Discovering Dinacharya: The Ancient Art of Daily Routine in Ayurveda

Abstract

Dinacharya means the daily routine which is described by our acharyas to stay healthy and perform a normal functioning of the body. It is made up of a combination of two words that is Dina and Charya which means the day and activity simultaneously. It helps to improve the overall health of a person and includes the balance in the physical, mental, and emotional status of a person. According to WHO a healthy person means it is a state of complete physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being and not merely the absence of disease, it helps to keep a person healthy and maintain a normal lifestyle.

Dinacharya, Ayurveda Routine, Ayurvedic Practices

Introduction

Dinacharya is our day-to-day life activities that help to maintain a normal healthy lifestyle of a person. The three doshas are present in our body namely vata, pitta, and Kapha which dominate in a day as dinacharya helps to maintain these dosha.

Dinacharya Includes The Following Points

Wake up early in the morning
Achamana with water
Dantdhavan (Brushing of the teeth)
Jihwa nirlekhan (Cleaning of the tongue)
Gandusa (Gargling)
Kavala (Mouthwash)
Anjana (Collyrium)
Doomphan (Smoking)
Nasya (Nasal drops)
Vyayam (Exercise)
Abhyanga (Massage)
Padabhyanga (Foot massage)
Udvartana
Samvahan
Papmopashmanam (cutting of hair, nails, etc)
Snana (Bath)
Anulepanam (Annointments)
Rakshoghan (Protective measures)
Padha prakshaalan (Washing of feet)
Vastradharana (Wearing cloth)
Padhadharana (Wearing of footwear)
Dandhdharana (Holding stick)
Kavach dharana (Wearing of protective covering)
Wearing of Head turban and umbrella

Let’s study it in detail!

1. Wake Up Early In The Morning

The person who wants to live longer walks up in the Brahma muhurata. Brahma muhurta is the ideal time for study. As the environment is free from dust, and pollutants, clean air helps to keep the body healthy. After walking up the sattva guna is active which helps the mind to stay active, and alert.

2. Achamana With Water (Sipping of water)

After waking up, drink the water in the north or east direction that helps in cleaning the mamas of dhatus. As per अ.ह.सं.३।९-१२, it should be done after taking a bath, after sleeping, after eating, after worship, after sneezing, and after travelling. The procedure should be done with full concentration in a lonely place with an erect posture. The hands are clean and the water is free from bad odour, and alkalinity.

3. Dant Dhawan (Brushing of the teeth)

To get proper teeth brushing should be done two times a day in the morning or at night after taking food. The length of the brush stick should be twelve angula and the thickness will be the same as the little finger of the hand. Chew the stick (koorchaka) from the side so it does not injure the gums. Brush should be done in a verticle direction from bottom to top. The toothbrush should be made by chewing the stick of Catechu (Khadira), and Banyan (Nyagrodha). The stick should be free from any type of insect, dust, or knots. There are so many benefits of brushing which include the removal of bad odor and breath from the mouth, cleaning the oral cavity, and removing plaques from teeth. In the absence of these twigs of trees, use the powders of Triphala (Amla, Bahera, and Harad), Trikatu (Adrak, Kali marich, pippali), and Trijataka (Twak, Patra, Ela).

Brushing of teeth is contraindicated by indigestion, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, fever, excessive thirst, facial paralysis, disease of the eye, heart, ear, and head, and mouth ulceration.

4. Jihwa Nirlekhan (Cleaning of the tongue)

In सु.चि. २४।१३-१४ After brushing the tongue cleaning is necessary and made up of gold, silver, and copper dhatus (material). The length will be ten angula. It helps to reduce the bad taste or odor in the mouth.

5 – 6. Gandusa (Gargling) And Kavala (Mouthwash)

Gandusha is a semi-solid dravya which is kept in a mouth so the person is unable to move inside the mouth. Gargling with medicated oil helps to strengthen the teeth. Kavala is a solid dravya which is kept in the mouth so the person is able to move inside the mouth. There are four types of Gandusha and kavala according to the dosha.

Types of Gandusha And Kavala

Snigdha (Oleating) helps to pacify the vata dosha
Samana (Palliative) helps to pacify the pitta dosha
Ropana (Healing) helps to pacify the Vrana
Sodhana (Purification) helps to pacify the kapha dosha

Dravyas Used For Gandusha And Kavala

Snigdha – sweet, sour, salt tastedravya
Samana – sweet, bitter taste with cold potency dravya
Sodhana – Hot and dry herbs
Ropana – Bitter, astringent, and sweet taste

Benefits Of Gandusha And Kavala

Treat the sore throats
Strengthen the mandible
Cracking of lips
Nourish the face
Prevent Gingivitis
Remove bad odour and breath
Improve oral hygiene
Relieve toothache
Clear mucus from the mouth

In सु.चि. ४०।६४ Samyak yoga of Gandusha and Kaval (features of proper gargling and mouthwash)

Remove bad odor and breath
Maintain oral hygiene
Lightness in sense organs

In सु.चि. ४०।६५ Ayoga of Gandusha and Kavala (features of improper gargling and Mouthwash)

Increase in mucus
Improper perception of taste
Heaviness in the sense of organs

In सु.चि. ४०।६५ Atiyoga of Gandusha and Kavala (features of excess gargling and Mouthwash)

Excessive thirst
Dryness in mouth
Kalam (Tastelessness)
Mouth ulceration

7. Anjana (Collyrium)

The eye is very important in all senses. So Anjana helps to protect the eye so apply it on a daily basis as it has a positive impact on health as it expels the kapha dosha from the eye. Applying the Anjana from the inner canthus to the outer canthus of an eye helps to cure eye disease. Applying the Anjana on the eye helps the eye to shine like a bright moon in the clear sky. It helps to improve the functioning of the eye and protect from eye disease, provides clear vision, no excessive lacrimation, and gives lightness in the eyes.

Types Of Anjana

According to the mode of action – Lekhana, Snehana, Prasadana, and Ropana
According to the dravyas use – Rasanjana, Churnanjana, and Gutika
According to Strength – Sauviranjana, and Rasanjana

In च.सू. ५।१५ Time for the administration of Anjana

As Sauviranjana is light it should be applied on a daily basis whereas the Rasnjana is applied five or eight days in the time. As the eye is pitta dominant when applied at night time it expels the kapha dosha from the eye.

In सु. उ. १८ Contraindications for applying Anjana

Shram (tiredness)
Udavarta
Anger, fear
Fever, after intake of alcohol
Suppression of natural urges
Redness, pain in the eye
Timir (blindness)
Swelling in the eyes
Excessive lacrimation

8. Doomphan (Smoking)

After applying the anjan the doomphan is described as vitiated kapha dosha situated in the head so eliminating the kapha dosha doompan is given. Inhalation and exhalation of doom (smoke) is known as doomphan. In Ayurveda, five types of doomphan are described: Prayogika, Vairecanika, Snaihika, Kasagana, and Vamaniya.

Method Of Administration

Firstly take smoke through the nostril then from the mouth
A person sits in a comfortable posture with a pleasant mind
Take Dhuma Varti which is dipped in the ghee and placed in the dhoomnetra
Smoke should be taken through the mouth as it is taken from the nostril it is harmful to our eyes

Kala (time) od Doompan

In च.सू. ५।३३-३५ the acharya charak described the eight times for Doompan.

After bathing
After tongue scraping
After nasya
After Anjana
After eating
After sneezing
After sleep
After brushing teeth

In च.सू. ५।२७-३२ Advantages of Doomphan

Reduce the heaviness of the head
Improve headache
Pain in eyes
Hiccough
Bad odour from nose and mouth
Excessive salivation
Baldness
Hair fall
Greying of hair
Sneezing
Anorexia
Lockjaw
Stiffness of neck
Loss of consciousness
Strengthen the hair, sense organs, and skull bone
Excessive sleep

In च.सू. ५।३८ Due to improper Doompan

Blindness
Dumbness
Deafness
Giddiness
Raktapitta

In च.सू. ५।४१-४५ Contraindication for Doomphan

Pregnancy
Tiredness
Pitta dosha disorders
Unconsciousness
Night awakening
Emaciation
Bleeding disorder
Excessive thirst
After enema

In च.सू. ५।५२ Samyak yoga of Doomphan (features of proper smoking)

Lightness in chest and throat
Lightness in head
Expels kapha dosha

In च.सू. ५।५३ Ayoga of Doompan (features of improper smoking)

Decrease in clarity of voice
Heaviness in the head
The presence of kapha dosha in the throat

In च.सू. ५।५४-५५ Atiyoga of Doompan (features of excessive smoking)

Excessive thirst
Dryness of palate, head, and throat
Excessive discharge
Fainting
Giddiness
Unconsciousness
Reduce the functioning of sense organs

9. Nasya (Nasal Drops)

The nose plays a very important role in curing head disease as the nose is the way to send dravyas in the head and is used in the form of nasal instillation.

In सु.चि.४०।२१०, the Nasya is defined as when the medicated dravyas are installed through the nostril.

Types Of Nasya

Navana – Installing the medicated ghrit in the nostril
Avapidana – Administering the kalk (paste) in the nose
Dhmapana – Administering the churna in the nose
Dhuma – Administering the smoke in the nose
Pratimarsha – Installing the oil in the nostril

Pratimarsha Nasya

The nasya in which oil is administered through the nostril. It can be given at any time or daily basis. Put a finger in the oil and two drops are installed in the nostril. It has no complications so can be given in daily or every season.

Kala (time) For Pratimarsa Nasya

There are 14 kala described by Acharya that is after sleep, in the evening, after teeth brushing, after day sleep, while going out, after emesis, after exercise, after food, after sexual intercourse, after Anjana, when tired due to walking, after Kavala, after evacuation of bowels, and after evacuation of bladder.

In च.सू.५।५७-६२ Advantages of nasal drops

No hair fall
No greying of hair
Prevent disease of eyes, nose, and ears
Cures stiffness of the neck
Prevent headache
Facial paralysis
Clearness in sense organs
Stiffness of jaws
Tremors of head
Rhinitis

In सु.चि.४०।३३ Samyak yoga of Nasya (features of proper Nasya)

Proper sleep
Proper awakening
Lightness of head
Clarity in organs
Calm mind

In सु.चि.४०।३५ Ayoga of Nasya (features of improper Nasya)

Vata dosha gets vitiated
Imbalance in sense organs
Not cure the disease

In सु.चि.४०।३४ Atiyoga of Nasya (features of excessive Nasya)

Kapha dosha increase
Excessive salivation
Heaviness in the sense of organs
Heaviness in head
Giddiness

10. Vyayam (Exercise)

When physical action produces tiredness in the body as a result gives strength to the body and when it is performed in a required amount it is called Vyayama. The amount will be told by Acharya as Ardh Shakti.

In च.सू.७।३२ Benefits of Vyayam

Lightness in the body
Increase the digestive power
Nourishes the body
Provides strength
Gives good complexion
Reduces laziness
Purifies the body

In च.सू.७।३४ Samyak yoga of Vyayam (features of proper Vyayam)

Sweating
Lightness in body
Increase heartbeat
Increase digestive power
Increase respiration rate

In अ.ह.२।१०-१४ Atiyoga of Vyayam (features of excessive Vyayam)

Excessive thirst
Difficulty to breathe
Tiredness
Cough
Vomiting
Emaciation
Fever

11. Abhyanga (Massage)

With the help of oil or churna, massage is provided to the body which helps to nourish the dhatu. With the help of lukewarm oil, the massage will be done in the direction of the hair. Oil can be used according to dosha, condition, and season. The massage will be done in seven ways. The seven ways are Sitting position, Supine position, Left lateral position, Prone position, Right lateral position, Supine position, and sitting with legs extended to the front.

In अ.ह.सू. २।७ Advantages of Abhyanga

Cures tiredness
Reduces the vata disorder
Delay in ageing
Improves vision
Provides complexion and nourishment to the body
Good skin
Better sleep
Provides strength to the body

In अ.ह.सू. २।९ Contraindications for Abhyanga

After purification therapy
Indigestion
Beginning condition of fever
After virechana
After Vamana
After niruha basti

12. Padabhyanga (Foot massage)

With the help of oil, the massage will be done on foot as it relaxes the mind, balances the body, and pacifies vata dosha.

In च.सू.५।९०-९१ Benefits of Padabhyanga

Make the skin smooth
Provide stability to feet and limbs
Improve diseases like sciatica, cracking of the foot
Improve the vision
Remove roughness and tiredness
Remove stiffness of ligaments
Pacify the vata dosha

13. Shiro Abhyanga (Head massage)

With the help of oil, the massage will be done in order to relieve the symptoms of the head.

In च.सू.५।८१-८३ Advantages of Shiro Abhyanga

Prevent balding and greying of hair
Provide strength to the skull
Makes the hair long and black
Nourishes the sense organ
Strengthen the hair roots
Improve skin softening
Provide good sleep

14. Udvartana

After the massage with oil, the Udvartana is done. Massage with different powders or herbs decreases the fat and kapha dosha which helps to make the body strong and gives a good and clear complexion to the skin, gives pleasure, lightness in the body, and clearness in the body. It helps blood vessels to get dilated and increases the Bhrajaka pitta in the skin.

15. Samvahan

Samvahan is a gentle touch to the body that starts from the foot to the waist which produces pleasure. A gentle massage improves sleep quality, enhances affection, reduces tiredness, and reduces kapha dosha

16. Papmopashmanam (cutting of hair, nails, etc.)

In सु.चि.२९।७३, acharya explained the cutting of hair, body hair, and nails in every paksha (15 days). It helps to improve enthusiasm and enhance pleasure.

17. Snana (Bath)

Snana is a daily life activity that helps to increase ojas, enhance virility, and strength, and cure the sweat, impurities, and tiredness of the body. The cold water bath helps to cure Raktapitta as the hot water bath is done in the lower body excluding the head it enhances strength and destroys the vata and kapha dosha.

In च.सू.५।९३ Advantages of Snana

Remove impurities from the body
Remove bad odor
Reduce the heaviness of the body
Reduce itching
Improve blood flow and enhance skin complexion

In सु.चि.२४।६२ Contraindication for snana

Diarrhoea
Ear aches
Indigestion
Flatulence
Fever
Immediately after taking the food
Vata type disorders

18. Anulepanam (Annointments)

The lepa improves the skin complexion and enhances the ojas and strength of the body.

In सु.चि.२४।६३ Benefits of Anulepana

Enhance Ojas and strength
Remove sweat from the body
Reduces the bad odour
Remove tiredness and bad smell

19. Rakshoghan (Protective measures)

Wearing beautiful and clean clothes, flowers and different types of gems increases the oja and look of the body.

20. Padha Prakshalan (Washing of feet)

Washing the feet with clean water helps to improve eyesight, remove the germs from the feet, and remove tiredness.

21. Vastra Dharana (Wearing cloth)

Wearing clean clothes enhances longevity, success, and beauty.

22. Padhadharana (Wearing of footwear)

It is good for the skin, and eyes and reduces the chances of foot disease. It enhances strength and courage.

23. Dandhdharana (Holding stick)

Keeping the stick in hand helps or protects against animals such as dogs, and reptiles. Also, used for tiredness and old age people to help with walking. It provides support and destroys the fear of people.

24. Kavach dharana (Wearing of protective covering)

It improves the complexion, strength, lustre, and clearness.

25. Wearing of Head turban and umbrella

It helps to keep hair clean and free from dust particles. Umbrellas protect from sun rays, rain, dust, and mist. It is good for the eyes and improves ojas, also improves complexion.

Conclusion

As we see in this article the daily regimen is very important for our day-to-day life. It helps to calm the mind, improve strength, and reduce tiredness. With the help of daily practising this routine improves the healthy functioning of the body and improves the quality of life. It maintains the physical, mental, and spiritual state of mind. It maintains the discipline and structural integrity of the body and reduces stress as a result improves mental health, improve concentration level.