Dinacharya (daily regimen) is the foundation of a healthy life. Acharya Vagbhata explains the routine to be followed from the time of waking up till sleeping at night, which helps in maintaining health, preventing diseases and promoting longevity.
| What it is | Waking up during Brahma Muhurta (about 90 minutes before sunrise) is the first step of a healthy routine as it purifies the body and mind. |
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| Modern Perspective | Early rising aligns our body clock with nature, improves metabolism and supports mental well-being. |
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After waking, attend to the natural urges of urination and defecation. They should never be forced or suppressed, as suppression of natural urges is a cause of many diseases (described in Roganutpadaniya Adhyaya).
| What it is | Cleaning the teeth with a twig of an astringent, bitter or pungent tree, followed by tongue scraping. |
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Exercise to half of one's strength (ardha shakti). It brings lightness, strength, good digestion and firmness of the body.
- Best in winter and spring, lighter in other seasons
- Avoid right after meals
- Avoid when weak, very young or very old
| What it is | Massaging the whole body with warm oil every day, especially the head, ears and feet. |
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| Benefits |
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| Modern Perspective | Massage improves circulation and lymphatic flow and reduces stress hormones. |
Bathing improves appetite, strength and lifespan, and removes sweat, itching and fatigue.
- Use warm water for the body and lukewarm or cool water for the head
- Do not bathe right after meals
Eat only after the previous meal is digested, in the right quantity, with a calm mind. Favour fresh, warm and wholesome food, and include all six tastes.
Sleep at the right time gives happiness, strength, knowledge and long life. Staying awake at night increases vata, while sleeping in the day increases kapha (except in summer).
- Wake up during Brahma Muhurta
- Attend to natural urges, then clean teeth and tongue
- Exercise to half your strength and massage with oil daily
- Bathe, eat wholesome food on time and sleep well at night
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