Our bodies are intricately connected to the vast universe we inhabit, each influencing the other in a delicate dance of harmony. From the air we breathe to the light that surrounds us, every factor plays a role in shaping our health and vitality.
Living in alignment with the universe isn’t just a philosophical idea—it’s a practical necessity if we want to unlock our full potential. Our bodies are finely tuned instruments that respond to the rhythms of nature. When we stray from that balance, we risk compromising our health.
What is circadian rhythm?
Circadian rhythms are like our body’s built-in clock, regulating our physical, mental, and behavioral changes throughout the day. While sunlight and darkness set the pace for these rhythms, other factors like what we eat, how stressed we are, how active we are, who we interact with, and even the temperature around us also have a big impact.
Think of it as our body’s way of syncing up with the world around us. Just like a finely tuned timepiece, our internal clock, adjusts to keep us in harmony with our environment. It’s a dynamic system that adapts to ensure we’re functioning at our best, no matter what life throws our way.
Ayurveda and Circadian Rhythm
Aligning one’s lifestyle with the natural rhythms of the body’s internal clock forms the cornerstone of Ayurvedic principles. Adjusting your internal clock rhythm with the rhythm of nature brings about wonderful changes within yourself, ranging from getting up early everyday without needing an alarm, not feeling like life is chore but rather enjoying, reduced snacking in between meals maintaining a stable and consistent energy level throughout the day! This is the power of aligning yourself with the timeless rhythms of nature—a journey towards greater vitality and well-being that begins with a simple shift in perspective.
Doshas and Our Body
Within our bodies, three primary Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—ebb and flow like tides, influenced by factors such as the time of day, our age, the season, and when we take food. These Doshas act as dynamic forces, shaping our physical and mental well-being, and understanding their natural rhythms is key to achieving optimal health and balance.
Vata, which equates to control of nervous system is dominant at last part of day and of night, old age, monsoon and colonic phase of digestion.
Pitta, which equates to digestive fire and metabolism is dominant at middle part of day and of night, adolescence, autumn and intestinal phase of digestion.
Kapha, which equates to structural integrity and stability, is dominant at first part of day and of night, childhood, spring and gastric phase of digestion.
Ayurvedic scholars have been practicing and advising to live in accordance to the diurnal and seasonal variation of Doshas which is known as Dincharya and Ritucharya, respectively.
Ayurvedic Dincharya
Join the 4am Club!
Waking up early has been touted as a key to productivity for ages, known as the Brahma Muhurta in ancient texts. Rising at this time, about 1.5 hours before sunrise, aligns with the dominance of Vata priming the body for activity.
During this sacred time, the mind is clear and receptive, making it ideal for practices like Yoga, meditation, and learning new subjects. As Kapha gradually increases from 6am, the body gains strength and vitality, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.
The ancient scholars of Ayurveda emphasized the significance of daily cleansing rituals to maintain overall well-being. These rituals include brushing teeth, proper bathing etiquette, and specific practices like abhyanga (oil massage) and Udvartana (dry herb powder massage).
Abhyanga and Udvartana are particularly notable for their ability to improve blood circulation, aid in lymphatic drainage, and prevent the stagnation of Kapha, which naturally increases after sunrise . By engaging in these practices, we ensure that Kapha, associated with qualities of heaviness and stagnation, doesn’t accumulate in one place.
Furthermore, incorporating Yoga or exercise into our daily routine allows us to harness the strength and stability that Kapha provides. By utilizing Kapha’s energy in physical activities, we can maintain balance and harmony within the body.
You are “when” you eat!
In Ayurvedic literature, the emphasis on eating according to your Prakriti, or individual constitution, is well-documented. Equally important is the timing of meals. After the Kapha Kala, which spans from 6 am to 10 am, comes the period of Pitta dominance. This phase, starting from 10 am and lasting until 2 pm, sees your metabolic fire burning at its peak. Naturally, hunger pangs may arise during this time, signaling that your body is ready for nourishment. It’s advisable to consume wholesome meals during this window, providing your body with essential nutrients to fuel you through the rest of the day.
Sleepy after lunch? Not happening:P
Feeling sleepy after lunch is natural as its the natural phase of Kapha dominance but it should not last long. However, if you feel lethargic for more than a muhurta i.e., around 48 minutes , it may indicate some error in eating! From 2pm to 6pm, Vata dominance kicks in, enhancing sensory receptivity and may help boost productivity. Craving sweets during this period suggests possible exhaustion, blood sugar imbalances, digestion issues, or inadequate lunch intake. It’s advisable to opt for a light snack at this time, and also look for any underlying digestive issues if you constantly feel such cravings!
Unwind for a fresh start!
As the day winds down, we enter the second peak of Kapha energy from 6pm to 10pm. With Pitta energy decreasing and Kapha energy rising, it’s a great time to hit the gym and harness that extra strength. However, it’s crucial to wrap up your workout by 7pm and enjoy a light dinner by 8pm. Afterward, it’s time to unwind and slow down.
Avoid activities that stimulate your mind or body, like scrolling through your phone. Instead, opt for relaxing activities like reading a book, journaling, or listening to calming music. Pamper yourself with a skincare routine if that’s your thing. Allow your body and mind to gradually wind down for a restful sleep, ensuring you wake up fully recharged for the next day.
Rest and Repeat!
After a long day of hustling both personally and professionally, our bodies yearn for rest. Yet, in today’s bustling world, rest often takes a backseat to late-night parties and endless activities. However, from 10pm to 2am, our bodies enter the second peak of Pitta energy, a crucial time for detoxification and regeneration. It’s imperative to be sound asleep during this period, allowing our bodies to efficiently carry out their repair work.
As the night progresses into the early hours, from 2am to 6am, Vata energy takes over once again. It’s common to experience dreams or even nightmares during this time. However, this period is integral to the sleep cycle. When Vata reaches its peak around 4 am, your sleep may naturally break, marking the sacred time known as Braham muhurta, heralding the dawn of a new day.
Just like this, you can follow through ebbs and flow of Dosha through out the day and night. Living a life in accordance to the natural rhythm promises a beautiful present and a brighter future.
Conclusion
Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, places great importance on aligning our lifestyles with the natural rhythms of the universe. Central to this philosophy is the principle of Loka Purusha Samya, which asserts that the fluctuations and changes observed in the external world are mirrored within the human body. This concept stems from the belief that everything, including living beings, is composed of the five fundamental elements known as panchmahabhuta.
In essence, a living being is regarded as a microcosm of the universe, intricately connected to and influenced by the macrocosm. By understanding and harmonizing with the rhythms of nature, Ayurveda teaches us how to maintain balance and promote health and well-being on physical, mental, and spiritual levels. It underscores the importance of living in harmony with nature’s cycles to achieve optimal health and vitality.
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