Dinacharya: The daily routine

Let's get back to basics. The daily routine, or dinacharya, is Ayurveda's fundamental topic and one I start with when working with clients. It is of utmost importance - if daily routine is off, everything is off and more vata is created causing even more problems. The daily routine is specific and applicable to everybody, no matter what your constitution is. It can be tweaked depending on your constitution (such as what oil you use for daily oil massage) but the principles remain the same. Many of the daily routines include oil in practices such as oil massage, oil pulling for oral hygiene, nasal oil and ear oil. Sleep and wake times are very important and also what you do immediately after waking as it sets the tone for the entire day. 

Ayurveda speaks highly of keeping a routine. Daily routines (dinachayra) and seasonal routines (ritucharya) have many benefits, but are especially important to decrease the vata in our bodies created by the change going on in our environment. We have to change with the seasons otherwise we can accumulate ama (toxic byproducts) in our bodies which lead to further problems.  

Sandhi prakash (sandhi meaning gap and prakash meaning light) refers to the brief period of transition time daily at sunrise and sunset. This is a time of the least blue light and happens to also be a sacred time, thus a great time to practice meditation, yoga, journaling or other meaningful practice. In fact, many cultures do their health, wellness and spiritual rituals doing these times, particularly before sunrise. 

Rituals in general are "linked to stronger immunity, greater marital satisfaction, better self-worth, stronger family bonds, reduced anxiety, and more resilience to failure." Ritu sandhi is the gap between the season, which is an excellent time to pause and reflect and to consider doing a cleanse.

I encourage you to create a routine for yourself, whether it be a 5 minute meditation in the morning or evening, journaling, or even making mealtimes consistent and intentional. There are many creative ways to bring routine into your life!


Do you want to hone your habits? Feel better overall? Maybe you suffer from digestive issues, brain fog, weight gain, or pain. It's time to get back to the basics of daily habits and feel better.