Dinacharya

A Detailed Explanation of the Ayurvedic Dinacharya or Daily Routine!
बाम्हो मुहूर्त उतिष्ठेत स्वस्थो रक्षार्थ मायूष:| Vag.Su.2/1

Dinacharya is a Sanskrit word made up of ‘dina’ meaning day and ‘acharya’ meaning activity. So dinacharya is a daily routine designed to maintain and connect us to our circadian rhythms or the internal body clock. By following rules that told in Ayurveda we can prevent the diseases Like ulcerative colitis ,sleep disorders, diabetes, obesity, daytime sleepiness, reduced performance, substance abuse, heart disease, and some cancers.

Dinacharya makes us understand the best time for our daily routine like waking, exercise, bathing, meditation, prayer, meals, study, work, relaxation, and sleeping. This is necessary to maintain a healthy body, mind, and soul.

Dinakala (Morning)


  • We should try and wake up two hours before Sunrise. This is the Vata time of the day and is also the time when there is most Sattva or good quality in the air. This period is also called Brahma-muhurta and is excellent for learning of any kind. At that time intestine motility is more ,if you go for defication at that time 100% expulsion of west product from body.
  • Drink a glass of warm or lukewarm water as per your need should be in seating position
  • Cleanse your sensory organs – wash your eyes, brush your teeth and scrape your tongue. The coating on the tongue is a sign of ama according to Ayurveda, and should be cleared as soon as we wake up in the morning. Nasya or Neti Pot is also recommended to clear your nose and respiratory channels. Traditional Dinacharya practices also include inhaling the smoke of medicinal herbs to clear the mind and various channels of the body.
  • Perform an Abhyanga or an oil massage on the scalp, forehead, temple, hands, feet and the rest of the body for your organs to function well. A daily massage can help keep your body strong and prevent you from premature aging.
  • Indulge in Vyayama or some sort of physical activity like light exercise, Yoga, breathing exercises etc. Since early morning is Vata time, it is good for flexibility exercises. Exercising early in the morning can help remove stagnation in the body and can help recharge and rejuvenate your body and mind for a productive day.
  • Bathe once you finish your exercise. Moderation is the key when it comes to the water used for bathing. It should neither be too hot nor too cold. Prefer lukewarm water for a shower.
  • Meditate for some time. Be quiet for some time and try and introspect. Meditation is a key part of the Ayurvedic Dinacharya as it helps in increased self-awareness.
  • Have warm, nourishing and wholesome breakfast. Our body will be depleted of all nutrients as we do not have food in the night. So, a healthy breakfast every morning is paramount for the body to function well. Contrary to popular belief, skipping breakfast will not help lose weight. Instead, it is one of the prime reasons why people put on weight. Also, skipping breakfast in the morning will leave us depleted of energy, lethargic, grumpy and irritated.Do not take breakfasrt before bath.

Ratrikala (Night )


1. Ayurveda recommends that our dinner be taken at least three hours before bedtime.Finish your last meal before sunset .Having lunch at this time helps digest the food properly. Skipping lunch or having late or irregular lunch is the primary reason for many metabolic disorders.

2. It is also considered to be a good practice by Ayurveda to walk a bit after lunch. This helps in digesting the food better.

3. A nap or an afternoon siesta is a strict no-no. Ayurveda strictly prohibits sleeping in the afternoon. Exceptions are made only for the diseased.

  • Ayurveda strongly recommends that we turn off the lights and hit the bed before 10 P.M. This is the Kapha time of the day and the body naturally feels heavy and is trying to wind down.
  • If we miss this time and are still awake, then we move into Pitta time (10 P.M. – 2 A.M.), or the time of intense activity, and sleeping will become that much more difficult.
  • People who complain of insomnia are the ones who stay awake beyond 10 P.M.
  • Also, Ayurveda recommends that we get at least 6 to 7 hours of sleep every day.
  • Adequate sleep is paramount for the body to perform its functions well. Sleeping is the time during which our body performs several involuntary functions. These functions are very important for our body to stay in shape and good health.

Simple, isn’t it? Try and align yourself to this Ayurvedic Dinacharya and you will automatically see a sense of purpose to your life. If we remodel our lifestyles to resemble the Ayurvedic Dinacharya or at least try and come close to it, then our body will automatically develop a strong resistance against diseases and we can lead a healthy and happy life.

Role of Dinacharya in treating diseases

Ayurveda is called life science because it gives importance to healthy living and prevention of diseases rather than treatment of diseases.Association of daily routine of an individual with his health goes a long way in deciding the quality of life he leads.Ayurveda gives equal importance to Ahara and Vihara. Vihara is dened as the second most important pillar of the Ayurveda. The modern world is currently facing an epidemic of lifestyle related diseases like diabetes, obesity, heart diseases, etc., as a result of stress, improper diet and irregular or sedentary lifestyle. Analyses of the texts revealed that these preventive aspects, if adopted in daily routine by patients of lifestyle disorders can improve their quality of life and maintain good health.

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