Dine dine charya iti Dincharya ।।
Dincharya refers to a daily regimen that needs routine practice. After mentioning some basic principles of Ayurveda, our great Acharyas have given importance to a daily regimen to keep oneself healthy from body, mind, and soul. It includes daily activities such as Brahma Muhurat, Dant Dhavan, Jihwa Nirlekhana, Nasya, Gandusha-Kaval, Abhyanga, and Vyayam, etc, and elucidated as follows:
Brahma Muhurat: The time ‘One Prahar’ (about 45 minutes ) before sunrise is known as Brahma Muhurat. It recommends that individuals wake up approximately 45 minutes before sunrise to stay healthy and maintain longevity of life. This daily practice helps to decrease anxiety levels and enhances neuro-psychological functioning as the oxygen levels are higher during morning hours.
Usha Pan: It refers to the process of consuming lukewarm water.
Shocha: It refers to the process of evacuating the bladder and bowel.
Dant Dhavan (brushing teeth) and Jihwa Nirlekhana (tongue cleaning): The twigs of Arka, Khadir, Karanja, Neem, Miswak, Arjun, or Kutaja to be used for cleaning, and the front portion of the twig should be soft with astringent, bitter, and spicy taste (contraindicated in conditions like indigestion, vomiting, cold and cough, facial palsy, and stomatitis).
Kaval and Gandusha: The Kaval refers to the process where the medicated water should be filled and swirled inside the mouth, whereas the Gandusha refers to when the medicated water should be kept inside the mouth without swirling until saliva comes out. These practices assist in mouth cleaning and help with fresh breath.
Anjana (Collyrium application): The Kajal needs to be applied to the eyes daily; however, for medicinal purposes, Ayurveda recommends Kajal should be applied consistently through alternative weeks.
Nasya: It refers to the process when the medicated oil is pulled through both nostrils one after the another.
Abhyanga: The process refers to the oiling of the body, which should be practiced daily because of its anti-aging, rejuvenating, and longevity. For better outcomes, recommendations favor massaging the head, ears, and feet.
Vyayam: It is a form of physical activity similar to modern exercises. As per recommendations, a person should include Vyayam in their daily routine to improve physical and mental strength. As per recommendations, the intensity of Vyayam during winter should be reduced. A heavily built person should practice Vyayam up to his half bodily strength to avoid over-exhaustion. Health experts recommend regular exercise for individuals with a sedentary lifestyle to keep a check on healthy weights and avoid chronic diseases.
Udwartan: It is a process of applying dry powder over the entire body and rubbing it gently as it helps in the exfoliation of the skin, which ultimately helps in removing the dead skin layer.
Snan: Full body baths with lukewarm water are one of the essential steps of the daily routine. Additionally, the head should be cleaned with cold water for maximum benefits.
Clothing: To maintain hygiene, the person should always wear washed clothes and keep a cap, an umbrella, and footwear before moving out from home.
Aachar Rasayan: Apart from the abovementioned steps, the following activities should always be followed to lead a mentally rich lifestyle. The person should always speak the truth, control anger by staying calm in adverse situations, imbibe affirmative and positive thoughts, follow intuitive and conscious eating habits, and serve society by helping the needy, social services, volunteer work, donations, etc.
Following Dincharya appropriately can give us diverse benefits, which are achievable by regular practice under the supervision of Vaidya. As mentioned previously, Ayurveda is not only limited to drugs and yoga, instead, it is a way of living from morning until the day ends. Our lifestyle has great influence by the things, which we consume and process throughout the day. Simple and conscious living can influence us positively in the way we experience life during different stages of life. Let’s make minor changes in our routines to introduce gradual changes in our lifestyles for a better and happy life on this beautiful planet we call home.
Jai Dhanvantari
Jai Ayurveda
An Ayurveda doctor by profession Shubham Rohilla, graduated from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in 2021, and since then, he has been practicing as a physician and consultant in the field of Ayurveda. He has a specific inclination towards Panchkarama, anorectal disorders, dermatology, geriatrics, and mental health. With an innate interest in writing, Dr. Shubham is an enthusiastic and opportunistic learner with a passion to lead a life with a positive outlook toward sustainability. He is a budding entrepreneur with an ambition to start his personal brand in the imminent future.