Dinacharya, Ayurvedic Daily Routine

Ayurveda emphasizes a daily self-care routine called Dinacharya. This regime can be modified depending on your dosha and the season. There is a traditional Ayurvedic proverb: “When diet and lifestyle is right, medicine is of no need. When diet and lifestyle is wrong, medicine is of no use.” Dinacharya is an important part of lifestyle. Remember, we are what we eat. And, we are not just eating food but through all of our senses. We have to digest everything we take in. This is why it is crucial to care for your senses. Your body, mind, senses and soul are nourished through Dinacharya.

If you do not have the time to do all of these things daily, that is ok. Try and pick a regular schedule that works for you. For example, I do Abhyanga three times a week during fall and winter. I also recommend slowly integrating these into your life so it doesn’t feel overwhelming or create stress. Also, it is okay if you skip a day once in a while. One of my teachers talked about a, “80/20 Rule.” 80% of the time you follow and 20% you do whatever. This leaves your life open to spontaneity and free of guilt. However, I have found the more I do Dinacharya, the more I want it daily in my life. Another Ayurvedic proverb says, “Take care of Ayurveda and it will take care of you.”

Routine:

Creating a regular rhythm to your day is soothing to your nervous system and balancing to your circadian cycle. Get up, exercise, eat meals, go to sleep at the same time of the day.

Morning Routine:

·       Waking up and getting out of bed around 6am will help you shake off the sluggishness of Kapha time. (Read my article on the Ayurvedic Clock)

·       Scrape your tongue and see what comes off. Brush your teeth.

·       Drink a glass of warm water with a squirt of fresh lime juice to clear out your digestive track.

·       Oil Pull.

·       Hopefully, by now you have had a bowel movement.

·       Body Brushing followed by Abhyanga/Oil massage with dosha specific oil. (Note: Do not do if you have digestive issues, Ama/toxins in GI or during menstruation.)

·       Shower/bath.

·       While in the shower I do Neti, a salt water nasal rinse with a Neti pot. (Note: do not do Neti if you have a sinus infection or are really congested.)

·       Nasya/Nose lubrication. I also put a drop of oil in my ears.

·       Meditation, pranayama and exercise.

Evening Routine:

Spend some time winding-down before bed. This will promote good sleep. For example, do some calming pranayama, meditation or guided relaxation. My YouTube Channel has instructional videos. A evening routine is especially important if you have insomnia, sleep disturbances or wake up feeling tired.