LIVING WITH NATURE'S RHYTHMS

DR. PRASAD VELUTHANAR writes about the day's routine from the ayurvedic perspective. He explains how doing specific activities at specific times of the day will help you derive maximum benefits and improve your well-being.

- DR. PRASAD VELUTHANAR

Dinacharya is the Sanskrit word for “daily routine,” a simple and effective way to balance the body. Our daily activities have a profound effect on our health, and a good routine is a stronger medicine than an occasional remedy. Dinacharya establishes healthy habits by attuning the body to the natural cycles of the day. The energies of each of the three doshas – vata, pitta, and kapha – predominate at different times within the 24-hour period. By establishing a routine that goes with these elemental energies, we enable the body’s natural rhythms and healing potential.

THE DAILY CYCLE

2 to 6 a.m. – vata

Waking Up: Waking up between 4 and 6 a.m. helps us develop alertness, vibrancy, enthusiasm, energy, clarity, strengthened intuition, and motivation. Vata qualities are prominent, and it is the most sattvic, peaceful time of the day, ideal for spiritual practice. If you have time constraints, when you wake up take a few deep breaths, and be thankful for waking up to an exciting new day.

Elimination: The bladder and colon may be emptied upon rising. Drinking a glass or two of warm water with a little bit of lemon can help rehydrate tissues, flush toxins, enkindle digestive fire, and stimulate peristalsis.