Line 14: |
Line 14: |
| | | |
| And after saying that proposed the ready-made list of such daily regimen to preserve health of an individual which is known as Dinacharya. This daily regime includes specially designed activities which have the capacity to neutralize the deleterious effects of various times of the day and night cycle and regular acts followed to achieve Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. | | And after saying that proposed the ready-made list of such daily regimen to preserve health of an individual which is known as Dinacharya. This daily regime includes specially designed activities which have the capacity to neutralize the deleterious effects of various times of the day and night cycle and regular acts followed to achieve Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. |
| + | |
| + | == Importance of vigilance in daily self care == |
| + | Acharya Charaka has given a simile to highlight the importance of vigilant self care on daily basis. He states that, Like the lord of a city in the affairs of his city, and a charioteer in the management of his chariot, so should a wise man be ever vigilant in the caring of his own body. <blockquote>नगरी नगरस्येव रथस्येव रथी यथा| स्वशरीरस्य मेधावी कृत्येष्ववहितो भवेत्|| (Char. Samh. 7.103)</blockquote> |
| | | |
| == Importance of Dinacharya in today's world == | | == Importance of Dinacharya in today's world == |
− | (Needs to be edited) Principle of dincharya is more relevant in current era because everybody is in rush and running according to fast life-style of present time. Even nobody has time for himself also. So, result is emergence of epidemic due to life-style disorders both communicable and non-communicable. Although modern medical science has been very much developed with latest technologies and antibiotics, etc. and prevalence of communicable diseases has also been reduced very much. On the other hand non-communicable diseases are emerging very rapidly both in developed and developing countries. Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are at present the leading causes of death in developed countries e.g. Europe and North America accounting for 70-75 percent of total deaths . The prevalence of noncommunicable diseases has been increased in recent some years in India also due to blindly following of western culture. Two important reasons for emergence of non-communicable diseases are accepted; one is increasing life expectancy and second is rapid changes in life-style and behavioral patterns of people. Life-style changes and stress factor are included among the six key sets of risk factors responsible for the major share of adult non-communicable diseases . This trend of present time cannot be changed as it is demand of this era but life-style can be modified by simple interventions through procedures of dincharya. Dincharya prevents both types of diseases mentioned above. In the case of communicable diseases it not only prevents the communication of diseases but also strengthen the immunity of the individual. On the other hand in the case of non-communicable diseases it maintains the agni (digestive power) and thus metabolism. This results in removal of toxins from the channels and proper nutrition of all the cells and tissues. This fact not only maintains homeostasis of each cell but also slow down the decaying and degenerative changes carried out in every cell due to time. All these positive things can be achieved by very low expense. There is only need of time management according to individual’s own current life-style. Even modern medical science also recommends this fact that people should go close to their traditional life-style patterns. <ref name=":0">Durgawati Devi et al. International journal of ayurvedic & herbal medicine 1(2) sep-oct 2011(39-45)</ref> | + | (Needs to be edited) Principle of dinacharya is more relevant in current era because everybody is in rush and running according to fast life-style of present time. Even nobody has time for himself also. So, result is emergence of epidemic due to life-style disorders both communicable and non-communicable. Although modern medical science has been very much developed with latest technologies and antibiotics, etc. and prevalence of communicable diseases has also been reduced very much. On the other hand non-communicable diseases are emerging very rapidly both in developed and developing countries. Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are at present the leading causes of death in developed countries e.g. Europe and North America accounting for 70-75 percent of total deaths . The prevalence of noncommunicable diseases has been increased in recent some years in India also due to blindly following of western culture. Two important reasons for emergence of non-communicable diseases are accepted; one is increasing life expectancy and second is rapid changes in life-style and behavioral patterns of people. Life-style changes and stress factor are included among the six key sets of risk factors responsible for the major share of adult non-communicable diseases . This trend of present time cannot be changed as it is demand of this era but life-style can be modified by simple interventions through procedures of dincharya. Dincharya prevents both types of diseases mentioned above. In the case of communicable diseases it not only prevents the communication of diseases but also strengthen the immunity of the individual. On the other hand in the case of non-communicable diseases it maintains the agni (digestive power) and thus metabolism. This results in removal of toxins from the channels and proper nutrition of all the cells and tissues. This fact not only maintains homeostasis of each cell but also slow down the decaying and degenerative changes carried out in every cell due to time. All these positive things can be achieved by very low expense. There is only need of time management according to individual’s own current life-style. Even modern medical science also recommends this fact that people should go close to their traditional life-style patterns. <ref name=":0">Durgawati Devi et al. International journal of ayurvedic & herbal medicine 1(2) sep-oct 2011(39-45)</ref> |
| | | |
| == Dinacharya (Daily regimen) == | | == Dinacharya (Daily regimen) == |
Line 64: |
Line 67: |
| Further, it is mentioned that, some part of this water can be consumed through the nostrils. Bhavaprakasha opines that, 3 Prasrti of water can be consumed through nostrils which is helpful for prevention of Vali (wrinkles), Palita (gray hair), Pinasa (rhinitis), Swarabhanga (hoarseness of voice), Kasa (Cough), Shotha (edema) and acts as Rasayana and improves eyesight. | | Further, it is mentioned that, some part of this water can be consumed through the nostrils. Bhavaprakasha opines that, 3 Prasrti of water can be consumed through nostrils which is helpful for prevention of Vali (wrinkles), Palita (gray hair), Pinasa (rhinitis), Swarabhanga (hoarseness of voice), Kasa (Cough), Shotha (edema) and acts as Rasayana and improves eyesight. |
| | | |
− | === Excretion (Mala & Mūtra Tyāga) === | + | === Excretion (Mala & Mutra Tyaga) === |
− | It is very necessary to inculcate the habit of easing in the morning. It is the physiological reflex of the body to expel the accumulated waste byproducts of digestion of food called as Purisha or Shakrut mala in Ayurveda. Easy and timely passage of Purisha mala is said to be the sign of a healthy individual. This process cleanses the body and aids in maintaining the the right balance in the function of digestion and metabolism. It is counted among the 13 natural urges of the body which when suppressed lead to multiple disturbances. <ref>Ashtanga Hrdayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 4 Sutram 1)</ref> A tendency of Vega Vidharana (to suppress the natural urges) is the root cause of many diseases. <ref name=":2">HAND BOOK OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE AND COMMON AYURVEDIC REMEDIES. '''Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), New Delhi''', Designed and Developed by NIIMH, Hyderabad. Chapter 2 available from <nowiki>http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ayuhandbook/chapter2.php</nowiki> </ref> Thus, in the context of Svsthavrtta (preventive healthcare) easy and regular passage of stools at this time of the morning is said to be beneficial. | + | It is very necessary to inculcate the habit of easing in the morning. It is the physiological reflex of the body to expel the accumulated waste byproducts of digestion of food called as Purisha or Shakrut mala in Ayurveda. Easy and timely passage of Purisha mala is said to be the sign of a healthy individual. This process cleanses the body and aids in maintaining the the right balance in the function of digestion and metabolism. It is counted among the 13 natural urges of the body which when suppressed lead to multiple disturbances. <ref>Ashtanga Hrdayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 4 Sutram 1)</ref> A tendency of Vega Vidharana (to suppress the natural urges) is the root cause of many diseases. <ref name=":2">HAND BOOK OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE AND COMMON AYURVEDIC REMEDIES. '''Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), New Delhi''', Designed and Developed by NIIMH, Hyderabad. Chapter 2 available from <nowiki>http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ayuhandbook/chapter2.php</nowiki> </ref> Thus, in the context of Svasthavrtta (preventive healthcare) easy and regular passage of stools at this time of the morning is said to be beneficial. |
| | | |
| === Cleaning the Teeth and Mouth === | | === Cleaning the Teeth and Mouth === |
| The next step in the daily regimen is named as Dantadhavana and Jivhanirlekhana. Dantadhavana refers to the cleaning the teeth while Jivhanirlekhana suggests cleaning of tongue and mouth. Ancient Ayurveda acharyas have described in detail materials and methods of Dantadhavana. <ref name=":3">Charaka samhita ([http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=read Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutra 71-75])</ref> Ayurveda advocates use of sticks of various medicinal herbs for cleaning of teeth and tongue. The knowledge and wisdom of Ayurveda scholars was so exceptionally well that they recommended specific herbs for specific Prakrti individuals for cleaning teeth and tongue. Scrapping of tongue has been advised with metallic tools to clean accumulated wastes on tongue.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> | | The next step in the daily regimen is named as Dantadhavana and Jivhanirlekhana. Dantadhavana refers to the cleaning the teeth while Jivhanirlekhana suggests cleaning of tongue and mouth. Ancient Ayurveda acharyas have described in detail materials and methods of Dantadhavana. <ref name=":3">Charaka samhita ([http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=read Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutra 71-75])</ref> Ayurveda advocates use of sticks of various medicinal herbs for cleaning of teeth and tongue. The knowledge and wisdom of Ayurveda scholars was so exceptionally well that they recommended specific herbs for specific Prakrti individuals for cleaning teeth and tongue. Scrapping of tongue has been advised with metallic tools to clean accumulated wastes on tongue.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> |
| | | |
− | === Oil Massage === | + | === Abhyanga === |
− | It is necessary to massage the whole body with oil. For massaging Tila Taila (gingelly oil), Sarṣapa Taila (mustard oil) or Nārikela (coconut oil) can be used. But generally speaking Sarṣapa Taila is the best. Medicated oils may also be used.
| + | Abhyanga is the sanskrit term for oil massage. By default, it refers to the whole body massage with oil. This forms an integral part of many Panchakarma procedures. Ayurveda acharyas have included this in Dinacharya and thus highlighted its beneficial nature. Ayurveda recommends whole body oil massage on daily basis. Further oil massage of head, feet and ears has been specifically stressed upon. For a healthy person, plain sesame oil is recommended for daily abhyanga. Medicated oil can also be used after consulting a vaidya. |
| | | |
− | Oil massage ensures (i) softness and unctuousness of skin thereby eliminating chances of infection, (ii) free movement of joints and muscles, (iii) increased circulation of blood, (iv) speedy removal of metabolic waste products through skin, and (v) maintenance of perfect health. In some measure, it also serves as an exercise.<ref name=":2" /> | + | Oil massage ensures rejuvenating effects on skin, relaxation, soft and hydrated skin thereby enhancing strength, firmness and smooth functioning of skin and all related body structures. <ref name=":2" /> |
| | | |
− | === Exercise === | + | === Vyayama === |
− | Regular exercise is essential for perfect health. It brings up stamina and resistance against disease, clears the channels of body (Srotas), and increases the blood circulation and efficiency of lungs. Indigenous, Yogic and western type of exercises may be undertaken. Broadly speaking, an exercise should lead to appearance of sweat on the forehead. However, one should be careful in selection and extent of exercise when he is suffering from a disease like cough (Kāsa), tuberculosis (Kṣaya), heart diseases etc.<ref name=":2" /> | + | Vyayama means any kind of physical exercise. This comes after Abhyanga in daily regimen. Ayurveda defines Vyayma as 'a physical activity that brings stability and strength to the body'. Thus, any physical activity that causes only fatigue and not strength or stability is not included under Vyayama. Such strengthening physical activity must be performed daily in proper amount. Excessively heavy exercise that bring fatigue and feeling of tiredness is prohibited.<blockquote>शरीरचेष्टा या चेष्टा स्थैर्यार्था बलवर्धिनी| </blockquote><blockquote>देहव्यायामसङ्ख्याता मात्रया तां समाचरेत्|| (Char. Samh. 7.31) <ref name=":4">Charaka samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 31-34)</ref></blockquote>Regular exercise is essential for perfect health. It brings up strength, stamina and resistance against disease, pacification of aggravated doshas, improves digestive function and thus helps to maintain health.<ref name=":4" /> However, one should be careful in selection and extent of exercise when he is suffering from diseases. The signs and symptoms of exercise performed to appropriate limit are described in classical treatises. Further diseases that may develop due to heavy exercise have also been mentioned in Ayurveda treatises.<ref name=":2" /> |
| | | |
− | === Bath === | + | === Snanam === |
− | Generally one should take bath with warm water at the place protected from draught. Head should be washed with water having the temperature of body. Bath increases Jaṭharāgni, clears the pores of the skin and the skin becomes clear.<ref name=":2" />
| + | Snanam is the sanskrit term for Bath. This is the next step in daily regimen. One can find effects of bath on various body functions in Ayurveda treatises. Ayurveda recommends bath with warm water below shoulders while use of hot water for bath above shoulders is strictly prohibited. It is believed that, hot water bath above shoulders is harmful for the health of eyes, hair and other organs situated in this region. Snanam is said to be cleansing, purifying, relieving fatigue and providing vigor as well as vitality. <ref>Charaka samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutra 93-94)</ref> |
| | | |
| === Diet === | | === Diet === |