• Introduction
• Dinacarya / Daily Regimen
• Rtucarya / Seasonal Regimen

Introduction

Ayurveda,the art and Science of life has a two fold aim i.e.Preservation and Promotion of health in the healthy and restoration of health in diseased, for health is the key to achieve the purpose and ultimate goal of Life.For preservation of health both personal and social, the rishis who developed Ayurveda,determined long ago which habits are desirable and which should be avoided, and prepared daily and seasonal routines as well as codes of conduct to be followed.These routines are so designed to suit the cyclical changes that take place in body physiology and psychology (i.e. internal environment of a person) during day and night rhythms i.e. circadian rhythms and seasonal variations (i.e. External environment) and thereby maintain a state of dynamic equilibrium and hence the state of health.

In this routine, the individual variations are to be observed on the basis of Desa,Kala and Prakruti of a person. Since, day and night rhythms and seasonal rhythms influence body physiology differently in different persons and the Key to difference lies in these factors.Therefore, the daily routine and Seasonal regimens, which are prescribed for general population, should be implemented/advised after working out the finer details on these points.

Desa means habitat.The place where person lives.This has been categorized into three i.e. Jangala, Anupa and Sadharana on the basis of its characteristic features like geographical condition, climatic conditions, flora and fauna, wild life conditions etc.By nature, they harbour the predominance of one or two of the Mahabhutas and therefore corresponding Dosas in bodies of persons belonging to that desa i.e. Vata, Pitta, Kapha - the physiological entities of body.

For example: In people living in Jangala Desa ,Vata predominance follows naturally and therefore those periods of time in day or night or season which show predominance of vata dosa, influence more aggressively and hence aggressive measures are employed to counter this.

On the contrary if the person from Anupa desa where Kapha predominance follows naturally does not get influenced by Vatik predominant time or season in the manner Jangala Desa person gets.But he needs to take extra precautions in those Seasons,which enhance Kapha Dosa naturally and so on.

The same is the case with Kala i.e. time factor. It influences in two ways i.e. through Cosmic rhythm which is the topic of discussion here and, through time period of life of a person i.e. in first stage of life which is childhood Kapha is predominant hence one has to take extra precautions during seasons of Kapha predominance and so also at places where there is natural predominance of Kapha Dosa.

Similarly in old age, Vata dosa prevails and hence at that time of Day or night and season, when Vata is aggravated naturally one needs to take extra precautions.

Last but not the least,Prakruti, i.e. inherent constitution of body which may show predominance of one or two of the dosas i.e. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Based on these predominances, the influence of seasons having predominances of again one or two of these takes place.Hence the variation in regimens is desired.

Pitta predominant person requires being more careful in hot seasons like summer and autumn,the seasons which have natural rhythmic tendency to aggravate pitta where as Kapha person may not be affected as vigorously as Pitta person. Therefore in spite of general regimens advocated, finer details are the matter of specifications according to Desa Kala and Prakruti.

Natural Predominance of Tridosas in various units of time

Cyclical Rhythm or Natural predominance of Dosas in Various Seasons

                                                     ? = State of accumulation; ?? = State of aggravation * = Pacification

Varsa(Rainy Season)observes the prakopa of Vata dosa and accumulation (sancaya) of Pitta. Kapha is also not in its pacified form.Hence most critical period of year. Specially for those residing in Jangala pradesa and those who are of old age and of Vata prakrti or body constitution with Vata predominance.

                                                                                                         ++ = Predominant; + = Balanced

Dinacarya / Daily Regimen

Dinacarya as the name implies,corresponds to the daily routine activities that every person needs to carryout in order to maintain a good and healthy life.

Ayurveda describes life to be the communion of body, senses, mind and soul (C.Su.1/42).

And therefore dinacarya,the design of daily routine includes the care of all these components, which we shall appreciate in the forthcoming description.

Two things are basic to the maintenance of life.One is, elimination of wastes that get produced during the process of digestion, metabolism and various other psychic activities as well as that which have been acquired from external environment i.e. dust, polluting elements etc.Second is making up for the wear and tear that has occurred during various physiological activities, and building up of new tissues and of structures for the sake of growth and development and at the same time such activities as those which strengthen the body tissues, enhance their capabilities, and make them and hence the whole body, capable of withstanding stress of any kind.

Ayurveda advocates the synchronized practice of these activities in the manner that it suits the circadian rhythm of tridosas side the body and their physiological activities therein so that the person is benefited the maximum and remains in harmony with internal and external environment.

Waking up

The best time to wake up from bed is Brahma Muhurta i.e. early morning 45 minutes before Sunrise so that body can begin to synchronize itself to the rhythm of the Sun.

This period is known as Brahma Muhurta and Brahma denotes knowledge and deity hence it is also a good time to learn and worship, a time to request nature to maintain and amplify our own harmony during the day so that we may interact harmoniously with everyone and everything we encounter.

Moreover one should also take into account,before rising from the bed,whether or not the food taken the previous night is digested properly or not by observing the symptoms of complete digestion like lightness, etc in his/her own body.

Excretion of wastes

Feeling of natural urge to pass stools and urine is one symptom of complete digestion and therefore immediately after waking up person should do that with complete concentration. This period of day actually being last portion of night governed by vata dosa further helps in this activity as,it is one of the functions of vata.

Here again Ayurveda advises not to forcefully raise the urges nor suppress them since suppression of urges causes diseases like pain or cramps in calf muscles,pain in abdomen etc. provocation of urges causes diseases like piles.

Washing of hands and mouth

Ayurveda mentions the specific method of cleaning hands and mouth with clean and clear water every time after passing stools or urine, having nails cut or shaving or haircutting,after cleansing hands, feet, eyes, ears, nose, after having directly touched flesh or blood any such thing and before taking meals, after the meals, after sneezing, before worshipping and after coming from a walk or from anywhere outside, on entering home, for hygiene purpose

Danta Dhawana/Cleansing of Teeth

Cleansing of teeth is done in the morning and after every meal with the help of well chewed herbal twigs which are used once and then thrown away like that of Neem Azadirachta indica),Babool(Acacia arabica),Khair(Acacia catechu),Asana(Pterocarpus marsupium) or those which possess bitter, pungent or astringent taste as this not only cleanses the teeth but also strengthens the gums and teeth.Following this the powders of fragrant herbs like Dalcini(Cinnamomum zeylanicum),Elaichi (Elettaria cardamomum), Tejpatra (Cinnamomum tamala) is advised to rub on teeth to improve the hygiene of oral cavity.

Following persons should restrict themselves from Dental cleansing :

• The one who has indigestion
• The one suffering from cough, sneezing, dyspnea and fever
• The one who is excessively thirsty or having stomatitis
• One suffering from diseases of eye, heart & head

Tongue-Cleaning/Jihva Nirlekhana

Tongue is the mirror of one's digestion status. One should inspect his/her tongue daily in the morning.Coating on the tongue signifies a state of indigestion or improper digestion of food material.A coating on the tongue may be due to decreased rate of metabolism therefore one may be able to seek help of physician if is watchful.

Gentle Scraping of tongue is advised following cleansing of teeth preferably with herbal twigs or with metallic scraper made of silver, copper or stainless steel.

This improves oral hygiene and it helps in development of appetite and sense of lightness in mouth.It protects one from diseases of oral cavity, foul smell and also diseases of tongue & teeth.

Eye Care

For the purpose of cleaning, eyes are sprinkled daily in the morning with Luke- warm water except for in summer and autumn when naturally cooled water is used, while sprinkling is done, the mouth should be filled with water. Further,

• In order to get rid of the dirt and effects of environmental pollution on the eyes
• To make eyes more enduring to sun and air
• To improve the eyesight
• To enhance the beauty of eyes

Certain medicaments are described in Ayurvedic texts to be put into the eyes

Among these, certain types of Medicaments are advised to be put daily in the morning and others are advised to be put once in a week or at the interval of 5 to 8 days.Also once a week drops of honey or Berberry or Triphala decoctions can be instilled to expel excess kapha through lacrymation.

Care of Nose

The nose should be cleaned out with fresh water and a drop of medicated oil (Nasya -one of the therapeutic procedure of panca-karma)should be instilled daily into each nostril with the tip of little finger by following proper method of Nasya procedure.It has got several benefits apart from care of nose.

• If strengthens the capacity of smell perception.
• It also provides nutrition to all the sense organs and head since nasal cavity is believed to be the door of entry to the head and hence nasya enhances their sharpness in perception of respective senses.Mainly improves eyesight.
• It keeps the skin wrinkle free and also prevents hair from greying and falling.
• Improves the quality of voice.
• Enhances the facial beauty, and strengthens shoulders, neck, chest and head region.

Care of tongue and oral cavity

Holding in mouth of medicated oils or decoctions or other unctuous substances like milk or ghee in specific amount for specific period of time is known as Gandusa. This procedure follows Nasya procedure described above.It gives strength to buccal cavity by nourishing and stretching facial muscles.Cracking of lips, dryness of mouth and hoarseness of voice are cured by this procedure.

Holding of herbal pastes/decoction specially made of astringent drugs in mouth and rolling them over with the help of tongue from one side of the mouth to the other, is known as kavala graha.

This benefits the person by strengthening the sense organ of taste and motor organ of speech i.e. tongue.It removes the filth of oral cavity, improves salivary secretions and thereby enhances the appetite and perception of taste .

Medicinal smoking/Dhumrapana

Inhalation of medicinal smokes through nose or mouth has been described in Ayurveda as Dhumrapana.It is done for the purpose of cleansing of channels of supraclavicular region i.e. nose, throat, Eustachian tube, larynx, pharynx and also the tracheal tree.

The smoke of these herbs cleanses kapha from them and also regularizes the movement of vata in them. It benefits the person if taken in proper manner and quantity as described in Ayurvedic texts.It helps in alleviation and prevention of many diseases.

Care of ear/Karna purana

Following regular removal of wax from ear, instillation of two or three drops of medicated oil is advised for proper lubrication and normalization of the vata seated in it.It strengthens the organ of hearing, prevents many ear diseases of vatik type, prevents stiffness of neck and Jaw, deafness and tinnitus.

Sequence to be followed while carrying out these procedures.

Anjana followed by Nasya

Nasya in turn by Kavala graha and gandusa

These are to be followed by Dhumrapana.

As, all these procedures are aimed at regularizing Kapha and Vata of the respective organs in particular and the whole of Supraclavicular region in general and in this,the later complements the function of the former.

They remove the naturally accumulated secretions of this region and thereby prevent the blockage of subtle channels and passages also facilitate the to and fro movement of vata in them which is the key requirement to the proper functioning of body, sense organs and the mind as well.

Skin Care

Skin is the single largest organ of body which is the outer protective layer performing several functions like protection of the body from effects of heat, cold and pollutions; prevents the entry of micro-organisms, perception of external stimuli through tactile sensation, excretion of metabolic wastes in the form of sweat and digestion and absorption of nutrients and medicaments applied over it. According to Ayurveda, it is a seat of vata and sparsanendriya (sense organ for touch)

Abhyanga, utsadana and udvartana are some procedures to take care of the skin.

Abhyanga(Massage)

Body massage with plain or medicated oils in a specific manner is known as Abhyanga.Every human being needs regular oil massage just as every machinery needs regular greasing for its smooth functioning.

Special emphasis is given on head massage and massage of feet.

Benefits of Abhyanga are as follows:

• It makes the skin soft and unctuous
• It controls Vata by reducing Vata’s cold, dry, light, rough and erratic qualities
• Its rhythmic motion allays joint and muscle stiffness and makes all body movements free and rhythmic
• Blood circulation improves which encourages quicker removal of metabolic wastes
• It absorbs the micronutrients that are present in massage oil and thereby also helps in improving bulk of muscles in cases of muscular atrophy like conditions.
• Massage also relaxes the body prior to more vigorous exercise
• Head massage is beneficial for hair, scalp, skull bones and nourishes sense organs and brain
• Massaging the feet brings firmness, good sleep and improves vision.It alleviates numbness, fatigue, stiffness and cracking of feet.

Abhyanga is contraindicated in :

• Person having aggravation of Kapha in their body
• Following evacuative measures like therapeutic emesis, purgation
• Person having indigestion

Appropriate time for Abhyanga:When a person feels appetite for food, as, this is the indication of perfect digestion and moreover at this point of time since digestive fire is ignited, it facilitates the absorption of micronutrients through skin.

Vyayama/Physical Exercise

Physical exercise or Vyayama by definition is the act, which brings about exertion,fatigue or exhaustion in the body

• It promotes circulation and excretion of wastes mainly through sweat and burns the fat.
• It improves appetite
• It improves muscle strength and compactness and thereby improves endurance towards physical stress
• Regular exercise even reduces anxiety and produces a sense of well being.

Ayurveda suggests that exercise should be performed with rhythmic breathing as it brings the Prana(life force) into the body and removes gaseous wastes from it.

Quantum of Exercise

Exercise cannot benefit a person of one works to the point of exhaustion.Ayurveda’s rule is that one should never exert more that half of his/her capacity i.e. Ardha shakti Vyayama and that too in Kapha predominant seasons like Hemanta Sisira and Vasant Rtu (winters and spring season) and by those who take unctuous food and are strong physically.

In rest of the seasons very light physical exercise should be carried out.

Vyayama is contraindicated in:

• Persons suffering from the diseases of vata and pitta
• Very young children and very old persons should not carryout physical exercise
• Persons having indigestion

After completion of Vyayama gentle massaging of body is done.Which is further followed by use of Udvartana(application of herbal pastes).

Udvartana(Application of herbal pastes)

This procedure is of two types depending upon the herbal packs used. The one without oil/unctuous substances is Udvartana and the use of dry herbal powder is known as Udgharsna(rubbing).The latter is used after after Vyayama for alleviating Kapha and meda.It opens the pores and lets the sweat and sebum out and thereby cleanses the skin.

Bathing/Snana

Snana or bathing apart from serving the purpose of cleansing and alleviation of sweat, dirt,itching and exhaustion, also benefits a person in many different ways like:

• Stimulation of hunger
• Imparting freshness to the body thereby enhancing the spirit of a person
• Imparts aphrodisiac effect
• Alleviates burning sensation, excessive thirst and drowsiness

Ayurveda advocates the use of warm water for bath especially for lower portion of body and regular head bath with cold water.Use of hot water for hair bath is contraindicated since, it drains away the strength and luster of hair and eyes.

Bath is contraindicated after a meal and also in persons suffering from:

• Facial paralysis
• Diseases of eye, ear and oral cavity
• Diarrhoea, Distension of abdomen
• Chronic rhinits
• Indigestion, Anorexia
• Fever
• Too old persons and too hungry persons is also not advised to take full-fledged bath.For them Sharira Marjana i.e. sponging of the body with wet cloth is advocated.

Diet

After having taken bath, when a person feels fresh and hungry, he/she should patiently take a diet, which is of balanced nature in the sense,it should contain all six Rasas(Sweet, Sour, Salty, Pungent, Bitter and Astringent) in proper proportion and form (eatable, chewable, drinkable and lickable), should be freshly prepared and pleasing to the senses.Such a balanced diet can only nourish the body in a balanced way without afflicting its structural and functional integrity.

Status of Panca Mahabhutas (predominance of Mahabhutas) and predominance of Rasas in different seasons with status of Tridosas

                                                                                       ? acumulation , ?? aggravation, * pacification

1. In Varsa(rainy season) maximum dosic disturbance takes place.

2.Sisira is maximum healthy season as per natural rhythm of increase or decrease of Doshas.

3.Vasant rtu observes the prakopa of kapha.

* Hence in order to protect from the adverse effects of these natural ?(accumulation) or *(pacification) of dosas in the body, one has to observe certain codes of diet and lifestyle , so that these naturally enhanced dosas can be subdued and maximum amount of harmony is enjoyed. Moreover, to protect us from external environment and to fulfill the demands of internal environment thereby keeping balance between the two and, avoid loss of strength and remain fit throughout year.

Rtucarya / Seasonal Regimen

Seasonal Regimen Of Hemant Rtu

Early Winter- Nov - Dec, Jan - Feb (according to most parts of India)

Seasonal Regimen of Sisira Rtu

Seasonal Regimen Of Vasant Rtu

Seasonal Regimen Of Grisma Rtu

Seasonal Regimen Of Varsa Rtu

Seasonal Regimen Of Sarad Rtu

Summary