Ayurveda - The Beginners Guide

Just like nature and animals, our bodies have internal rhythm. For example our hear beat,  our blinking, digestion, our sleep pattern, breathing, ovulation and reproductive cycle....etc etc...

The rhythm of the Earth is interwoven with our rhythm. Ayurveda insists we get in tune with the Earth's rhythm,  to look and feel our best.

Diseases like arrhythmia, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, improper blood circulation, menstrual disorders are indicative with disharmony in our natural rhythms. Following simple Ayurvedic routines can help restore our rhythm.
 

Ayurveda explains there are three kind of rhythms to the day, corresponding to the three doshas. Depending on the time of day, our body and the natural environment is conducive to specific activities.

Here are some examples:

• Late morning early afternoon (10 AM to 2 PM) is driven by Pitta dosha (Pitta period) - That means our digestive juices are flowing, the sun is at its peak and so may be we work more and eat more during this time.
• From 2 PM to 6 PM we are driven by Vata Dosha (Vata Period) - Please always time to relax the mind and take a break (around 4) from the busy morning. This will allow the mind to stay uncluttered and in harmony. May Indian encourage a mid-day 15 min meditation to relax and calm the mind.
• Evening is Kapha time (6 PM to 10 AM) - Sun sets, animals and birds quite down, flowers close and human life slows down. Its time to relax, rest, unwind from our busy day. Its the perfect time to prepare for the long overnight rest. If we make a habit to go to bed during this kapha period our bodies will have a better chance of recovery when we sleep.
•  From 10 PM to 2 AM Pitta dosha is dominant inside our bodies; However the purpose of this pitta is to recharge our bodies internally, which is only possible if we are asleep. If we are not sleeping at this time, then instead of healing and working internally this pitta energy is spent doing things externally (whether we are working or celebrating) and then our body stays disharmonious.
• From 2AM to 6 AM, Vata dosha is prominent - This is time to unwind the Mind and enhance "Sattvic guna". If you want to develop a meditation practice and you want to do it in harmony with nature, try and meditate between 5 to 6 AM (ideally before sunrise). The quality of meditation will be powerful and energizing for your mind. According to Ayurveda if we can make a habit to wake up before this Vata period ends ie. before 6 AM, we have more energy for our full day. It is also time to just be with yourself.
• Kapha period (6AM to 10 AM) - This is time for preparation again. Cleansing, Body massage, Exercise/Yoga, Shower or bath and small light breakfast.

When we dont follow this type of a routine, our actions may aggravate certain doshas and thereby produce disharmony within our bodies.