Kashi Ayurveda Resource Guide
Introduction to Daily Habits: Dincharya
Dincharya- the daily habits
At Kashi Ayurveda, we will advise you on Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle. Among some lifestyle routines is dincharya. The habits that are consistently done over a period of time, which can boost the overall mental well-being and improve health, are called dinacharya (daily) routine. In our practice, we frequently see that clients who follow a proper daily routine regarding diet and exercise do really well in terms of health and wellness as compared to those who do not.Â
For example, some of my clients, especially the young people argue with me that sleeping from 1 AM to 9 AM still counts as eight hours of sleep. However, I have to advise them that you have missed the entire sleep routine if you don't sleep around 10 PM. Sleeping at 1 AM would be sleeping on the next day, but not the same day. Wake up at around 5:30 or 6 AM and that gives you sufficient time to sleep if you started at 10 PM. Avoid all screens and devices before you sleep. Drink warm water in the morning, it helps to kickstart your digestion. Based on your prakriti and dosha imbalance, we will advise you whether to have lemon water or tea or coffee in the morning.
According to researchers, dincharya including ahara (proper diet), Nidra (proper sleep) and proper daily lifestyle which involves hygienic grooming practices (bathing, brushing, tongue cleaning, wearing clean clothes, shoes, cutting nails and beards etc.), Pureesha Vega Vidharana (proper timely defecation), Abhyanga (oil massage), and Vyayama (exercise), many diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, chronic lung diseases, neurological diseases etc. can be succesfully prevented (Rai, Singh & Rai, 2022).
Reference:
Rai, V. K., Singh, V., & Rai, S. (2022). Ayurveda daily regimen practices (Dinacharya): A scientific system model approach suitable as a quaternary prevention strategy for non-communicable diseases. TMR Integr Med, 6, e22020.Â
Seeds as superfood in Ayurveda diet
At Kashi Ayurveda, we will advise you on how to incorporate seeds in your diet
Chia
Improves heart health by reducing cholesterol levels, and good for intestinal health. Rich in fiber, and healthy omega-3 fatty acid. Fiber takes some time to metabolize and digest. Chia seeds keep you feeling full for a longer duration. You can also add these to your yogurt, oatmeal. Smoothie, muesli, or pudding (kheer).Â
Ajwain (Caraway)- Pungent, increases appetite, balances kapha and vata, warm in property, good for heart conditions, beneficial in dieases related with the eyes, and the bladder. Ajwain also supports the digestive system, and helps relieve common issues such as bloating, gas, and dull cramp like pain. Ajwain is also good for issues related with the respiratory system.Â
Flaxseeds
Contains omega-3 fatty acid which protects us from heart disease and arthritis, and it also has cancer fighting abilities. Flax seeds helps lower total blood cholesterol and LDL or bad cholesterol thus lowering the risk of heart disease.Â
Hemp
Hemp seeds may help fight inflmation as well as inflammatory conditions of the skin such as atopic dermatitis.
Cumin
Dry, rough, increases agni, and apaetitie, light, improves digestion, calms the mind, improves eye health, reproductive health, good for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), bloating, nuasea. Improves menstruation, and works as an anti microbial herb. Cumin seeds are anti oxidants and anti inflammatory. A piece of muslin cloth filled with 1 teaspoon of cumin and ajwain seeds, rolled into a ball, and slightly warmed, can be used on the chest when the chest feels congested.Â
Poppy
It is mildly sweet spicy in flavor. It is rich in calcium. 1 tablespoon supplies 10% of the daily calcium requirement, which is about Half a cup of milk. So Poppy is a good source of calcium for those who cannot eat dairy products.Â
Pumpkin
These have magnesium which is helpful in building bones and sterols which helps in reducing the risk of heart diseases. Magnesium is an important source of keeping blood pressure in check. Good source of several minerals, unsaturated fats, and fiber.
Sesame
These are available in two different colors. Both white and black sesame seeds have a sweet and nutty flavor. These seeds are full of antioxidants.Â
Sunflower
These are excellent source of Vitamin E, which fights inflammation and is good for maintaining a healthy skin. Sometimes processed sunflower seeds may have a lot of salt, so be careful of extra sodium levels. Buy the unsalted variety.
CorianderÂ
Coriander seeds improve the functionalities of the digestive system because they are rich in fibre.It can lower the risk of heart disease, and can help lower blood sugar levels. It also has powerful antioxidants. Coriander seeds are a good source of vitamins A, D, iron, and Calcium. It has an astringent taste, is warm, and induces agni. It also improves nausea, cough, and shortness of breath.