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Ayurveda emphasizes on the preservation of health and prevention of diseases as its primary objective. Daily regimen (dinacharya), seasonal regimen (ritucharya), dietetic rules (ahara vidhi), and code of conduct (sadvritta) are prescribed for healthy and long life. The classically prescribed daily routine or regimen is followed with due consideration of one's body constitution (deha prakriti), strength (bala), age (vaya), season (ritu), and any existing disease condition (vyadhi). [ SAT-J.9] This article deals with the critical review of these daily regimens and their importance in the contemporary views.

Ayurveda emphasizes on the preservation of health and prevention of diseases as its primary objective. Daily regimen (dinacharya), seasonal regimen (ritucharya), dietetic rules (ahara vidhi), and code of conduct (sadvritta) are prescribed for healthy and long life.  

The sequence of activities  

 

The classically prescribed daily routine or regimen is followed with due consideration of one's body constitution (deha prakriti), strength (bala), age (vaya), season (ritu), and any existing disease condition (vyadhi).[ SAT-J.9] This article deals with the critical review of these daily regimens and their importance in the contemporary views.

 

==The sequence of activities==

 

The sequence of daily activities is as follows:

The sequence of daily activities is as follows:

• Waking up early morning  

 

• passing urge of urination and defecation(shaucha vidhi)  

*Waking up early morning  

• brushing teeth (dantapavana)  

 

• application of collyrium in the eye (anjana)  

*passing urge of urination and defecation(shaucha vidhi)

• nasal instillation of oil (nasya)  

• oil pulling in the mouth (gandusha)  

*brushing teeth (dantapavana)  

• inhalation of herbal smoke (dhumapana),

 

• chewing of oral fresheners with betel leaf (tambula)  

*application of collyrium in the eye (anjana)  

• oil application and body massage the (abhyanga)  

 

• exercise (vyayama)  

*nasal instillation of oil (nasya)  

• massage with powdered drugs (udwartana)  

 

• bath (snana)  

*oil pulling in the mouth (gandusha)  

• professional activities by observing good social conduct can be started after this morning routine. [A. Hr. Sutra Sthana 2]

 

These procedures are aimed specifically at preserving hea lth of sense organs. It makes the person more productive and improves the quality of life.  

*inhalation of herbal smoke (dhumapana)

 

*chewing of oral fresheners with betel leaf (tambula)  

 

*oil application and body massage the (abhyanga)  

 

*exercise (vyayama)  

 

*massage with powdered drugs (udwartana)  

 

*bath (snana)  

 

*professional activities by observing good social conduct can be started after this morning routine. [A. Hr. Sutra Sthana 2]

 

These procedures are aimed specifically at preserving health of sense organs. It makes the person more productive and improves the quality of life.  

 

== Wake up in early morning==

== Wake up in early morning==

The first step of setting a daily routine is fixing a proper time to wake up in the morning. It helps to maintain the natural circadian rhythm The recommended time to wake up is about 45 minutes to 1 hour before sunrise, known as "brahma muhurta". It is the best time to start the daily activities and has many positive benefits on physical and mental health [ A. S. Sutra Sthana 3/2].  

 

In a study assessing the relationship between physical activity and daily lifestyle habits it was observed that early waking time has significant positive correlations with children's physical activity level.  Studies have shown that late wake-up time was associated with an unfavorable activity and weight status profile.  Another study regarding self-reported health status, using evening and morning lateness scales (E and M) of the sleep-wake pattern indicates that healthier respondents prefer earlier wake-up times.   

The first step of setting a daily routine is fixing a proper time to wake up in the morning. It helps to maintain the natural circadian rhythm.The recommended time to wake up is about 45 minutes to 1 hour before sunrise, known as "brahma muhurta". It is the best time to start the daily activities and has many positive benefits on physical and mental health [ A. S. Sutra Sthana 3/2].  

== Gut hygiene (shaucha vidhi) ==  

 

On wakingup, the first activity should be micturition and defecation because this process cleans the metabolic wastes (mala) accumulated in body during night. The urge to defecate in the morning is indicator of good digestive health and gut motility. The time, frequency, and duration of defecation are assessed clinically for examination of quality of digestion (agni) and gut pattern (koshtha). Frequent and long-time suppression of urge of defecation and urination can cause serious disorders.[Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 7/3-6]

In a study assessing the relationship between physical activity and daily lifestyle habits it was observed that early waking time has significant positive correlations with children's physical activity level.  Studies have shown that late wake-up time was associated with an unfavorable activity and weight status profile.  Another study regarding self-reported health status, using evening and morning lateness scales (E and M) of the sleep-wake pattern indicates that healthier respondents prefer earlier wake-up times.  

A survey study regarding bowel habits indicates that the most common bowel habit of once daily was a minority practice in both sexes in the modern era. A regular 24-hour cycle was apparent in only 40% of men and 33% of women. But the most common time in which defecations occur is the early morning itself.   

   

==Gut hygiene(shaucha vidhi)==  

 

On waking up, the first activity should be micturition and defecation because this process cleans the metabolic wastes (mala) accumulated in body during night. The urge to defecate in the morning is indicator of good digestive health and gut motility. The time, frequency, and duration of defecation are assessed clinically for examination of quality of digestion (agni) and gut pattern (koshtha).Frequent and long-time suppression of urge of defecation and urination can cause serious disorders.[Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 7/3-6]  

 

A survey study regarding bowel habits indicates that the most common bowel habit of once daily was a minority practice in both sexes in the modern era. A regular 24-hour cycle was apparent in only 40% of men and 33% of women. But the most common time in which defecation occurs is the early morning itself.   

 

== Oral hygiene ==

== Oral hygiene ==

Oral cavity is an important body orifice for the entry of food and water. Oral hygiene is important in gustatory sensation, initial digestion stages, and proper food passage to the stomach. It is also crucial in its social aspect in the context of verbal communication.

Oral cavity is an important body orifice for the entry of food and water. Oral hygiene is important in gustatory sensation, initial digestion stages, and proper food passage to the stomach. It is also crucial in its social aspect in the context of verbal communication.

Various measures have been recommended for promoting oral hygiene, which includes,

Various measures have been recommended for promoting oral hygiene, which includes,

a) brushing teeth(danta pavana)

 

b) cleaning tongue (jihwa nirlekhana)

a)brushing teeth(danta pavana)

c) mouth and face wash (mukha prakshalana)

 

d) oil pulling in the mouth (gandusha/kavala)

b)cleaning tongue (jihwa nirlekhana)

e) chewing of betel leaf (tambula) amd mouth freshners

 

=== Brushing teeth (dantapavana)===

c)mouth and face wash (mukha prakshalana)

 

d)oil pulling in the mouth (gandusha/kavala)

 

e)chewing of betel leaf (tambula) and mouth fresheners

 

===Brushing teeth(dantapavana)===

 

Chewing of herbal stems, 9 inches long and girth equal to little finger, is recommended for cleansing effect on teeth. [A.Hr.Sutra Sthana 2/2-3]  It is comparable with the brushing of teeth with specially designed toothbrushes in the modern era. Teeth shall be cleaned after waking up in the morning, taking food, and before sleep. [A.Hr.Sutra Shana 2/2], [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/71]

Chewing of herbal stems, 9 inches long and girth equal to little finger, is recommended for cleansing effect on teeth. [A.Hr.Sutra Sthana 2/2-3]  It is comparable with the brushing of teeth with specially designed toothbrushes in the modern era. Teeth shall be cleaned after waking up in the morning, taking food, and before sleep. [A.Hr.Sutra Shana 2/2], [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/71]

The toothbrush made with plastic  handle and nylon bristles is used to clean teeth since the early 20th century. Medium and soft bristles are preferred for protection of dentin and gums. Toothpaste is a paste or gel dentifrice used with a toothbrush to clean and maintain the aesthetics and health of teeth.  A review of advantage and disadvantages of contemporary toothbrushes and herbal chewing sticks was done.  

Phyto-chemical examinations revealed that the herbal sticks contain natural ingredients, which are beneficial for oral health. Chewing sticks contains volatile oils, tannic acid, sulfur and sterols which attribute to anti-septic, astringent and bactericidal properties that reduce plaque formation, provides anti-carious effects, eliminates bad odor, improves the sense of taste, and cures many systemic diseases. Chewing sticks showed parallel or even greater mechanical and chemical cleansing of oral tissues than a toothbrush.  

 

Tooth powder

For cleansing the teeth, a combination of Saussurea lappa(kushta), Terminalia chebula(haritaki), Emblica officinalis (amalaki), Terminalia bellerica(bibhitaki), Zingiber officinale(shunthi), Piper nigrum Linn(maricha),Piper longum Linn(pippali),Cinnamomum zeylanicum(twak),Elettaria cardammum(ela) and Cinnamomum tamala(patra) in powder form mixed with honey is recommended. [ A. S. Sutra Sthana 3/5] Now a days, various herbal tooth powders and pastes are available in market. Neem extract is widely used  in studies of antiplaque activities of Ayurvedic tooth powders and commercial herbal toothpastes.   

 

The research on herbal toothpastes or toothpowders or appropriate herbal stick as per body constitution may reveal new insights into prevention of dental disorders.

=== Cleaning the tongue (jivha nirlekhana)===

Apart from brushing the teeth, cleaning the tongue using a scraper is also recommended. The tongue-scraper should be curved without a sharp edge.  Classics, metallic tongue scrapers made up of gold, silver, copper, tin or brass are recommended. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/76]

 

The toothbrush made with plastic  handle and nylon bristles is used to clean teeth since the early 20th century. Medium and soft bristles are preferred for protection of dentin and gums. Toothpaste is a paste or gel dentifrice used with a toothbrush to clean and maintain the aesthetics and health of teeth.   

 

A review of advantage and disadvantages of contemporary toothbrushes and herbal chewing sticks was done.  

Phyto-chemical examinations revealed that the herbal sticks contain natural ingredients, which are beneficial for oral health. Chewing sticks contains volatile oils, tannic acid, sulfur and sterols which attribute to anti-septic, astringent and bactericidal properties that reduce plaque formation, provides anti-carious effects, eliminates bad odor, improves the sense of taste, and cures many systemic diseases. Chewing sticks showed parallel or even greater mechanical and chemical cleansing of oral tissues than a toothbrush.  

 

'''Tooth powder'''

 

For cleansing the teeth, a combination of Saussurea lappa(kushta), Terminalia chebula(haritaki), Emblica officinalis (amalaki), Terminalia bellerica(bibhitaki), Zingiber officinale(shunthi), Piper nigrum Linn(maricha),Piper longum Linn(pippali),Cinnamomum zeylanicum(twak),Elettaria cardammum(ela) and Cinnamomum tamala(patra) in powder form mixed with honey is recommended. [A.S.Sutra Sthana 3/5]  

 

Now a days, various herbal tooth powders and pastes are available in market. Neem extract is widely used  in studies of antiplaque activities of Ayurvedic tooth powders and commercial herbal toothpastes.   

 

The research on herbal toothpastes or tooth powders or appropriating herbal stick as per body constitution may reveal new insights into prevention of dental disorders.

===Cleaning the tongue (jivha nirlekhana)===

 

Apart from brushing the teeth, cleaning the tongue using a scraper is also recommended. The tongue-scraper should be curved without a sharp edge.  Classics, metallic tongue scrapers made up of gold, silver, copper, tin or brass are recommended. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/76]

 

Recent research has shown that the tongue scraping and tongue brushing play an important role in controlling bacterial load and plaque level.  In a study comparing three types, two commercially available tongue scrapers (a manual toothbrush that has a tongue scraper on the back of its head, metallic and plastic tongue cleaners), the most effective reduction of the bacterial count was observed with plastic tongue cleaners.  

Recent research has shown that the tongue scraping and tongue brushing play an important role in controlling bacterial load and plaque level.  In a study comparing three types, two commercially available tongue scrapers (a manual toothbrush that has a tongue scraper on the back of its head, metallic and plastic tongue cleaners), the most effective reduction of the bacterial count was observed with plastic tongue cleaners.  

===Mouth fresheners===

===Mouth fresheners===

It is recommended to keep Myristica fragrans Hoult (jati), Hibiscuss abelmoschus Linn (katuka), Areca catechu Linn (puga), Syzygium aromaticum (lavanga), Piper cubeba Linn. (kankola), Betel-leaves (tambula), Cinnamomum camphora Nees (karpura), and small cardamom (sukshma ela) in the mouth for securing cleanliness, taste and fragrance.[ Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/77]. This practice is followed oftenly after meals.  

 

===Mouth wash and gargling ===

It is recommended to keep Myristica fragrans Hoult (jati), Hibiscuss abelmoschus Linn (katuka), Areca catechu Linn (puga), Syzygium aromaticum (lavanga), Piper cubeba Linn. (kankola), Betel-leaves (tambula), Cinnamomum camphora Nees (karpura), and small cardamom (sukshma ela) in the mouth for securing cleanliness, taste and fragrance.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/77]. This practice is followed often after meals.  

Mouth wash with  water in healthy individualmedicated decoction of Ficus bengalensis(nyagrodha), Ficus racemosa (udumbara), Ficus religiosa (ashwatha), Ficus lecor (plaksha), and Thespesia populnea (parisha), decoction of Symplocos racemosa (lodhra) or Embilica officinalis(amalaki) are also recommended as mouth wash in specific oral conditions.[Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/15]

 

===Mouth wash and gargling===

Mouth wash with  water in healthy individual and medicated decoction of Ficus bengalensis(nyagrodha), Ficus racemosa (udumbara), Ficus religiosa (ashwatha), Ficus lecor (plaksha), and Thespesia populnea (parisha), decoction of Symplocos racemosa (lodhra) or Embilica officinalis(amalaki) are also recommended as mouth wash in specific oral conditions.[Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/15]

 

===Oil pulling in mouth ===

===Oil pulling in mouth ===

There are mainly two techniques for filling of liquids in oral cavity.

There are mainly two techniques for filling of liquids in oral cavity.

a) Holding liquid in mouth (gandusha): Maximum quantity of liquid is held in mouth, so that movement of liquid is not possible and it is retained for a few minutes.  

 

b) Gargling (kavala graha): A suitable amount of liquid is retained in mouth for gargling.

a)Holding liquid in mouth (gandusha): Maximum quantity of liquid is held in mouth, so that movement of liquid is not possible and it is retained for a few minutes.  

Oil pulling using sesame oil is recommended as a daily routine. It imparts strength to the jaws, clarity to the voice, excellent gustatory sensation and gives protection from dryness of throat, lips, dental caries etc. It has a good role in preventing and curing both local and systemic illnesses.[Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/7-79]  

 

b)Gargling (kavala graha): A suitable amount of liquid is retained in mouth for gargling.

 

Oil pulling using sesame oil is recommended as a daily routine. It imparts strength to the jaws, clarity to the voice, excellent gustatory sensation and gives protection from dryness of throat, lips, dental caries etc. It has a good role in preventing and curing both local and systemic illnesses.[Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/7-79]

In a study, the oil pulling therapy showed reduction in the plaque index, modified gingival scores, and total colony count of aerobic microorganisms in the plaque of adolescents with plaque-induced gingivitis.  Oil pulling is observed to bring improvement in oral hygiene when practiced correctly and regularly.  The tongue influences and interacts with the body systems. Its dysfunction leads to different local and systemic pathologies.   

In a study, the oil pulling therapy showed reduction in the plaque index, modified gingival scores, and total colony count of aerobic microorganisms in the plaque of adolescents with plaque-induced gingivitis.  Oil pulling is observed to bring improvement in oral hygiene when practiced correctly and regularly.  The tongue influences and interacts with the body systems. Its dysfunction leads to different local and systemic pathologies.   

The sense organs like eye, ear, nose and skin are also protected by various measures in daily routine.

The sense organs like eye, ear, nose and skin are also protected by various measures in daily routine.

=== Eye care ===

=== Eye care ===

• Eye wash (netra prakshalana)

 

*Eye wash (netra prakshalana)

Washing eyes with decoction of Symplocos racemosa (lodhra), or Emblica officinalis (amalaki) or with cold water helps in maintaining the constant clear vision. [Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/15]

Washing eyes with decoction of Symplocos racemosa (lodhra), or Emblica officinalis (amalaki) or with cold water helps in maintaining the constant clear vision. [Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/15]

• Application of collyrium (anjana)

• Application of collyrium (anjana)