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Dinacharya
The Indic-Vedic system of knowledge is a legacy of thousands of years of extensive research; a holistic scientific network that empowers us to understand our mind, body and emotions. Indian seers understood subtle energies that bound us, foods that affected our behaviour and geo-physical cycles that impacted our moods and emotions. This  connection resulted in regimens and rituals for fabulous health, natural beauty and a peaceful life– this is the dinacharya.
The dinacharya is a series of steps and practices that are meant to be imbibed as a way of life. They touch upon the physical, mental and emotional stimuli that affects our health, state of mind, behaviour, relationships and overall disposition. Practicing dinacharya correctly can ensure optimal physical health, balance our doshas and align our energies.
- According to the Vedas, what is the ideal morning routine then?
- Sleep early and wake up well before the sun rises, between 4 and 6 am. Use this time to stretch, unwind and gather your energies. Indic sciences say that the vata element is dominant during these hours, which enables you to better tune into the frequencies of your body and mind.
- Wake up every morning, keep your eyes closed and take a few deep breaths.
- Stretch slowly, and rotate your neck gently.
- Slowly rub the palms and open your eyes into them. You will notice an immediate calming effect.
- First thing in the morning, drink two glasses of water preferably from a copper vessel. This enables bowel movements, strengthens the colon and activates the bladder, which can abate chronic conditions of the digestive system.
- Gargle the mouth with water, brush your teeth and clean the tongue to activate the taste buds. According to dinacharya, one should brush their teeth with neem sticks, dantmanjan or any herbal paste.
- Next, splash only cold water on your face to cleanse the skin and tighten the facial muscles. Spray some rose water in your eyes to keep the eyes clean, sharp and healthy. The Anahata Rose water is a mild and gentle spray, which will leave you refreshed.
- Now, practice gandhusha (rinse the mouth) with a spoonful of coconut or sesame oil. This is an effective lubricating exercise that strengthens teeth and gums, eliminates any kind of throat infection, massages the larynx, vocal cords and the tonsils. The Anahata cold-pressed coconut and sesame oils are ideal to practice to gandhusha.
- Next, one should practice Kawal or gargling. Using warm water, gargle 3-4 times to remove any leftover food or residue. It will tone the gums, make the wall of the mouth and cheeks stronger and also help remove any leftover food from between the teeth. It will also brighten up your smile a little more! You can also add some Himalayan pink salt into this water if you are having cough or soreness of the throat
- Evacuate and evaluate your bowels: According to Ayurveda, it is important to examine your poop every day for a first-hand report on the functioning of your internal system. If your stools float, if the bowel movement is effortless, quick and non-sticky, then you are on top of your health.
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Practice yoga and pranayama: Practising yoga removes sluggishness, burns fat, ignites the digestive fire and promotes a feeling of calmness and joy. The body is in its strongest phase physically between 6-10 am. If you are comfortable practising sun salutations, go ahead and repeat 12 cycles.
After this, one should practice pranayama or breathing techniques. Sit in a quiet corner with natural sunlight and fresh air. Keep all gadgets and other distractions away. Close your eyes and simply observe your breath while chanting Aum. If you are aware of simple pranayama like anulom-vilom or ujjayi, practice a few rounds. Touch your abdomen to observe the flow of your breath. - Abhyanga or massage: It is a self-massage technique that lubricates the joints and improves blood circulation. Using warm oil, preferably coconut or sesame, one should massage their entire body for 10 minutes, letting the natural ingredients tone and nourish the skin. This practice increases body stamina and vitality relaxes the muscles and makes your joints stronger. Dab some warm coconut or sesame oil infused with rose if you have vata dosha, khus if you have pitta dosha and myrrh if you have kapha dosha. Massage and leave it in for 15 minutes. Bathe with lukewarm water.
Though these rituals may seem difficult to follow, time-consuming to do or outdated- they actually have the potential to slowly but surely transform your health. They have been practiced in this land for many years, with considerations of genetics, traditions, behaviours, food habits and lifestyle of this land. These rituals can build a life of optimal wellness that detoxifies, nourishes and purifies the mind and body. Practicing dinacharya for just 21 days will give you noticeable changes in your fitness, appearance, energy and mindset.