Whether you are currently undergoing a cleansing cure or not, the Ayurvedic morning routine dinacharya should be part of your daily rituals. You support your wellbeing, cleanse your system, keep your Doshas in balance, and start the day by gently bringing your circulation into motion.
Classically, the morning routine begins with rising before sunrise. In the Indian tradition, the practicing yogi rises two hours before sunrise to begin the daily cleansing ceremony. In our culture, it is optimal to rise around 6:00 AM in the morning, as Vata Dosha is still active here and the body can begin its natural elimination phase. The early morning hours are ideal for becoming physically active, as your body is still light and flexible. They are also particularly suitable for spiritual exercises, meditations, and the comprehensive Ayurvedic morning routine.
The Most Important At A Glance
- The Ayurvedic morning routine supports your wellbeing and brings your Doshas into balance.
- Optimal rising is around 6:00 AM to utilize the natural elimination phase.
- The routine includes cleansing, oil pulling, tongue scraping, and an Abhyanga massage.
The Ayurvedic Morning Routine Step By Step
1. Drinking Hot Water
Rise and prepare a glass of warm water, drink it, and take a bathroom break.
Tip
Many prefer adding fresh ginger and/or turmeric to the water.
2. Oil Pulling
For oil pulling (gandusha), take about 1 tablespoon of sesame oil or a medicated oral oil in your mouth and move it with chewing motions in the oral cavity for about 5 minutes. The oil will turn whitish and lose its taste. Then spit it out. Oil pulling reduces metabolic waste (ama), strengthens and awakens the facial and chewing muscles as well as the gums. It eliminates bad breath, activates the senses, and brings mental freshness.
3. Tongue Scraping
Following oil pulling, take the tongue scraper in hand and gently clean the tongue surface with the scraper by pulling the coating from the root to the tip. Rinse the tongue scraper thoroughly after use.
4. Brushing Teeth
To ensure comprehensive oral hygiene, please brush your teeth after you have cleaned your tongue. An Ayurvedic herbal toothpaste is ideal.
5. Nasal Cleansing With A Neti Pot
Especially in winter when we are exposed to dry heating air and colds, but also with allergies, nasal cleansing with a neti pot is recommended. For this, place the pot filled with lukewarm salt water to the left and alternately the right nostril and let the water gently cleanse your nasal passages. First check that the water has a pleasant temperature! The water should not run into the throat. If this is the case, adjust your head position so that it flows freely out the other nostril.
6. Abhyanga Massage
After oral hygiene, the Abhyanga follows, a strengthening and invigorating massage with warm sesame oil. Take the oil and massage it gently into your body from head to foot. Let the oil work for 20 minutes.
Tip
First warm some sesame oil in a water bath and stand on a surface where oil drops won't cause damage. Don't forget the nostrils and ear openings.
7. Twenty Minutes For You
While the oil works and stimulates metabolism through the skin, you can quietly reflect on the completed morning routine. Afterward, shower in warm water without soap. Now you can start your day fresh and dynamically.
Tip
Use this time to meditate, practice breathing and/or yoga exercises, or simply rest for 20 minutes wrapped in a towel and drink another glass of warm water.
