise all the parts of the body should be massaged comfortably. Over exercise may lead to emaciation, dyspnoea, exhaustion, feeling of debility even without any work, cough, fever and vomiting. Those who indulge daily in too much of physical exercise, keeping awake at nights, walking long distances, sexual intercourse, too much of laughing, speaking and such other strenuous activities need not do exercise for that period.  

Udwarthanam

This is a type of massage using soft fragrant medicinal powders applying on body in opposite direction of usual massage. It can mitigate kapha, liquefies fat, produce stability, compactness, strength of the body parts and excellent skin. This is highly effective in obesity and prevents the accumulation of kapha in the channel system of the body. Usually oil is not used in this process and kapha reducing herbs are made into powder and sometimes it is made into paste by mixing with medicinal decoction

Body bath (Snanam)

Bathing removes itching, dirt, exhaustion, sweat, stupor, thirst, burning sensation etc. Bath has a peculiar ability to remove the feeling of sin. Bathing improves appetite, sexual vigor, and span of life, valor, and strength. Those who are suffering from facial paralysis, diseases of eyes, mouth and ears, diarrhea flatulence, indigestion, and who have just taken food should not take bath. Warm water should not be used to wash the head as it will cause loss of strength and may affect eyes and hair. Taking bath is considered auspicious in many occasions. 

 Only cold water should be used to wash the  head.

 
Pathyaharaseva

Ayurveda proposes pathya ahara (wholesome food) consisting of balanced six rasas (tastes)   Sweet, acidic, salty, hot, sour  and astringent. The wholesome food is more acceptable to our system and the unwholesome (Apathyam) food is not good for health. The vegetables helps reduce the toxins in the system. Ayurveda states the rules of good dieting which encompasses the compination, preparation, quantity, rules of eating etc.

Prevent the suppression and forceful initiation of natural urges

Vaga uddeerana (forceful initiation of natural urges) and vega dharanam (suppression of natural urges) produce various serious pathological conditions in the body. The urge of flatus, faeces, urine, sneeze, thirst, sleep, cough, breating on exertion, yawn, vomiting and semen shouls not be suppressed. Ayurveda stated that all diseases arise from initiation and suppression of natural urges of the body. It also keeps important that one should control the urges of greed, envy, hatred, jealousy, etc.

Sadvrutham (Good Conduct)

Ayurveda states that one who is desirous of good health should abstain from the negative activities in daily life by body, speech and mind. These negative vibrations can cause serious disease processes affecting body and mind. All human activities are meant for the happiness of all living beings. Such happiness is based on dharma (righteous conduct) hence true happiness comes from righteous living. Ayurveda focuses on ten negative aspects. 1. Causing torture, 2. Stealing, 3. Unlawful sex activity, 4. Abusive speech, 5. Speaking untruth, 6. Speech causing dissension, 7. Quarreling, 8. Jealousy, 9. Finding fault, 10. Faithlessness with scriptures. These negative aspects are supposed to cause agony in ones life. Hence positive thinking is always good for good health and well being. 

Keeping positive attitude with compassion and kindness towards fellow beings including animals is given important in this context. Give respect to elders, scholars, guests, the ruling people, teachers and physicians, live with helping hand to others, and one should maintain equipoise of mind during happiness and sorrows. One should speak appropriate to the occasion with good words in brief, in pleasant manners without hurting others.

 One should avoid extremes in dealing with problems in daily life and should not perform the actions which are not complying with Dharma (Righteousness), Artha, and kama

Personal appearance

Ayurveda also focuses on personal appearance and hygiene to great extend. It says that one should cut his hair nails and mustaches, keep the feet and orifices of wastes clean. Should wear good dress, precious stones, hold an umbrella, putting on foot wear and looking straight. One should not sneeze, laugh, and yawn without covering the mouth. These are to be considered as some notes on body language by which personality is calculated.      

It is important that one who constantly reviews and examines how his day and night are passing will never become a victim of sorrow. It could be considered that the rules of right conduct are enunciated in the dharmasasthra the science of righteousness and some of the dos and donts are in practice while some have disappeared. Anyhow the discretion to select the ideal conduct is the need of the hour for a good society.

RATHRICHARYA

Sleep

According to Ayurveda eating, sleeping and sexual activity are the three pillars supporting the life span. Sleep is considered as a state predominated by thamus (inertia) which is good for the body and mind to relax from the outward pointed senses. It is necessary to prevent the problems of mental exertion and permit the mind to refresh from what it took during the day. When one sleeps on the left side, his right nostril and nadi become more active, but it can aggravate pitha. If one sleeps on right side it makes the left nostril and nadi more active and aggravates kapha. Sleeping on back does not activate pitha and kapha but increase vata. Sleeping on stomach increases tridosha. Sleeping with the head to the east is good and promote meditative sleep is always recommended and head pointing to the north is not advised. It can cause restlessness, irritation and other disturbances.

Sexual activity

Ayurveda upholds the sexuality as a sacred act by which a progeny is intended. A man must honor his partner as the embodiment of goddess of wealth and prosperity. Women is supposed to be the symbol of agni and men that of soma. But the brahmacharya includes the control of senses and spiritual bliss conducive to the knowledge of ultimate. It creates high potency in mind and actions. This is achieved by wholesome regimen and rules of righteous living. Ayurveda describes sexuality to achieve one of the purushardhas ie, kama.

Sleep continued:

Proper sleep produce balance of dhathus, reduce weakness, activate anabolism (brumhanam), improves complexion, strength, ignites agni. Light food is advised before sleep and mind should be kept calm. Bed must be soft and comfortable. Lying on cot is tridoshakhna and lying on earth is brumhana and vrushya. The duration  of sleeping depends on physiological conditions , age, and disease. The baby less than one year old has to sleep 20 hrs abd 8yr old 12 hrs, and for 12 yrs 11 hrs sleep is required. An adult person should sleep 6 hrs continuously. Generally day sleep is not recommended except certain conditions. During summer day sleep is advised.

Avoidance of sleep in night produce rukshatha (dryness) and day sleeping produce snigdhatha (unctuousness). The half of the period of time of avoidance of sleep is recommended for day sleeping  to those who do not sleep at night. It is advised to sleep at a particular time regularly and relax the body before sleep. It is advised to take luke warm milk before going to sleep.

 Sandhyacharya  (Dusk)

Regarding the food it is advised to take light food two hour before sleep. Curd is not advised to take during night. Reading for short period is good. Any how taking of food, traveling, learning, sleep, sexuality are not advised at dusk.  

Brahmacharyam

Conscious abstinence from sexuality is brahmacharyam. The Acharyas mentions that Sukla (Semen) is the ultimate essence of metabolism and is considered as the thejus and protect it for proper growth and progeny. Righteousness, fame, longevity are derived from brahmacharya. In fact this is a unique act of protecting the sexual power as far as a common man is concerned. This also serves as the means of good conduct, spiritually, socially and culturally. In Yoga sasthra it is considered with great significance as a perfect Yogi should gain power in mind, body and spirit by the abstinence.