When I last met you here, I had promised to tell you more about the routing that Ayurveda expounds to ensure a healthy and disease free life.
Ayurveda approaches life in a holistic manner and propagates a lifestyle that’s in harmony with nature.
Lifestyle in Ayurveda is seen in terms of the ‘Doshas’:
- Vata, the air element
- Pitta, the fire element and
- Kapha, the water element.
Vata is dominant from 2 to 6 in the morning and afternoon. Kapha is dominant from 6 to 10 in the morning and evening, and Pitta is dominant during mid day and midnight. (10 to 2) Ayurveda insists on being in sync with these energies during the day and move with them, never against them.
Ayurvedic approach to Life-style:
Health is greatly influenced by Life-Style (Swastha-vritta). According to Ayurveda, Life-style (the rules and guidelines) is divided into three parts:
- Dincharya ~ दिनचर्या (Diet and regimen for the daytime)
- Ratricharya ~ रात्रिचर्या (Diet and regimen for the night)
- Ritucharya ~ ऋतुचर्या (Seasonal Diet and regimen) and Sandhikal (diet instructions for the period where one season transcends into the next)
DINACHARYA
BRAHMA MUHURTHA UTTHANA:
In Ayurveda, the night time is divided into 16 periods, starting from the sunset (of the previous day) to the sunrise of the following day. Ayurveda recommends that the ideal time to wake up is during the 14th period, which is 96 minutes before the sunrise. (The exact time of ‘Brahma Muhurtha’ varies from region to region as the time of sunrise is not uniform throughout the world.) The recommendation is based on the fact that the ‘sattva’ (purity) in the air is at its maximum during this time. In fact, it is the most fresh and pure time of the entire day and the time when Prana-vayu is abundant (air carrying the purest form of oxygen).
After Waking Up, the following karmas are mentioned in Ayurved, for personal care and hygiene.
Danta dhavana:
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of oral hygiene for which Danta dhavana (Brushing), Jihwa nirlekhana (tongue scraping) are explained.
Dantadhavana Dravya and Tooth paste
The typical modern toothpaste contains an abrasive (calcium phosphate dihydrate, chalk, alumina), binder, detergent, flavour (Cellulose), preservative and therapeutic agent. Flavours, colouring and preservative agents may give rise to allergic reactions. The detergent or essential oil flavours may produce localized mucosal irritation. Ingestion of excessive amounts of fluoride toothpastes by young children has been implicated in dental flurosis, degeneration of bones and teeth.
Fluoride has a cumulative effect, once consumed it cannot be excreted. It is seen that people subjected to excess fluorine in drinking water over a period of time suffer from flurosis.
Ayurved has suggested use of twigs of plants possessing katu (pungent), tikta (bitter), kashaya (astringent) rasas (tastes) for the purpose of danta dhavana that largely minimise the risks of allergic reactions or mucosal irritation. this can be a way out to avoid the side effects of modern day toothpastes.
Jihwa nirlekhana:
Many of the microbes that contribute to bad breath live on the tongue. Tongue scraping is effective in eliminating these microbes. It also stimulates taste perception and increases the salivation.
Nasya
Nasya is a unique method of delivering drug via transnasal route. It promotes strength and prevents diseases of urdhwajatru gata angas (head and neck). As a part of Dinacharya one should practice pratimarsha nasya. Pratimarsha nasya is putting just 2 drops of oil or ghee as per the constitution as a tonic and prevention.
Gandusha and kavala:
They are intended to tone up jaw and facial muscles along with maintaining oral hygiene. It enhances the sensory and motor functions of tongue, stimulate blood flow, relieve tension, and improve overall appearance of the face.
| The technique of Oil Pulling is mentioned in Ayurveda. Mentioned in Sanskrit as “Kavala Dharna”, Oil pulling is basically a simple method where one needs to sip some oil and swish it through the oral cavity for some times before throwing it out. Another simple diversion of this method is called as “Gandush” where one holds the oil in the mouth for some time before throwing it out. In both the methods one does not swallow the oil at all so no fears on that lines. |
Ayurveda suggests the use of pure sesame oil for its rich nutrients, therapeutic properties and varied health benefits for Gandusha and Kavala.
UTSARJANA:
Be sure to eliminate the body’s waste products to empty the colon & bladder, to avoid illnesses. It is always suggested not to wait until later in the morning or during the day, to defecate.
VYAYAMA (Exercise):
Vyayama or exercise is an important part of dincharya. Exercise to the extent of half of one’s body strength (Ardhashakti) is considered beneficial in Ayurveda. Exercise Increases the digestive power, builds strength to withstand exhaustion. It helps in maintaining a healthy state of body, mind and soul with maintaining ideal body weight, increases oxygen supply to all tissues, increases BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate). Regular exercise is very beneficial in ailments like type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis. Simple exercises without taking on strenuous routine would make a huge difference in one’s lifestyle.
ABHYANGA (Oil Massage)
It increases blood circulation locally providing better transportation of oxygen and nutrients in body. It increases nerve stimulation (sensitivity) depending on the area which is being massaged (foot, head, ear and whole body). Abhyang relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles. Other benefits include nourishment to hair roots and eyes, toning of muscles, improving skin complexion.
Dryness in the tissues of the skin is a major part of aging. This is the reason why many people show the signs of aging at a very young age.
SNANA(BATH)
Bathing is inevitable in the dincharya, as recommended by Ayurveda. Warm water baths are usually suggested, below the head. Ayurved suggests not to use hot water on head.
MEDITATE
Meditation refreshes the mind, increases the concentration power and builds much needed energy needed for the day. Before trudging into the dining hall, sit in peace for a little while, say, ten minutes.
After all these morning rituals, one can start the day with food. But then, let me come back to you on the diet mentioned in lifestyle the next time we meet.
Happy mornings!!