Introduction to Daily Habits: Dincharya

Written by S. Kashi

At Kashi Ayurveda, we offer traditional preventive care using Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle for clients in the SF Bay Area and beyond. Among some lifestyle routines is Dincharya. Clients who follow daily routines over a period of time see a boost in overall mental well-being and better health; this is called Dinacharya (daily) routine. In our practice, we frequently see that clients who follow a proper daily routine regarding diet and exercise do very well in terms of health and wellness, as compared to those who do not.

Case study Example

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 tell 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 kick-start 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. are succesfully prevented (Rai, Singh & Rai, 2022).

Key takeaway

Having an improper Dincharya or daily routine can upset vata balance and aggravate the vata dosha. Simultaneously, it can aggravate the pitta and kapha doshas. This is known as a sannipatic imbalance, which combines the vitiation of all three doshas. For example, one of my clients who sleeps too late at night suffers from vata imbalance leading to vata-related conditions like constipation and gassiness. Another client who frequently misses meals due to extensive work hours suffers from Pitta imbalance leading to Pitta-related disorders like headaches, dizziness etc.

Allowing your body and mind to ease in a specific Dincharya is essential. You do not need to follow the same Dincharya that another person has. It can be tailored to your needs. Book an appointment with us today for accurate lifestyle and diet guidance!

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.