Dinacharya

(Your Daily Ayurvedic Regimen)

Dinacharya means ‘daily routine’ – It is comprised of two Sanskrit words, ‘Din’ meaning ‘day’, and ‘Acharya’ meaning ‘behavior’ or ‘activity’. A routine is a sequence of regularly followed actions and activities that help us find balance within, and outside of our body. Establishing a daily regimen is the key to living a long, healthy life.

Everything in nature is cyclical and rhythmical: the seasons, plantations, the moon, animal behavior, etc. We are no different, as we are made up of the same elements; space, air, fire, water, and earth, just like the rest of the universe. It has been proven that the body functions better when things are rhythmic. Hence why having a set routine helps the body and mind maintain homeostasis; a state of internal harmony. Ayurveda promotes this rhythm and the cultivation of routines into our lives by following Dinacharya (daily routine), and Ritucharya (seasonal routine). These two important concepts are essential for enhancing our overall health and wellbeing.

The following practices represent an ideal Ayurvedic daily routine for cleansing the five sense organs. Do your best to incorporate as many as possible into your daily regimen, adding one at a time. Notice that some other, more complicated practices were excluded, for the sake of keeping things as simple and safe to administrate as possible.

Prataruthana

(Waking Up)

Getting up in the morning should happen naturally, without an alarm. Ideally, you would want to wake up 45 minutes before sunrise, the phase known in Sanskrit as ‘Brahma Muhurtha’.

Danta Dhavana

(Teeth Cleansing)

Traditionally, Ayurvedic herbs such as Miswak, Khadira, and turmeric are used to cleanse the teeth. Nowadays, natural toothpaste or tooth powders are used instead. Opt for a natural product that contains herbal extracts, and tastes somewhat bitter, pungent, or astringent.

Jihwa Nirlekhana

(Tongue Scraping)

Gently scrape your tongue from backward 5-10 times using a copper tool or a commercial tongue scraper. This removes toxins and bacteria accumulated by the body through the night.

Gandusha

(Oil Pulling)

Oil pulling or gargling should be done using oil such as sesame or coconut oil. A drop of mint or cloves essential oil can be added. Take 1 spoonful of the oil in your mouth and swish it in your mouth for 5-20 mins. This can be done while showering to save time.

Prakshalana

(Washing)

Splashing cold water on the face, washing the eyes and mouth using natural soap or honey.

Ushna Pana

(Drinking Water)

Starting the day with two glasses of lukewarm water (plus an optional squeeze of lemon) first thing in the morning awakens the digestive system and rehydrates the body.

Shouch Vidhi

(Elimination)

Passing urine and feces in the morning is essential for the body to get rid of toxic waste and prevent the disease from accumulating. Seek therapy if you’re experiencing constipation.

Vyayama

(Exercise)

Movement in the morning helps in bringing lightness, mobility and fresh blood flow into the body. It increases the digestive power, reduces excess weight, improves the capacity of the lungs and clears the mind.

Abhyanga

(Oil Massage)

Massaging your body and head with sesame or olive oil from the bottom of your feet, all the way up towards the heart is a practice that eliminates joints and muscle pain, improves blood circulation, skin texture, cleanses the lymph, and delays aging.

Snana

(Bathing)

Bathing in the morning removes dirt and sweat, hydrates the skin, improves energy, strength, and clarity of the mind. Use warm water on the body and cold water on the scalp.