Dinacharya : The Importance of Daily Regimen in Ayurveda
Deshwanth.Y. P
Master’s in Vedic studies
Department of Sanskrit and Vedic studies
Sri Sathya Sai University for Human excellence
Abstract
Ayurveda is not only about the cure of diseases. It also touches about human body and tells how one should maintain oneself.one has to be healthy to keep himself happy all the time. Dinacharya (Daily regimen) plays main role in healthy life. A person’s health determines how he spends the entire day. Health is not about curing diseases, it is about one’s steadiness, mind control, satisfaction in life. Health is also the main role to achieve purusharthas- the four goals which a person has to achieve in his life according to manusmriti. If a person wants to be happy all his life he must keep his body fit and have a daily regimen. Dinacaryā (daily regimen) means Dina means Daily and Charya means regimen Dinacaryā helps to maintain good health, discipline, happiness, it also helps a person to maintain peace. The way we live our lives every day creates positive patterns in our minds. Dinacaryā adhyaya mentions daily regimen like Prātarutthāna, Dantadhāvana, Vyāyāma, Snāna, Abhyaṅga, Añjana in Ayurveda.
Key words: Prātarutthāna, Dantadhāvana, Vyāyāma, Snāna, Abhyaṅga, Añjana.
Introduction
Ayurveda is an ancient science which helps to keep mind and body balanced. The word Ayurveda is Sanskrit. “Ayu” means life or lifespan and “Veda” means knowledge. Here we will talk about the Dinacaryā which is a part of Ayurveda. Ashtanga Hridayam, written by Vagbhata, explains Dinacaryā. According to Ayurveda there are three types of doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each dosha controls different parts of the day. 6:00 to 10:00 is Kapha time in the morning. 10:00 to 2:00 is Pitta time. 2:00 to 6:00 is Vata time.” Similarly at night, 6:00 to 10:00 is Kapha time, 10:00 to 2:00 is Pitta time, and 2:00 to 6:00 is Vata time. These doshas regulate various functions of the body and help maintain physical and mental health. Vata is associated with movement and air, Pitta with digestion and heat, and Kapha with stability and water elements.
Dinacaryā means the daily regimen or ideal daily routine that should be followed to maintain good health and prevent diseases. Ayurveda emphasizes that a disciplined lifestyle brings harmony to the body, mind, and soul. Proper habits such as waking up early, maintaining cleanliness, exercising, eating at the right time, and taking proper rest are considered essential for a healthy life. By following Dinacharya, a person can improve immunity, mental peace, digestion, and overall well-being. Even in the modern age, the principles of Dinacharya remain highly relevant because they guide people toward a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Prātarutthāna (Getting up early in the morning)
The ideal time to wake up, known as Brahma Muhurta, is before sunrise. Man’s daily routine starts from early morning hours. It is considered essential to get up at an early hour in the morning as it is essential for good health. Daily routine is very important in one’s life, because healthy habits create physical and mental balance. According to Ayurveda, the day should begin during Brahma Muhurta which is the most appropriate time for spiritual and mental activities. The famous statement, “ब्राह्मे मुहूर्त उत्तिष्ठेत् स्वस्थो रक्षार्थमायुषः” means one should wake up during Brahma Muhurta to protect health and increase lifespan.
In every human being there are three gunas: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Such qualities influence human behavior, thought, and action all day.
The one and half hours before sunrise is called Brahma Muhurta. This time is considered to be a very auspicious time for meditation, prayer, study, yoga and self-reflection. Brahma Muhurta is a time when the environment is calm, peaceful and charged with sattvic energy which helps the mind to remain pure, attentive and steady. This is a time of fresh air and calm of nature which enhances concentration and mental clarity.
Ayurveda says that rising in Brahma Muhurta helps digestion, circulation, memory and emotional balance. Also improves positivity and discipline in life. People who wake up early are usually more productive and energetic during the day. Hence, Brahma Muhurta is not only good for physical health but also for spiritual growth and inner peace.
The 24 hours of a day are divided into three periods of 8 hours each, which are the sattvic, rajasic and tamasic periods. Waking up early in the morning during the sattvic time helps us to develop a disciplined lifestyle and by following it regularly one can positively transform his overall personality.
Dantadhāvana (Tooth Brushing)
In ayurveda it is said that after completing morning ablutions one should do dantadavanam(bursing). The Ashtanga Hridayam mentions the use of certain tree twigs for brushing. These twings should have certain flavors like astringent, pungent and bitter in taste.अर्कन्यग्रोधखदिरकरञ्जककुभादिजम्प्रातर्भुक्त्वा च मृद्वग्रं कषायकटुतिक्तकम् | In this sloka it mentioned which tree twigs to use for bruising here.अर्क(arka), न्यग्रोध(Nyagrodha), खदिर(kadhira), ककुभ(kakubha) this are the following trees twigs which are use to brush,which contains कषाय(astringent), कटु(pungent), तिक्त(bitter).The stick used for danta dhavana should be 12 Angula in length[1]. Use of bruising teeth with tree twig. It protects the gum tissues and this prevents bad breath of the mouth. The tree twig should be used for brushing by those who are suffering from indigestion, vomiting, cough, fever, excessive thirst, heart disease, disease of eyes, head and ears. It also improves the sense organs and cleans out the excess mucus in the mouth. According to Ayurveda, brushing regularly with such sticks protects the gums from infections and helps prevent dental diseases. Bitter and astringent properties destroy harmful bacteria and keep the mouth fresh for a long time. When done regularly, this traditional practice can help a person keep strong teeth, healthy gums, fresh breath and overall well-being. Hence, Dantadhavana is not only a cleaning process but also an important Ayurvedic practice to maintain health and prevent diseases.
Vyāyāma (Exercise)
Exercise is very good for health to keep the body fit and stable. Action which produces fatigue in the body is called vyayama.लाघवं कर्मसामर्थ्यं दीप्तोऽग्नि: मेदस: क्षय: विभक्तघनगात्रत्वं व्यायामात् उपजायते [2] So this sloka explains that exercise burns excess fat, it will give lightness to the body, it improves ability to do work and increases digestion. Ayurveda proposes some guidelines for doing exercise. People never exercise full of energy because exercise is to produce more energy in the body not to lose full energy at a time. People have vata and pitta problems, aged people should not do this, people with the problem of indigestion should do exercise according to ayurveda. Vyayama (exercise) should be practiced in the morning and on an empty stomach.
Obesity, diabetes, stress and hypertension are some of the health problems in modern times that are caused by a sedentary lifestyle. Vyayama is the Ayurvedic principle of the natural way to maintain physical and mental health. Thus, exercise is not just for physical appearance but also for long-term health, discipline and harmony of body and mind.
Abhyaṅga (oil massage)
After finishing vyayama and other things one should go for abhyanga (oil massage). It is also one of the types of relaxing muscles. According to ayurveda everyone should get an oil massage. The benefit of taking oil massages is it will relief the aches and pain from the body, it improves the vision, improves the skin tone and complexion, especially to ears, eyes and feet massage should happen[3]. One who has indigestion and one who has gone through various medical therapies should not take an oil massage. After applying, one must undergo a warm water bath not hot water. Who is suffering from a disorder of the nervous system. न कर्णरोगा वातोत्था न मन्याहनुसङ्ग्रहः| नोच्चैः श्रुतिर्न बाधिर्यं स्यान्नित्यं कर्णतर्पणात्[4], By putting daily oil into our ear there will be no kind of vata diseases, no stiffness of the neck or jaws, no difficulty in hearing and reduced chances of deafness न कर्णरोगा वातोत्था न मन्याहनुसङ्ग्रहः| नोच्चैः श्रुतिर्न बाधिर्यं स्यान्नित्यं कर्णतर्पणात्[5].
Snāna (bath)
Bathing is one of the activities which makes us feel fresh. उष्णाम्बुनाअधकायस्यपरिषेकोबलावहःतेनैवतूत्तमाङ्गस्यबलहृत्केशचक्षुषाम्[6] which means pouring warm water over the body bestows strength, but the same over the head, makes for loss of strength of the hair and eyes.दौर्गन्ध्यंगौरवंतन्द्रांकण्डूंमलमरोचकम्| स्वेदबीभत्सतांहन्तिशरीरपरिमार्जनम् Wiping of body removes body fetor, heaviness, fatigue, itching, dirt, anorexia and loathsomeness due to sweating[7] . According to Ayurveda, bathing should be done daily, especially after exercise and other physical activities. Cleanliness of the body is considered important not only for physical health but also for maintaining purity and discipline in life. Different seasons require different bathing practices; for example, warm water is preferred during cold seasons, while cool water is suitable during hot seasons.
Bathing also improves sleep, enhances appetite, and provides a pleasant feeling throughout the day. Fragrant herbal powders and oils were traditionally used in Ayurveda during bathing to nourish the skin and maintain natural glow and health. Thus, Snana is not merely washing the body, but a therapeutic practice that supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Añjana (collyrium)
One should apply the collyrium of sauviranjana (a type of collyrium), which is beneficial to the eyes. It improves our vision of seeing and it drains out the kapha (secretion).सौवीरमञ्जनं नित्यं हितमक्ष्णोस्ततो भजेत् it is said that we should apply type of suaveera anjanan[8]. The advantage of applying suaveera anjana, eyes become lovely and clean, it enables them to see minute things, and eyelashes become smooth and firm.
Regular use of Anjana helps reduce eye fatigue, itching, watering of the eyes, and heaviness. It keeps the eyes refreshed and supports better visual power. Ayurveda also states that healthy eyes contribute to better concentration, alertness, and overall quality of life.
Traditionally, Anjana was applied using clean sticks or fingers in a hygienic manner, usually during the morning or night according to Ayurvedic guidance. Along with Anjana, Ayurveda recommends practices such as proper sleep, washing the eyes with clean water, and avoiding excessive strain to maintain eye health. Thus, the use of Sauviranjana is an important part of Dinacaryā that helps preserve vision and protect the eyes naturally.
Conclusion
The very essence of keeping one’s body hale and hearty is explained in Ayurveda. By practicing all these principles regularly, we can improve our longevity and maintain good health. When the body remains healthy, the mind becomes calm and composed, and with a peaceful mind we can face the day-to-day challenges of life in a better way. After waking up in the morning, one should follow these practices properly in order to remain happy, energetic, and healthy throughout the day. To achieve success in life, good health is extremely important. If we include Dinacaryā in our daily routine, we can lead an ideal, disciplined, and balanced life. We should cultivate good personal habits because a proper lifestyle is the foundation of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Dinacaryā not only focuses on the body but also on the harmony between body, mind, and soul. Practices such as waking up early, maintaining cleanliness, exercising, bathing, proper eating habits, meditation, and adequate rest together create a healthy and meaningful life. A healthy person can perform duties efficiently, contribute positively to society, and progress spiritually.
Thus, Ayurveda is not merely a system of medicine but a complete science of healthy living. By following the teachings of Dinacaryā, one can attain strength, peace, happiness, and long life. Therefore, every individual should make an effort to adopt these valuable Ayurvedic practices in daily life for overall well-being and a better future.
Reference
- https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php/Matrashiteeya_Adhyaya
- Ashtanga Hridayam – Dinacaryā Adhyaya – Explains the benefits of daily bathing, use of warm and cool water, and the effects of bathing on health and strength.
- Charaka Samhita – Sutrasthana – Describes cleanliness, personal hygiene, and the importance of daily regimen for maintaining physical and mental well-being.
[1] Ashtanga hridayam chapter 2 sloka number 3
[2] Ashtanga hridayam chapter 2
[3] Astanga hridaya chapter 2 sloka number
[4]Ashtanga hridayam chapter 2
[5]Ashtanga hridayam chapter 2
[6] Ashtanga hridayam chapter 2
[7] Ashtanga hridaym chapter 2
[8] Ashtanga hridayam chapter 2