What is dincharya? – Exploring the Ancient Wisdom

Amidst our hectic modern lives, achieving balance and good health can be a challenge. But, an ancient Indian practice called “Dinacharya” offers a holistic way to live well. Dinacharya, meaning “daily routine” in Sanskrit, comprises intentional rituals and activities that harmonize mind, body, and spirit. In this blog post, we explore the principles and benefits of Dinacharya, guiding you in incorporating this ancient practice into your daily life.

Now before we go any further on these practices let’s understand how Ayurveda breaks the day in 2 cycles – 

First cycle

• 6 am – 10 am Kapha 
• 6 pm – 10 pm Kapha 
• 10 am – 02 pm Pitta 

Second cycle 

• 10 pm – 02 am Pitta 
• 02 pm – 06 pm Vata 
• 02 am – 06 am Vata 

A harmonious daily routine, known as dincharya, aligns and balances the doshas with the natural rhythm of the day, benefiting both the body and mind.

Ayurvedic lifestyle principles of Dincharya for aligning with the natural world

Let’s see the principles of Dincharya for planning a daily schedule of life.

1. Rise and shine with Dincharya!

It stated it’s best to wake up 2 hours before sunrise. The “Brahma Muhurta” is a sacred time of day, perfect for spiritual practices, self-reflection, and setting intentions for the day. During this time Vata is dominant.

2. Drinking Water Regularly!

Drinking two glasses of warm water in the morning is a vital part of Dincharya. It jumpstarts the body’s detoxification, rehydrates after fasting, and flushes out overnight toxins.

3. Taking care of the senses – habitual practice!

• Tongue scraping 

Along with brushing your teeth tongue scrapping is a crucial part. Scraping your tongue removes the buildup that dulls your sense of taste, enhancing flavour enjoyment and intensifying your meal experience. Not only that but it also helps to remove bacteria.

• Cleansing the eye

The cleansing of the eyes can be achieved using either Triphala or rose water. Both Triphala and rose water possess therapeutic properties that can promote ocular health and hygiene.

• Oil Pulling (Kavala Graha)

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic method that entails swishing oil in the mouth for a few minutes. This practice aids in eliminating toxins, enhances oral hygiene, and supports gum health. Swishing sesame or coconut oil in the mouth for 10 to 15 minutes can be utilized to achieve this goal. Afterwards, the oil is to be spat out, rinsing the mouth with warm water.

• Self-abhyanga

Self-abhyanga involves the application of oils while massaging oneself, aiming to balance the doshas. Incorporating self-abhyanga into your routine promotes relaxation, tranquillity, and invigoration, optimizing the body’s functioning. Experience the dual benefits of relaxation and energization to enhance overall well-being and performance.

• Ear lubrication

Ayurveda suggests massaging the ear lobes to stimulate marma points, which are vital energy points in the body.

4. Exercise: Your Key to a Vibrant and Active Lifestyle!

Ayurveda encourages gentle movements, such as yoga or stretching, to enhance flexibility, strength, and balance. Practising Suryanamaskar, yoga asanas, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation can help promote mental clarity and spiritual well-being.

5. Bath Time Bliss: Immerse Yourself in Relaxation and Renewal! 

It’s important that you have a bath before breakfast and not after as that may interfere with digestion.

6. Unlock Your Inner Peace through Meditation!

It is the best way to start your day! 20 mins of meditation can go a long way and prove quite suitable for the day. Meditation improves mental clarity and enhances the ability to concentrate and focus. It also helps you give emotional balance. 

7. Breakfast Bonanza: Power Up for Success!

In the Ayurvedic practice of Dincharya, it highlighted that breakfast should be both nourishing and wholesome. Tailoring the portion size to your body type, aim for a balanced meal that offers sustained energy until lunch, eliminating the need for mid-morning snacks.

8. Lunchtime Adventure!

Make lunch your main meal, as it aligns with the strongest digestive agni and dominant pitta dosha. With Pitta in charge of digestion, it is at its peak during this time. Practice mindful eating by creating a calm environment, chewing food thoroughly, and savouring each bite. Remove distractions like electronic devices or stressful conversations. Tailor your meal according to your dosha for optimal balance and well-being.

9. Dinner Delights!

It is recommended to have dinner between 6 to 7 pm, ensuring that it is lighter in comparison to lunch. Allowing a gap of at least 2 to 3 hours between dinner and bedtime is essential for proper digestion of the meal. Going to sleep at once after a full dinner can potentially lead to various digestive issues. So, taking a leisurely walk for approximately ten minutes after dinner is suggested.

10. Sleep Smarter, Live Better 

As part of the Ayurvedic daily routine, it is suggested to aim for bedtime between 9 and 10 pm to ensure a restful sleep of 6 to 7 hours, Just like the famous proverb says “early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy rich and wise”. Planning a daily schedule for sleep is essential for maximizing productivity and effectively managing your time. Before bedtime, incorporate a self-massage ritual using oil, paying special attention to the soles of your feet and your head. This practice has a calming effect on the body’s systems and promotes overall well-being.

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Additional tips 

• In Ayurveda, it is recommended to be cautious about direct sunlight exposure during peak pitta hours, as the intense sun can aggravate pitta dosha and lead to overheating.
• Prolonged napping should be avoided, as it can build up imbalanced Kapha dosha unless you are sick, have children, or are old.
• Consuming Triphala, a herbal formulation, before bedtime aids digestion, prevents constipation, and supports eye health.
• Following Ritucharya, adapting lifestyle, diet, and activities based on each season’s characteristics, is important. Hydration is crucial during summer while taking care of immunity is stressed during monsoons.
• Incorporating Ayurvedic herbs like Triphala, neem, and turmeric can support immunity and prevent infections.

In the modern world of stress and imbalances, incorporating Dinacharya can be transformative. It provides a roadmap for reclaiming equilibrium, rejuvenation, and inner peace. By embracing a structured routine aligned with natural rhythms, we cultivate balance, vitality, and overall well-being. From tongue scraping to exercise, yoga, and mindful self-care, each practice contributes to our holistic well-being.

At Sri Sri Ayurveda Hospital, we also offer online consultation support with our Ayurveda specialists to get the right guidance from the comfort of your home. Connect to our specialists and plan an individual path back to health.