Introduction
Dina = Daily Charya = Regimen
The Daily Regimen – articulated through the understanding of doshas and their qualities that are expressed throughout the day
Vata, Pitta, and Kapha all rise and wane at different times and lend themselves to actions in the environment and our bodies
Vata Time 2a -6a
Rising Early – the most auspicious time to awaken is before sunrise, Brahma Muhurta (auspicious time.) It is BEST time for meditation, as the atmosphere is more peaceful and calmer, and the mind is naturally more still
This is the time of day when things are lighter and more subtle; movement begins to stir in body and mind, so deep sleep changes to lighter REM phase entering dreams and awareness in the brain, and eventually to full consciousness
Drinking Water – Consume a cup of warm water to hydrate after the long night and promote proper bodily function. Drinking water first thing in the morning also promotes elimination
Evacuating Wastes – Eliminating waste first thing in the morning allows the body to be clear of waste and toxins that accumulated during the night; it also calms the mind and provides energy
Cleanse the Senses – The five senses are the gateways to awareness. Proper care and cleansing creates clearer pathways to correct interpretation of messages from the outside world. Cleansing senses are best done in the morning upon waking.
Vata Time 2p – 6p
Vata, specifically in the nervous system, becomes active again around 2p
The brain turns on full tilt and is searching for fuel
If you did not eat enough at lunch, you might find yourself craving a stimulant such as caffeine or chocolate (avoid this crash by having a hearty lunch)
Use this time of day for creative work – writing, painting, meditating – or vata balancing activities such as yoga nidra and alternate nostril breathing
Kapha Time 6a - 10a
Daily Movement – including yoga, walking, hiking, running or any other physical activity
Seasonal Breakfast – After movement, light, cooked and enough to get you to lunch without a snack
Kapha is the strongest of the doshas, exhibiting stability, stamina, strength and steadiness
This is a great time to study or perform focused work
Kapha Time 6p – 10p
The kapha time in the evening is when the natural world winds down
This is a good time to have a light supper (finishing your meal min 2 hours before sleep for thorough digestion and to avoid build up of ama)
Dim down the lights and shut down electronics to help shut off blue ray lights – blocking melatonin release
Light candles, do some abhyanga, meditation, or gentle pranayama
Try to get into bed with a relaxing book or journal
Pitta Time 10a – 2p
The sun is at its most powerful during midday – as is our digestion
Eat your main meal – preferably a warm cooked meal
Find a quiet space to eat, without distractions of computers, phones or reading
Lay to your left side for 15 minutes after your meal, followed by a 15 – 30-minute walk to promote easeful digestion.
Pitta Time 10p – 2a
Sleep – Ayurveda recommends getting to bed around 10p at the latest (or two hours after sunset)
Western science aligns with the idea that the most restorative sleep is between 10p and 2a (deep sleep)
The pitta nighttime is when the liver becomes active, cleansing the body from impurities, it is essential to be asleep for this cleansing process to be completed
During sleep, the sympathetic activity decreases while the parasympathetic activity increases; blood pressure falls slightly, pulse rate decreases, basal metabolic rate falls by 10 to 20 percent, muscle tone decreases, skin vessels dilate & gastrointestinal activity sometimes increases
Staying awake at night usually increases vata and pitta and can cause constipation, weakness, giddiness, lack of concentration, hyperacidity, weight gain, high blood pressure, burning of the eyes, hands and feet