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Keep imbalances at bay by adopting healthy habits that bring the body in harmony with nature. The dincharya or daily routine is an essential component of an Ayurvedic lifestyle and supports the body and mind through the entire day's activities. Routines and diets prescribed by ancient rishis form the basis of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, that result in flawless skin, luscious hair, a beautiful glow and both inner and outer strength. Here are few basic techniques that will help you achieve just that.
Oral Cleansing: First one has to remove the used up prana or wastes from the system and prepare the body for absorption of fresh prana, required for the day. Every morning, after emptying the bowels, check the tongue. A coated tongue indicates the presence of toxins (ama) in the body. The colour of the coating indicates disturbed dosha in the body. Clean the mouth and teeth thoroughly. Chewing and flossing teeth with neem twigs is the most effective method for strengthening and maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Bad breath is indicative of decay, either in tooth cavities, gums or in the digestive organs. An effective remedy is frequent rinsing and gargling with mint tea. This can be brewed by boiling some mint leaves in water or steeping the leaves for 5 minutes in hot water. Dried and powdered mint leaves with some rock salt can be used as a toothpowder.
The tongue should also be scraped everyday. For the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums and prevention of tooth decay, gargling and massaging the gums with sesame seed oil is very beneficial. Gargling with sesame seed oil promotes hair growth and shine and retards premature graying and hair fall. It also strengthens sense organs and prevents cough and throat infections.
Jal Neti: Jal neti is performed by slowly dripping salted warm water through one nostril and allowing the water to flow out of the other nostril. To do this comfortably, you should tilt your head. Continue for about fifteen to thirty seconds which is how long you will be able to manage as a beginner. After the neti, put a few drops of oil, as per your dosha in your swara (nostril), followed by a few drops in your ears.
Abhyanga: Abhyanga simply put, means oiling your body. It is the use of oil which suits your body according to your dosha. Use coconut or sunflower oil for pitta dosha and warm sesame oil for vata dosha, while warm mustard and safflower oil are best suited for the kapha dosha. However, if you are unsure of your dosha or have doubts regarding your constitution then it is best to consult a vaid. After this do some simple Yog asanas and sit still with your spine straight and silently observe your breath. Begin chanting a mantra; this could be Ram Ram or any other mantra which you are comfortable with. Chant aloud first and slowly let it become softer until it is inaudible and becomes an internal chanting. After this simply let go, let nothingness envelop you and emerge out of this, taking your own time.
Make sure you don't sit for longer than is comfortable and on the other hand do not force yourself to get up either. You should allow everything to happen naturally without trying to force yourself to do anything. A vision or a sound will gradually arise and manifest itself within fifteen days of beginning this part of the
dincharya.
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