Hour 44 Ayurveda – Dinacharya I

DINACHARYA

• Dinacharya refers to the ‘daily regimen’ outlined in Ayurveda that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
• ‘Dina’ refers to ‘day’ and ‘acharana’ refers to a ‘specific procedure /regimen/routine’.
• Following these practices can help maintain balance in the body and mind, contributing to overall health.

1. Waking Up in Brahma Muhurta

Description: Brahma Muhurta is the time approximately 1.5 hours before sunrise, considered highly auspicious for waking up.

Benefits:

• Promotes mental clarity and alertness.
• Enhances spiritual practices like meditation.
• Supports a natural circadian rhythm.

2. Danta Dhavana (Tooth Brushing)

Description: Cleaning the teeth with a suitable herbal paste or a twig.

Selection of Twigs:

Choose fresh twigs from suitable medicinal plants. The twigs should be young and tender for optimal effectiveness and comfort.

Commonly recommended plants include:

• Neem (Azadirachta indica): Known for its antibacterial properties.
• Babul (Acacia nilotica): Strengthens gums and has astringent properties.
• Peepal (Ficus religiosa): Useful for its antimicrobial properties.
• Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Known for its purifying qualities.

Preparation of the Twig:

• Cut the twig about 12 inches long.
• The end of the twig should be chewed or mashed lightly to create bristles, resembling a toothbrush. This will help in effectively cleaning the teeth.
• The rest of the twig can be used for grip.

Using the Toothbrush:

• Dip the twig in water or a herbal decoction before use to soften it further and enhance its efficacy.
• Brush the teeth gently in a circular motion to remove plaque and food particles.

Benefits:

• Removes food particles and plaque.
• Strengthens gums and teeth.
• Freshens breath.

Contraindications: indigestion, vomiting, respiratory disorders, cough, fever, facial paralysis, mouth ulcers, heart diseases, eye problems, ear issues.

3. Navana (Nasal instillation)

Description: Nasal instillation with milk, decoctions or herbal oils.

Benefits:

• Clears nasal passages.
• Improves respiratory health.
• Reduces headaches and sinus issues.
• Enhances the sense organs.

Contraindications: Avoid if there is a nasal blockage or acute sinusitis.

Navana (Nasal instillation)

Description: Nasal instillation with milk, decoctions, or herbal oils.

1. Pre-Procedure (Purva Karma)

• Preparation of the Patient:
  • The patient is advised to avoid heavy meals before the treatment.
  • The face, neck, and shoulders are massaged with warm oil (Abhyangam) to relax muscles and improve circulation.
  • The patient is then given steam therapy (Swedana) to open the nasal and sinus passages.
• Positioning:
  • The patient lies down with the head tilted slightly backward, ensuring the nasal passages are in an optimal position for the administration of Nasya.

2. Main Procedure (Pradhana Karma)

• Administration:
  • A few drops (as prescribed) of medicated oil, ghee, or herbal liquid are instilled into each nostril.
  • The patient inhales gently to ensure the oil reaches deep into the nasal passages and sinuses.
• Massage:
  • After administering the oil, the face, especially around the nose, forehead, and neck, is gently massaged to aid in absorption and stimulate circulation.
• Breathing:
  • The patient is advised to breathe deeply and slowly, allowing the oil to spread throughout the nasal system.
• Expectoration:
  • After the massage, instruct the patient to gently cough and spit to expel any excess oil and phlegm accumulated in the throat, helping to clear the respiratory passages effectively.

3. Post-Procedure (Paschat Karma)

• Rest:
  • Allow the patient to rest for a few minutes in a comfortable position to let the oil fully absorb.
• Gargling:
  • Advise the patient to gargle with warm water to soothe the throat and help clear any residual oil or phlegm.
• Face Washing:
  • Recommend washing the face with warm water to remove any excess oil and impurities from the skin.
• Dhoomapana:
  • After cleansing, the patient may undergo Dhoomapana, which involves inhaling medicated smoke (often from herbs) to further clear the nasal passages and promote respiratory health.
• Avoid Exposure:
  • Advise the patient to avoid exposure to wind, dust, and cold air immediately after the procedure.
• Diet and Activities:
  • Recommend light meals and advise against strenuous activities or consuming cold drinks.
• Monitor for Reactions:
  • Patients may experience mild sneezing, mucus discharge, or a sense of relief as the toxins are expelled from the nasal passages, which is a natural part of the cleansing process.

Benefits:

• Clears nasal passages.
• Improves respiratory health.
• Reduces headaches and sinus issues.
• Enhances the sense organs.

Contraindications: Avoid if there is a nasal blockage or acute sinusitis.

4. Gandusha (Oil Pulling)

Description: Swishing oil, herbal decoction, milk, and warm water in the mouth for several minutes.

Benefits:

• Bestows strength on the jaws and voice.
• Tones the muscles of the face
• Promotes taste perception
• Prevents dryness of throat & cracking of lips
• Prevents the destruction of teeth, teeth become firmly rooted, and prevents toothache and tooth sensitivity.
• Promotes the strength of the gums and teeth so that the person will be able to chew even very hard foods.

Contraindications: Individuals with indigestion or any other diseases should avoid.

Gandusha (Oil Pulling)

Description: Swishing oil, herbal decoction, milk, and warm water in the mouth for several minutes.

Procedure:

• Preparation:
  • Choose an appropriate medicated oil or decoction, such as sesame oil, coconut oil, or herbal infusions (e.g., neem, turmeric).
  • Ensure the oil or decoction is at a warm temperature for better effectiveness.
• Positioning:
  • The patient should sit comfortably in a relaxed position.
• Execution:
  • Take a sufficient amount (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the chosen liquid into the mouth.
  • Gargling: Swish the liquid around in the mouth, ensuring it reaches all areas, including between the teeth and along the gums.
  • Hold the liquid in the mouth for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to mix with saliva and extract toxins.
  • Avoid swallowing the liquid during the process.
• Expectoration:
  • After the designated time, the patient should spit out the liquid into a basin or sink.
  • Rinse the mouth with warm water to remove any residual oil or taste.

Benefits:

• Detoxifies the mouth and gums.
• Freshens breathe and promote oral hygiene.
• May improve skin health due to toxin elimination.

Contraindications: Individuals with indigestion or any other diseases should avoid.