The science of Ayurveda—a time-tested 5000-year-old natural system of medicine—teaches us how to attain optimal health through a deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationship to the world around us. It is a system based on strengthening the body, mind, and spirit through massage, meditation, yoga, dietary choices, herbal medicine, special oils, lifestyle practices, and unique ancient treatments that integrate science and nature—allowing the body’s own natural healing mechanisms to work to their fullest potential.

Dinacharya is a Sanskrit word made up of ‘dina’ meaning day and ‘acharya’ meaning activity. So dinacharya is a daily routine designed to maintain and connect us to our circadian rhythms, or the internal body clock. While Ayurveda has always emphasized the significance of a connection with nature, Western scientists have only recently begun to grasp the importance. The disconnection from the circadian rhythms, called chronodisruption, has been linked to a host of health concerns, including poor cognitive function, mood and sleep disorders, diabetes, obesity, daytime sleepiness, reduced school performance, substance abuse, heart disease, and some cancers.

Ayurveda tells us that on any given day, there are two cycles of change that exist—the sun cycle and the moon cycle—and they are connected with the Ayurvedic body type or doshas (vata, pitta, or kapha).

Dinacharya tells us, based on our unique constitution, the best times for us to sleep, eat, exercise, work, relax, and more. We’ll explore the daily routine and how to incorporate its components into your life.