According to Ayurveda a person bearing a complete equilibrium of Dasha, Agni, Mala and Physical and Psychosomatic functions along with a happy mind and spirit is the only healthy person. For achieving this healthy manhood, Ayurveda has laid stress on adoption of certain principles subjected to specific Ahar, Vihar and Achars based on Hetu (Material cause), Kala (Season) and Desha (Habitat). These principles are defined as Charyas (Routine or life style).

This comprises of the dos and don’t during the day time i.e. starting from the time of getting up from bed to the time going to bed.

It is advisable to get up early in the morning beofre sunrise in Brahma Muhurta. It helps in avoiding dreams as well as in providing time when mind is clear and body losses are repaired.

A draught of water taken at the time of getting up, causes a free passage of motion and urine.

It is very necessary to inculcate the habit of easing in the morning.

Cleaning the teeth, tongue and mouth every morning should be ensured. Teeth may be cleaned by Babbula, Neem or Dhaka stick. This helps in removing the accumulation of dirt, tartar etc., from the teeth & tongue as well as thus the massages the gums and mind gets cheered.

It is necessary to massage whole body with oil. For massaging. Tila Taila (Gingelly Oil), Sarsapa taila (Mustard oil) or Narikela (Coconut Oil) can be used. But generally speaking Sarsapa Taila is the best one. Medicated Oils may also be used.

Oil massage ensures softness and unctuousness of skin thereby eliminating chances of infection, free movement of joints and muscles, increased circulation of blood, speedy removal of metabolic waste products through skin and maintenance of perfect health. In some measure, it also serves as an exercise.

Regular exercise is essential for perfect health. It builds up stamina and resistance against disease, clears the channels of body (Srotas) and increases the blood circulation and efficiency of lungs.

One should take bath with warm water at the place protected from draught. Bath increases Jatharagni, clears the the pores of the skin and the skin becomes clear.

Diet should be regulated taking into account the Desha, Kala (season) and habit. Diet should be planned to include all six Rasa (taste) i.e. sweet, saltish, acid, bitter, acrid and astringent. Diet should be balanced and the quantity should be according to one’s digestive capacity.

Tips on Diet

• Fresh ginger with a small amount of salt should be taken 10 to 15 minutes before food.
• The diet, specially hard substances should be properly chewed.
• Wherever possible, intake of curd or butter milk should follow food.
• The food should be tasty, fresh and good in appearance.
• It should neither be very hot nor absolutely cold.
• Water should be avoided at least 15 minutes before food. The quantity of water after food should be small. Let it be drunk often.
• Heavy (Guru) food should be taken in a limited quantity.
• Heavy food should not be taken at night. The proper time for night meals is two to three hours before going to bed. After night food, it is better to go for a short walk, of say hundred steps.
• Heavy work or exercises should be avoided after food.
• After meals, heavy mental or physical work should be avoided. Some rest is advisable for proper digestion of food.

Sleep

Sleep is most important for maintenance of health and longevity of the human beings. It is appropriately called ‘Jagaddhatri’ because of its mechanism of overcoming wear and tear of the body due to physical work and mental stress and tissue loss.

Tips on sleep

• One should sleep with head to the east or north.
• The bedroom should be absolutely clean, well ventilated and away from noise and disturbance.
• The bedroom should be draught free.
• One should avoid sleep when the brain is excited e.g. after reading, thinking, drinking etc.
• The mind must be absolutely free from wordly affairs and worries while going to bed. This may be achieved by praying to God at the time of going to bed.
• Sleeping late at night leads to ill health.
• A minimum of seven hours sleep is reuqired in 24 hours to repair the wear and tear of the body.
• Sleep during the day should be avoided as far as possible. However, if one keeps awake at night, he can take some sleep in the day time. Day sleep is not contraindicated in summer but in winter, the day-sleep increases Kapha, thereby causing respiratory and digestive troubles.
• It is advisable to massage the head, soles and palms with oil before going to bed. By massage, dreams can be controlled.

Sexual appetite life the one for food, appears to have been insatiable and a bit perverted since ancient days. Hence the old Acharyas have warned not to go to bed with a woman in her menses, during pregnancy, when recently delivered, with elderly womans etc. Day time coitus is also tabooed. They have warned against coitus interruptus i.e. withdrawal without emission. This is a very annoying procedure to both the parties who may become neurotic finally. It is today. On the other hand, they have recommened sex enjoyment of suitable couples, as follows:

In Vasant – Sharad – Twice weekly,

In Varsha – Greeshma – Fornightly,

In Hemant – Shishir – According to capacity and inclination.