Embrace the Power of Dinacharya: Your Ayurvedic Morning Routine
One of the most grounding and nurturing things you can do for yourself is to embrace the Ayurvedic morning routine known as Dinacharya. This ancient practice sets the tone for a day filled with hope, optimism, and balance. Let’s dive into what Dinacharya is and explore the beauty of incorporating it into your daily life.
What is Dinacharya?
Dinacharya is a Sanskrit term where 'Din' means 'day' or 'daily,' and 'Acharya' means 'teacher.' Therefore, Dinacharya translates to 'daily routine' or 'daily teaching.' This concept is rooted in the understanding that our daily habits and routines teach us how to live in harmony with nature’s rhythms.
A Sneak Peek into My Daily Routine
Before diving into the morning practices, it’s essential to understand that beginning each day with hope and optimism starts with going to bed early the night before. Committing to an early bedtime is the MOST effective way to ensure an early rise time. Remember the old adage from Ben Franklin, "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise." This is true for all of us! Getting to bed early ensures you will be asleep during the Pitta phase of the night (between 10pm-2am), when your body systems are recharging and regenerating. At 10:00 PM, you might feel a burst of energy that can keep you going until 2:00 AM. This is the Pitta phase of the night, where your body and mind can get all fired up! However, late night is not the ideal time to try and change the world from your computer or to get caught up in a Netflix bing. Instead, it's the perfect time to be asleep. During these hours, your liver enters detoxification mode, preparing your body for the next day. Staying up late regularly can disrupt this circadian rhythm, preventing your liver from effectively detoxifying you. So, embrace an early bedtime to support your body's natural processes! This phase is crucial for the nervous system and lymphatic system to function optimally.
My Daily Practices
Here’s a glimpse into my morning routine, filled with grounding and nurturing steps:
1) Rise Before the Sun
Ayurvedic Term: Brahma Muhurta
Description: Waking up before the sun rises, during the Brahma Muhurta (approximately 1.5 hours before sunrise), is considered highly beneficial in Ayurveda. This time of day is filled with sattvic (pure) qualities that bring peace of mind and freshness to the senses. It is an ideal time for spiritual practices and self-reflection.
2) Say a Morning Prayer
Ayurvedic Term: Prarthana
Description: My guru taught me Atma Tattva Avalokanam, a prayer that sets a positive and mindful tone for the day. You can invite a Mantra such as Om Shanti, So Hum, or Atma Tattva Avalokanam. Morning prayers or affirmations can help center your mind and invoke a sense of gratitude and purpose.
3) Drink a Glass of Water
Ayurvedic Term: Usha Pan
Description: Drink a glass of room temperature water, preferably from a pure copper cup filled the night before. This practice helps wash the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, flush the kidneys, and stimulate peristalsis. Avoid starting the day with tea or coffee as they can drain kidney energy, stress the adrenals, cause constipation, and become habit-forming.
4) Look Outside at the Rising Sun
Ayurvedic Term: Surya Darshan
Description: Connect with nature by simply gazing at the rising sun. This practice, known as Surya Darshan, helps align your body’s rhythms with the natural world and promotes a sense of peace and tranquility.
5) Light Some Candles
Ayurvedic Term: Deepa Jyoti
Description: Avoid harsh light or screens in the morning. Lighting candles, or Deepa Jyoti, creates a soothing ambiance and helps maintain a calm and peaceful environment.
6) Warm Lemon Water
Ayurvedic Term: Nimbu Pani
Description: Drinking warm lemon water helps kickstart your digestive system and boosts hydration. It is a simple yet effective way to support your body's detoxification processes.
Watch my tutorial video on YouTube.
7) Evacuate
Ayurvedic Term: Mala Shodhana
Description: Regular elimination is crucial in Ayurveda for maintaining health. Using a Squatty Potty can aid in complete evacuation and promote digestive health.
8) Splash Cold Water on Face and Eyes
Ayurvedic Term: Netra Prakshalan
Description: Refresh yourself by splashing cold water on your face and eyes. This practice, known as Netra Prakshalan, helps invigorate the senses and wake up the mind.
9) Scrape Tongue and Brush Teeth
Ayurvedic Term: Jihwa Prakshalan and Danta Dhavana
Description: Tongue scraping (Jihwa Prakshalan) and brushing your teeth (Danta Dhavana) are essential for oral hygiene. These practices help remove toxins (ama) and freshen the breath.
10) Neti Pot (Depending on Season)
Ayurvedic Term: Jala Neti
Description: Use a Neti pot to cleanse your nasal passages, especially useful during allergy seasons. Jala Neti helps remove mucus and allergens, promoting clear breathing.
11) Nasya Oil (Nasal Oil)
Ayurvedic Term: Nasya
Description: Applying Nasya oil lubricates and cleanses the nasal passages. It helps balance the doshas, especially Vata, and can improve mental clarity and respiratory health.
12) Abhyanga (Self Oil Massage)
Ayurvedic Term: Abhyanga
Description: Rub warm oil over your head and body. Abhyanga, or self-oil massage, nourishes the skin, improves circulation, and calms the nervous system.
For Vata: Use warm sesame oil.
For Pitta: Use warm sunflower or coconut oil.
For Kapha: Use warm sunflower or mustard oil.
13) Yoga, Pranayama, or Meditation
Ayurvedic Term: Asana, Pranayama, Dhyana
Description: Engage in yoga (Asana), pranayama (breathing exercises), or meditation (Dhyana) to center yourself for the day ahead. These practices promote physical flexibility, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
14) Shower, Light Meal, and Begin the Day!
Ayurvedic Term: Snana and Laghu Bhojana
Description: Take a refreshing shower (Snana) and have a light meal (Laghu Bhojana) to start your day feeling rejuvenated and nourished.
If this list seems intimidating or unattainable, pick five practices to commit to and then add one each week until you have enough space and time in your morning to incorporate them all. This is a perfect time to schedule a weekly consultation to review, discuss, and receive support to stay dedicated and consistent.
Embrace the power of Dinacharya and experience the profound impact it can have on your overall well-being. Here's to starting each day with optimism and nurturing your body, mind, and spirit!
Watch my tutorial video here on YouTube!