The Ayurvedic Clock
Most of us are scrambling to make time for our chores at home and to meet deadlines at work and at the same time struggling to find time for ourselves, to unwind and find moments of calm which help center us. This hectic schedule of ours slowly and gradually affects our state of health, both physically and mentally. Following the Ayurvedic Clock may be the solution to this.
Thousands of years ago, Ayurveda had outlined an ideal daily routine which is called ‘The Ayurvedic Clock’ or ‘Dincharya’ which not only helps us restore balance in our life but also helps to improve our health. Our Chief Ayurveda Consultant can help you understand this in a one on one Consultation.
There are numerous benefits of following the Ayurvedic Clock as it will teach us how a few small tweaks in our daily habits and lifestyle can reap huge health benefits.
According to Ayurveda, there is a perfect ideal time for every activity we do during a day. The Ayurvedic Clock captures the time for eating, sleeping, working or even thinking / introspecting. It is linked to how our genes & hormones operate and demonstrates a strong link between our body’s energy and the energy of the doshas (Vata, Pitta & Kapha).
The Ayurvedic clock has six blocks of time ( of four-hour cycles each) basis the type of dosha which is predominant during that time.
These six blocks of time are:
- 6 am – 10 am: Kapha kala
- 10 am – 2 pm: Pitta kala
- 2 pm – 6 pm: Vata kala
- 6 pm – 10 pm: Kapha kala
- 10 pm – 2 am: Pitta kala
- 2 am – 6 am: Vata kala
Recommended activities for each of the six blocks of time according to dosha which is pre-dominant at the time
6 am – 10 am
Kapha kala dominates the morning four-hour block. Kapha dosha is the energy of earth and water, and thus heavy and sluggish. This means that the energy at this time of the day is heavy, slower and denser.
Also, during this time our body’s digestive fire is weak, therefore, as per Ayurveda, it is advised not to eat anything or eat a very light meal. This time should be spent on doing activities like yoga, exercising, planning the day etc.
10 am – 2 pm
During this period, the Kapha kala flows into Pitta kala. Pitta dosha is made up of fire and water.
This four-hour cycle is the best time to have the primary meal of the day as our digestive system is at its best and the fire of the pitta dominates. Our body has the maximum bile to help break down the food consumed at this time, so we can consume our largest meal of the day at this time. During this four-hour period, heat will naturally predominate in our bodies and by harnessing this heat, we are propelled to be productive and accomplish our goals.
We can also schedule our most physical or analytical tasks during the Pitta daylight hours as Pitta supports our ability to digest everything – food, thoughts, feeling and physical work.
2 pm – 6 pm
During this period, the Pitta kala flows into Vata kala. Since Vata dosha includes the elements of ether and air, this four-hour cycle tends to be a great time to access the ether and explore the spiritual connection.
In the afternoon time, between 2 pm – 6 pm, is the time for movement, creativity and communication.
The natural day light qualities of this time of the day allows creativity and expansive thinking to peak, making it a great time to engage in creative pursuits and problem solving. This is also the best time to socialise.
6 pm – 10 pm
The end of the first four-hour cycle of Vata kala, takes us to Kapha kala one more time.
The evening time, 6 pm – 10 pm, is the time to assimilate, slow down & introspect so that we move towards sleep peacefully. Our bodies naturally have less energy at this time of the day because we are getting ready to go into rest and repair mode. Therefore, Ayurveda recommends a very light supper at this time so the body can quickly complete the task of digestion before the bedtime.
10 pm – 2 am
At the end of Kapha kala, we are back to the next four-hour cycle of Pitta kala.
In the night time, between 10 pm – 2 am, the body uses this four-hour period to digest experiences, feelings, emotions and any remaining food from earlier in the day and is ready to go into repair & renewal mode.
To get a good sleep, turn off all the blue screens at least an hour before sleeping & go to bed latest by 10 PM. From 10 pm – 2 am is the time for the liver to repair itself , therefore we need to be in deep sleep at this time in order to heal.
2 am – 6 am
Finally, the second four-hour cycle of Pitta kala fades as the Vata kala begins.
In the early morning time, between 2 am – 6 am, it is advisable to wake up at Brahma Muhurta, which is the last quarter of the night before the sunrise approx. between 5 am – 6 am. This is the best time to re- create and regenerate yourself. This is an ideal time to meditate, read, do intellectual activities, plan business strategies etc. It is the time we can connect more easily to stillness and peace when there is less activity outside and things are quiet and calm.
Research has also shown that during this period the entire body is in a certain conducive atmosphere and there is a natural production of melatonin (the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle), which is a secretion of the pineal gland.
Conclusion-
We recommend to align your daily routine with The Ayurveda Clock to enhance wellbeing and vitality.
Making an effort to shift our routine may look a bit challenging & overwhelming in the beginning but will reap huge benefits in the long run. This will surely help us restore our balance and enhance our overall health.
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Show comments Hide comments[…] Ayurveda clearly mentions the importance of sleep and highlights that our internal organs rest and recover when we are sleeping. As per Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, dating back to more than 5000 years in India, 10 pm is the ideal time to go to bed, to aid the repair process. From 10pm to 2am, our liver repairs, so we should be at rest then, in-order to heal. Ayurveda has prescribed an ideal daily routine which is called ‘The Ayurvedic Clock’ which not only helps us restore balance in our life but also improves our health. Please read our blog on this topic for more details. […]
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