| Dinacharya is the practice of keeping regular
hours. It especially benefits vata dosha, which needs a regular regime
to keep it in balance. As vata leads the other doshas, dinacharya
is of benefit to these as well.
At different times of the day different doshas predominate. (See
DOSHAS THROUGH THE DAY.)
Before sunrise, vata conditions give freshness to the morning.
Ayurveda recommends rising at this time to enjoy the benefits. Rising
later during the kapha period, which lasts from sunrise to 10am,
means you will be influenced by kapha sluggishness all day. If you
are kapha, rising before sunrise is an especially beneficial habit
to acquire, although you may find it difficult at first. Vatas can
rise after sunrise, but not too late or you will find it difficult
to fall asleep at a regular time.
Pitta predominates from 10am to 2pm and benefits digestion. For
this reason ayurveda recommends eating your main meal at noon or
thereabouts. Breakfast and dinner should be lighter.
Vata is again active from 2pm to sunset. You may find you have
more mental alertness in the afternoons - if you have not overloaded
your digestion at lunch.
From sunset to 10pm kapha predominates. This is a time to slow
down and relax. Try to eat at least three hours before you go to
bed. Bedtime is best before the next pitta period from 10pm to 2am,
when you may find you feel more active and have difficulty falling
asleep.
A recommended daily routine is as follows:
| 5am - 6am |
Rise. Practice ABHYANGA
or GARSHANA. Have your morning shower. Kaphas rise closer to
5am, vatas closer to 6am. |
| 7am - 9am |
Eat breakfast. |
11:30am - 2pm
|
Eat lunch - your main
meal for the day. |
6pm - 7pm
|
Have a light evening
meal. |
9pm - 10pm
|
Bedtime. Vatas especially
should aim for an early bedtime. |
|
