HOW THE AYURVEDIC CLOCK SUPPORTS YOUR WELLNESS
Ayurveda, the ancient healing system, emphasizes the importance of bringing balance to our internal and external environments. One of the key ways to achieve this is by aligning our circadian rhythms and biological clocks with the natural world. By following the Ayurvedic clock, we can optimize our wake/sleep times, meal times, activities, and overall well-being.
Ayurvedic Clock = Biological Clock + Mother Nature’s Clock
To maintain a harmonious connection with nature, it is beneficial to establish a daily routine known as dinacharya. This routine helps regulate our circadian rhythm, aids in digestion, absorption, and assimilation, and promotes hormone production, immune function, discipline, peace, and longevity. The Ayurvedic clock plays a crucial role in this process.
THE AYURVEDIC CLOCK AND THE DOSHAS
The Ayurvedic clock represents a 24-hour day, seasonal changes, and the three phases of life. Each dosha – Kapha, Pitta, and Vata – dominates specific hours, seasons, and stages of life.
- Kapha time rules the early morning and early evening hours (6 AM-10 AM + 6 PM-10 PM). It corresponds to late winter and spring seasons and childhood. During Kapha time, we may experience low digestive power, stagnation, heaviness, and dullness.
- Pitta time occurs during mid-day and the middle of the night (10 AM-2 PM + 10 PM-2 AM). It aligns with the summer season and the middle stage of life. Pitta time is characterized by hot, sharp, and spreading qualities, which enhance our digestive power and mental capacities.
- Vata dosha predominates in the afternoon and very early morning (2 PM-6 PM + 2 AM-6 AM). It corresponds to the fall and early winter seasons, as well as the later stages of life. During Vata time, we may feel light, and spacey, and experience poor digestive capacity, while having a desire for movement and creativity.
WORKING WITH THE AYURVEDIC CLOCK: ALIGNING ACTIVITIES WITH DOSHAS
Ayurveda follows the principle of “Like increases like. Opposites balance.” By considering the dominance of each dosha during specific times, seasons, or stages of life, we can structure our day to align with the Ayurvedic clock. Here are some practices to enhance your daily routine:
ACITIVIES FOR VATA TIME
Vata dosha, consisting of ether and air elements, offers an opportunity to connect with the ether and embrace spirituality.
Morning (2 AM – 6 AM):
- After 2 AM, our sleep becomes lighter as our body prepares for the elimination process.
- The best time to wake up is during Brahma muhurta, 96 minutes before sunrise, signifying the pursuit of knowledge.
- This sacred time is ideal for meditation, visualization, and creative endeavors.
- Engaging in a walk or yoga practice is also recommended.
Afternoon (2 PM – 6 PM):
This period is conducive to communication, socializing, and expressing creativity.
- Dusk also provides a favorable time for meditation and exercise.
- It is advisable to have the last meal of the day before 6 PM.
ACITIVIES FOR PITTA TIME
Pitta dosha, characterized by fire and water elements, represents the most productive part of the day.
Day (10 AM – 2 PM):
- During this time, our digestive fire intensifies, peaking at noon. The heaviest meal should be consumed within this window.
- Pitta time is optimal for planning, taking action, and organizing tasks.
- Reserve the Pitta daylight hours for physically demanding or analytical activities.
Night (10 PM – 2 AM):
This is the period dedicated to rest and allowing the body to repair itself. Ayurveda recommends going to bed before 10 PM, as relaxing hormones like serotonin and melatonin gradually decline from 10 PM onwards.
- During this time, our mind enters a subconscious state, often accompanied by vivid dreams.
ACITIVIES FOR KAPHA TIME
Kapha dosha, comprising earth and water elements, embodies a sense of heaviness and provides an ideal opportunity for self-care rituals.
Morning (6 AM – 10 AM):
- It is beneficial to be awake during the Kapha hours to draw prana (life force) into the body.
- Aim to complete elimination during the Kapha hour.
- Engage in gentle warming exercises to invigorate the body gradually.
- Have a light breakfast, gather energy for the day, and plan your schedule.
Evening (6 PM – 10 PM):
- This period calls for slowing down and assimilating your energy.
- Dedicate time to your family and loved ones.
- Prepare your body for grounding and enter a mode of rest and repair.
- A warm oil massage (Abhyanga) enhances the feeling of heaviness, promoting relaxation and deep rest.
- It is recommended to turn off screens and indulge in a soothing book before 9 PM.
KEEP IN MIND:
The knowledge of this Ayurvedic routine has been passed down through the ancient sciences of yoga and Ayurveda, spanning thousands of years. However, our modern lifestyle often makes it challenging to align with natural rhythms. It’s important to understand that these rhythms are not rules invented by Ayurveda; they represent the fundamental needs of our body and mind.
The Ayurvedic clock serves as a valuable tool in establishing a harmonious relationship between our internal and external environments. It guides us in organizing our activities and practices throughout each day, season, and stage of life. By aligning ourselves with the Ayurvedic clock, we can restore balance, enhance our well-being, and thrive in harmony with our bodies and nature. By gaining insight into our dosha and its functioning, we can better comprehend how the energy surrounding us influences our constitution and inner being.
