Isn’t it a good idea to sync your routine with nature’s clock, rising with the sun? Rising with the sun means more than just an early start; it’s a commitment to live in tune with the universe, to feel the subtle energies that guide our existence. As the world awakens, so too do your senses, your spirit, and your potential.
Definition:
Dincharya, an ancient Ayurvedic practice, is more than just a daily routine—it’s a dance, a rhythm, a flow that harmonizes your life with the natural order, ensuring you are optimally blessed by Mother Nature.
Chapter II of Ashtanga Hridayam, a foundational text in Ayurvedic medicine by the revered physician Vagbhata, is aptly titled “Dincharya Vidhi” or “The Daily Regimen.” This chapter combines medical knowledge with practical health guidelines. This chapter serves as a timeless guide, revealing the art of crafting a dincharya that not only nurtures health but also fortifies the body against disease, all while harmonizing with the profound wisdom of Ayurveda.
Morning Ayurvedic Dincharya: The Morning Routine:
Ashtanga Hridayam provides a detailed dincharya for promoting health and well-being. Some of the prescribed practices are as follows:
- Prataruthana:Rising early in the morning.
- Dantadhavana:Brushing and cleaning the teeth.
- Anjana:Applying collyrium (medicinal ointment) to the eyes.
- Navana and Gandusha:Nasal drops and oral hygiene practices.
- Abhyanga:Performing an oil massage.
- Vyayama:Engaging in exercise.
- Udvartana:Using herbal powders for massage.
- Snana:Taking a bath.
The principles of Dincharya as outlined in the Ashtanga Hridayam can be challenging for many people, especially in the context of modern lifestyles and problem such as Time Constraint, Lifestyle Adjustments, Access to Resources and many more. In this regard it is advised to start by incorporating practical feasible practices into your routine and gradually add more as you become comfortable, For a more detailed understanding of this topic, it’s highly recommended to buy “Ashtang Hridayam” by Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi.
Starting Your Day at Dawn:
If you were to ask me for one good habit to include in your daily routine, I’d say in a fraction of second “wake up early”. Early bird catches the worm is equally applicable to Humans also. Getting up in Braham Mahurat is of immense benefit.
As highlighted by Vagbhata in Chapter II, Shloka 2 of Ashtang Hridayam:
“Brahmamuhurte uttiṣṭhet swasthya rakṣārtha māyuṣaḥ”
Translation: Waking up during Brahma Muhurta is believed to safeguard health and enhance longevity. Apart from this modern science also acknowledge a range of benefits to the early riser such as: Improved Mental Clarity, enhanced productivity, Better Physical Health, Stronger Discipline and what not!!!
Begin with this simple technique for better Dincharya.
Brahma Muhurta generally occurs about 1.5 to 2 hours before sunrise, though the exact timing can vary based on geographic location and the time of year. In Arunachal Pradesh, located in the northeast of India, Brahma Muhurta will begin nearly two hours earlier than it does in Gujarat, which is situated in the far west of India.
Hydrate Yourself:
Avoid reaching for digital caffeine (your mobile) or a cup of tea immediately upon waking. Instead, embrace the purity and simplicity of water—a true wonder drug, the best gift to yourself at the start of dincharya. This simple act allows you a peaceful moment to reconnect with yourself, setting a serene and balanced tone for your day.
After several hours of sleep, the body is often dehydrated. Drinking water first thing in the morning helps rehydrate the body, supporting optimal bodily functions and energy levels. Drinking water on an empty stomach helps flush out the toxins (ama) that have accumulated overnight, helping in the detoxification process. The ayurveda emphasis on balancing the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Drinking warm or room-temperature water can help balance these doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha, which may become aggravated if the body is not properly hydrated.
Try drinking water in the Malasana (Garland Pose) position. This deep squat posture helps stimulate the natural pressure needed to eliminate waste from the body. By aligning the stomach and intestines in this position, your body is better equipped to process the water and support regular bowel movements. Incorporating this practice into your morning routine can enhance your body’s natural detoxification process, promoting better digestion, hydration, and flexibility.
Samyak Vyayama: 20 Minutes to a Healthier You
We’re just one workout away from a brighter mood. After rising early, hydrating, and freshening up, it’s time to tackle the next challenge: a 20-minute workout of your choice. Whether it’s a brisk walk or a more vigorous exercise, dedicating this time to physical activity will set a positive tone for the rest of your dincharya.
Long gone are the days when people believed exercise was only for the physical body; now, science backs its importance for mental health as well. Regular physical activity has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and even combat anxiety and depression. Exercise boosts the production of endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, and promotes better sleep, which is crucial for mental well-being. The connection between physical exercise and mental health is now well-established. Exercise ignites energy, discipline, joy, fosters resilience and vitality, proving that every workout is a powerful step toward a healthier, more vibrant self.
A man without exercise is like a book left unopened—full of potential but never explored. Without the rhythm of movement, his body and mind remain dormant, missing out on the vibrant chapters of strength, energy, and vitality that an active life can reveal.
Yoga and Meditation: A mantle discipline:
Here is a shloka from the ancient text “Bhagavad Gita”
योगस्थःकुरुकर्माणिसङ्गंत्यक्त्वाधनञ्जय।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते।।2.48।।
“Carry out your responsibilities with a steady mind, grounded in meditation. Let go of attachment to outcomes, and stay calm in both success and failure. This balance and equanimity is the essence of true yoga.”
This shloka emphasizes the concept of balance and equanimity, which is central to the practice of meditation in Ayurveda. It highlights the importance of staying grounded and undisturbed by external outcomes, a state that meditation helps in cultivation.
“In the words of B.K.S. Iyengar, a prominent yogic scholar, ‘Yoga is like music: the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.
“For yoga enthusiasts, I recommend: ‘Buy *Light on Yoga* by B.K.S. Iyengar and lose yourself in its profound wisdom. Escape to Rishikesh, the yoga capital on the banks of the Ganges, where you can let the serene surroundings inspire a renewed sense of purpose and inner peace.'”
Abhyanga & Snana/ Snana & Abhyanga: Oil Massage/Bath
Start with the oil massage. The warm, nourishing oil helps to loosen toxins and ease muscle tension. By massaging the oil into your skin first, you prepare your body for a deeper cleanse. The rhythmic and gentle pressure applied during an oil massage helps stimulate blood flow. This increased circulation can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs.
After the oil massage, take a bath. This will help to remove the excess oil from your skin, cleanse away impurities, and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
The sequence can be reversed based on personal preference. If you choose to bathe first and then apply the oil, it’s important to ensure that the oil is still absorbed effectively. Consider using a lighter amount of oil or applying it on slightly damp skin to enhance absorption and maximize its benefits.
“Here, I’ve summarized a few time-tested practices recommended by both Ayurveda and modern science. Use these as tools to sharpen and enhance your well-being. Add in your dincharya, with a pinch of personalization to suit your needs:”
Ending this blog with a story of two friends set out to cut down trees in a forest. Both were determined to work hard and make the most of their day. One friend, however, decided to spend part of his time sharpening his axe, while the other kept chopping away without pause.
As the day went on, the friend with the sharp axe made much quicker progress, cutting down trees with ease. Meanwhile, the other friend, though working just as hard, found his progress slower and more laborious.
By the end of the day, the friend who had sharpened his axe had accomplished far more. When asked about his secret, he simply replied,
“Sharpening the axe made all the difference.”