What is Dinacharya?
Dinacharya translates as routine. Establishing a nurturing routine for mind and body can be a powerful tool for yogis interested in moving toward self actualization. Plus, clinical studies show it makes us feel better!
Self care may include but isn’t limited to: personal hygiene, diet, sleep schedule, meditation, movement, and herbal remedies.
Rather than thinking of these activities as a chore, consider treating them as rituals for mind and body on the yogic journey beyond the mat.
Just like every body is unique, so too is their personalized self-care routine. Body types and constitution can vary, so it makes sense that needs may vary as well. More in depth study around Ayurveda can prime one for a truly individualized and therapeutic approach to self care, however there are some recommendations that are universal below.
Tri-Doshic Self Care Rituals
- 1) Drink More Water! Your body is 70% water- it’s a primary building block of human composition and without it, the structure of our being struggles. Drinking ice water is normalized in the west, but did you know the body must use energy to warm cold water to body temperature before it can be used for chemical reactions of metabolism? This drains vital energy from the body. Give your body ingredients for success, hydrate with room temp or warm water.
- 2) Honor Your Circadian Rhythm! Hormones and digestion runs on a similar timeline as the sun does throughout the day. For best results, rise early and make sure you get plenty of sleep at night. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper. Avoid late night snacking so your digestive system can reset and restore your gut’s biome overnight.
- 3)Tongue Scrape! Your digestive system excretes through the mouth as well as the bottom. While it is cleansing overnight during the fasting period when we sleep, toxins build up on the tongue and cause “morning breath.” Scrape it daily to aid your body in removing what isn’t serving you. Without scraping, the body cannot fully remove waste and your system is compromised.
- 4) Dry Brush Your Skin! Dry brushing exfoliates the skin, making it appear brighter without the extra layer of ash. Additionally, removal of dry skin makes pores less likely to become clogged and contribute to acne, ingrown hairs, etc. The gentle pressure can stimulate blood flow and reduce visibility of cellulite. Dry brushing has also been shown to aid with lymph circulation through the increased circulation at the dermal (skin’s surface) level of the body.
- 5) Give Yourself an Oil Massage! Take a dosha or skin type test to find out what essential and carrier oils suits you best. Or let your nose inspire your senses creatively and intuitively to select what you will rub. Focus on dry areas such as hands and feet. These areas contain numerous connections to the fascial network. Keep low back (kidney meridians) well hydrated.
What do the Ancient Yogic Texts Say About Self Care?
“Those who eat too much or eat too little, who sleep too much or sleep too little, will not succeed in meditation. But those who are temperate in eating and sleeping, work and recreation, will come to the end of sorrow through mediation.”
Bhagavad Gita
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