In order to keep the body and mind in a state of healthy equlibrium , Ayurveda prescribes
for each individual a specific Dinacharya or daily routine (dina means day & acharya means behaviour).
Our biological clocks are attuned to the rising&setting of the sun, awaking at sunrise is in perfect synchronisation to the natural clock.Drinking a glass of luke-warm water helps flush out all toxins accumulated overnight in the body.The last portion of the night is involved in the process of elimination. So dawn is the best time to eliminate the body''s physical waste.Defecation once daily is best but not immediately after a meal.Urination then is wise. If any disturbance indicating poor digestion is noticed, go on a fast. It will allow the body to correct the system before disease sets in. Never suppress the natural physical urges as elimination, hunger, thirst, sleep, sneezing, yawning, vomiting, flatus and ejaculation, for it will lead to discomfort and disease.
Cleanliness is very important.Thorough washing of the limbs, face, mouth, eyes & nose purifies the sense organs. Best done with a bath in clean water, it should accompany brushing of the teeth, scraping off toxicated coating from the tongue, occasional gargling of salt water with a pinch of turmeric to keep gums, mouth & throat healthy, proper cleaning of the nose and the ears and washing the eyes with warm water.Keep your hair trimmed, nails filed and wear clean clothes.Use perfumes in moderation.Exercising can be passive like massage or active like aerobics or both as in yoga postures. Regular exercise increases the body''s stamina and resistance to disease by facilitating the immune system, clearing all channels, promoting circulation & waste disposal, and destroying fat.It reduces anxiety.Never exert more than half your capacity, during illness, just after a meal and without rhythmic breathing. Swimming, walking and even laughing are excellent options.A regular self-massage with herbal oils is adequate but needs to be supplemented with professional attention. It makes the skin supple by reducing its cold, dry, light, rough & erratic qualities, enhances blood circulation, encourages quicker removal of metabolic wastes and relaxes the body. Massage the scalp and head at least weekly or just the soles of your feet .
For disciplining the mind and removing stress & strain, meditation can be done after a quick bath. It helps in satisfying the mind''s hunger, it is so nourishing that even the body can survive on less. Control of desire, is the key to longevity and immortality. Anything can be meditation so long it is sincere and heartfelt. The simplest and healthiest involves the sun and its golden colour; the most nourishing and productive.
In order to protect the body from extreme temperatures, wear light & airy clothes made of natural fibres as cotton, wool, linen or silk. Wear them clean. Since energy is brought into the body through the crown of the head and exits from the soles of the feet the polluted energy usually collects in the footwear. So avoid wearing other''s footwear, try not to take shoes into the house and walk barefoot whenever possible. Wooden sandals are more healthy than animal skin or rubber shoes.
Our work consumes one-third of our lives.The nature of work should match well with your basic nature. Vata people love work that requires sudden bursts of intense energy.To balance it off from exhaustion they should be in routine jobs.They need a soothing home and work environment to smooth out their rough edges.They must avoid places where the air is exceptionally cool and dry.The ideal jobs have enough excitement to hold their interest and sufficient routine to avoid imbalances. Pitta people are very practical, making good administrators but not original thinkers. By nature aggressive and self-promoting, they see everything as a contest to be won. Insisting on being in the forefront of all activity, they cram as much work as they can, demanding perfectionism. They do not take delays and obstacles to their plans.Their professional and private lives are separate. They should avoid work that is physically irritating or involves heat and listen more to others. They should ideally have sufficient challenge to keep them occupied without the stress of competition. Kapha people love stability and balance. It makes them great administrators. They must make a conscious effort to bring in change or variety to their otherwise routine lives. Even if work is not physically active, leisure should be. Slow to get going in the morning, competition is good for them although they may find it stressful.
Finally sleep; the ideal sleep is a state of physical inertia with mental alertness and relaxation,promoting proper growth of self. Night is the natural time to sleep and mid-day naps should not be more than 15 minutes except for the very young, old, weak and those intoxicated, diseased, exhausted or traumatized. A full meal just before retiring to bed is not advised. Sleeping on the right side is the most relaxing and good for yoga and left is most digestive and increases interest sleep and sex. Sleeping on the back indirectly and on the stomach directly encourages disease. Sleeping with crown of the head facing east and feet into the west promotes the best meditative sleep. Washing the hands, feet & face just before going to bed improves the quality of sleep. 6 to 8 hours of daily sleep is essential for an adult.