Dinacharya, from the Sanskrit for daily conduct, is the part of Ayurveda that deals with how to arrange an ordinary day. The Ashtanga Hridayam opens its teaching on health with it, and the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita both describe it. The idea behind it is simple: if the day is arranged sensibly, the body is kept in balance by small, regular habits rather than by treatment after something has gone wrong.
The texts suggest rising early, in the period before sunrise that the tradition calls the Brahma muhurta, roughly an hour and a half before dawn. They then describe a sequence that most readers will find familiar in outline. Emptying the bowels and bladder, cleaning the teeth and tongue, rinsing the mouth, washing the face and eyes, and bathing are all covered, with specific advice on what to use and how. Some texts describe applying oil to the body, the head and the ears, exercise to about half of one’s capacity, and a massage with fine powders.
Meals have their own rules. The tradition recommends eating only when the previous meal has been digested and hunger is present, taking the largest meal around midday when digestion is said to be strongest, eating warm and freshly prepared food in calm surroundings, and not eating to the point of heaviness. Evening is described as a time for a lighter meal, and night is for sleep, with the texts giving advice on timing and warning against habitual late waking and daytime sleep for most people.
Dinacharya also has a mental and moral side. The texts speak of conduct towards others, honest work, restraint with the senses and time for quiet. These passages are as much a part of the tradition as the advice on oil and herbs.
Some of this advice sits comfortably with modern sleep and nutrition guidance, such as regular meal times and a consistent bedtime. Other parts are specific to the tradition and its climate, and have not been tested in trials. We will say which is which where we can, and describe the routine as the texts give it, not as a prescription for you.
The guides in this section will take the day in order, from waking to sleep, and show where the traditional dosha timing of the day comes from. Anything involving oil, nasal drops or herbs carries safety notes. Please read the medical disclaimer and speak to a doctor before changing your routine if you have a health condition, are pregnant or are taking medicines.