Ayurvedic Dinacarya

One of the jewels in the crown of Ayurveda is Dina Carya; a set of daily routines that individuals may practice to support overall health, vitality and connection to nature’s rhythms.

 The ancient system of healing and longevity, Ayurveda, understands that irregularity and disconnection from nature’s rhythms in one’s lifestyle contribute to the manifestation of imbalance and disease in the body tissues as well as the mind. 

 Dinacarya can be used as a therapeutic tool to maintain a state of health and well-being and redirect the body towards balance when finding ourselves in a state of dis-ease.

 In Vagbhata’s Ashtanga Hrdayam, the rules of dinacarya are accompanied by a promise that the individual who follows these directives will “surely attain long life, health, wealth, reputation and the eternal world.” a quote which attests to not only the physical but spiritual benefits of these daily rituals; stable health being the necessary foundation for all kinds of spiritual practice.

 Many of the specific Dinacarya practices mentioned in the classical texts of Ayurveda focus on the beginning and end of the day. 

🌞 Waking up before sunrise: This auspicious time, known as ‘Brahma Muhurta’ or the creator’s hours, unfolds naturally elevated vibrations and spiritual energy, and helps set us up for greater energy levels throughout the day. Vata people who need additional rest can wake up at 6am, Pitta at 530am and Kapha at 430am.

 🌞 Splashing cool water on the face and eyes: Helps us to gently wake up and cleanse our senses from the heavy energy of sleep. Rose water is a beautiful tri-doshic face spritz that can be used to impart freshness, cool and tone the skin.

 🌞 Scraping the tongue: Before brushing the teeth, scraping the coating off the tongue helps to remove toxins from the oral cavity and GI tract, as well as stimulating the digestive organs and kindle appetite. Copper, silver and stainless steel scrapers are available. Copper is great for Vata and Kapha, Silver for Pitta and stainless steel is Tridoshic.

 🌞 Evacuating: Squat on the toilet to help induce a bowel movement that clears your GI tract from yesterday’s waste and toxins. If you struggle to eliminate daily or in the morning, consider using herbal aids such as Triphala or consulting with an Ayurvedic Health Counsellor or practitioner.

 🌞 Practicing Pranayama, Asana and/or Meditation: Even a small amount of time spent in yogic movement, breathwork or sitting in meditation has the power to transform our day for the better. Early morning is a great time to practice since the atmospheric Prana is higher than at other times of day. Face East and practice sun salutations to greet the rising sun for an inspired day.

 🌞 Drinking a cup of warm water: Helps to flush the toxins and wastes and re-hydrate the GI tract after the night.

🌜 Practicing sleep hygiene: Dimming the lights after sunset, limiting screen time, loud music or noise, including stimulating conversations and eating dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime. Going to sleep before 10pm will help harness the natural sleep-supportive energy of Kapha dosha that is prevalent at this time. 

 🌜 Reflecting on your day: The Asthanga Hrdayam says that whoever thinks on their day and adopts the right way shall never know fear or sorrow. Journalling, meditation or practicing gratitude at the end of the day can be a powerful tool to help digest the impressions of the day and ensure we do not carry over into our sleep and next day.

 🌜 Rubbing oil on the soles of the feet and crown of the head: Oil is generally grounding and herbalised oils like Bhringaraj and Brahmi oil can help support a calm mind and healthy sleep. Rub 1 tsp of warmed oil into the soles of feet and 1 tsp on the crown of the head and scalp. You may want to wear old cotton socks or cover your pillowcase with a towel to protect the linens from oil stains.

 These practices can tend to be lengthy or elaborate if we try to do all of them at once! Start simple and achievable; maybe choose one morning practice to incorporate, and one evening practice and build your Dinacarya from there. Good luck!

 A Big thank you to Beatrice Voss , Faculty & Graduate of The Ayurvedic Institute