Simple but very effective daily routines

Dr M Lalithambika D A M

One who applies oil on the head regularly does not suffer from headache, baldness, graying of hair and hair fall. It also enhances the strength of head and forehead. With oil hair becomes black, long and deep rooted. Sense organs work properly, the skin of face becomes brightened and moreover one experiences a sound sleep and happiness. Similarly, if oil is regularly dropped in to ears, diseases due to vitiated vata, lockjaw, hardness and deafness are prevented. An oil massage daily helps the body to become strong and smooth skinned. It gives much resistance to diseases. And moreover it cleanses the body, helps to eliminate toxins, opens the channels so that the energies can flow freely through them and in the process rejuvenates the mind and body.

After having a massage it is beneficial to exercise according to the strength of the body. It will bring about lightness, ability to work, stability, resistance to the system, and alleviation of excess doshas specially kapha. Daily bathing is purifying, sexually stimulating and life giving. It removes fatigue, sweating and dirt. Also it brings strength and vitality to the body. Wearing clean dresses adds body charm, reputation and longevity. It also gives pleasure, grace, and competence apart from good looks. Use of perfumes and garlands stimulates libido, produces good smell in the body and enhances longevity and charm. It is pleasing to the mind and it prevents inauspiciousness. Wearing gems and ornaments adds to the prosperity, auspiciousness, longevity and grace. It is pleasant and charming. It is also conducive to the vitality of the body. The dressing and cutting of hair, beard including moustaches and nails, adds to the corpulence, libido, longevity, cleanliness and beauty. Use of footwear is conducive to eyesight and skin of feet. It protects the feet from attacks of reptiles, germs etc. It also gives strength and facilitates the display of physical force and is libidinal stimulant. In ayurveda different type of cigars are prescribed for smoking, but they contain only vegetable drugs and do not contain any tobacco or narcotics like cannabis. Such smoking cures heaviness of head, head ache, rhinitis, ear ache, pain in the eyes, cough, hiccup, tonsillitis, graying of hair, falling hair, sneezing, excessive drowsiness, loss of consciousness, hypersomnia etc. On the contrary it strengthens hair root, skull bones, sense organs and voice. In short, diseases connected to head and neck arising out of vata and kapha do not affect the person who is used to smoke by oral route.

In short the general daily routine can be as follows: Wake before sunrise, empty bladder and bowels, clean face, teeth, tongue and hands, Drink a glass of water, Sniff two or three drops of oil into each nostril, gargle with oil, massage daily if possible, perform physical exercise appropriate to the constitution, bathe and dress in clean, comfortable clothing, have a light breakfast, work or study, mid-day meal according to the season and constitution, continue work or study, practice evening meditation at the hour of sunset, light evening meal with easily digestible foods, take a short walk, enjoy light, pleasant activities and finally go to bed before 10 pm.

(The author is the medical director, MEDICUS AyurBay and can be contacted on info@ayurbay.com).