Rituals, Rhythms & Seasonal Living

The Ayurvedic Clock: How Daily Rhythms Affect Your Health

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I know you strive to practice different techniques that will bring you better health. Yet, very few of us follow the natural rhythms of the day since electricity transformed our lives. Our ancestors lived their lives in tune with nature. They woke up with the sun, and went to bed when it got dark. According to Ayurveda, the more you sync with the Ayurvedic clock, the better you will feel.

Most people have heard of a biological clock, but what is the Ayurvedic clock?

Here we’ll answer the question what is the Ayurvedic clock and share why it works, and how you can use it for optimal health and wellness in your life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1599688917048{background-color: #e2f2f0 !important;}”]

What is the Ayurvedic Clock?

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The ayurvedic clock is a type of clock, the same as a traditional clock – but here we will view it through the lens of Ayurveda.

The day has its natural rhythms, and the closer you can follow them, the more vitality and less stressed you will feel. Likewise, the further you wander from them, the more your health will suffer.

Ayurveda gives us the clarification of energies which relate to specific times of the day.

Keep in mind that you most likely already break your day into work time, personal time and sleep time. But the Ayurvedic clock views the times of day quite differently. The Ayurvedic clock divides the day into six periods.

Each day has two phases. Day and night. In other words, there are two revolutions of doshas every twenty-four hours.

The first phase takes place from sunrise to sunset. The second phase takes place from sunset to sunrise.

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Approximate Times

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First Phase – Daytime

6 am to 10 am – Kapha
10 am to 2 pm – Pitta
2 pm to 6 pm – Vata

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Second Phase – Nighttime

6 pm to 10 pm – Kapha
10 pm to 2 am – Pitta
2 am to 6 am – Vata

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So let’s take a journey through the 24 hours of the day beginning with the sunrise.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1519433890307{background-color: #e2f2f0 !important;}”]

Starting the Day

6 am – 10 am

Kapha Time

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Ayurvedic clock begins at 6 am in the Kapha period. Kapha energy is weighty, slow, heavy, relaxed and calm.

This sort of energy can make you want to hit the snooze button for just a few more minutes of sleep. But to support your body’s natural rhythms and feel energetic, enthusiastic and alert, you need to wake up and get up before 6 am.

If you ignore nature’s wisdom, you will fall under Kapha’s earth and water-like spell which will cause more harm than good. If you don’t wake up and get out of bed, you will feel the negative weight of Kapha fog your mind and body.

You wouldn’t think that fifteen to thirty more minutes of sleep could cause an adverse effect on how you start your day… But it truly does. If you want to summon a level of invigorating energy, it is in your best interest to get up with the birds between 5:30 and 6 AM.

This will help you start the day with the rhythm of nature’s natural light from the Earth, giving clearness to the mind. It will also help you if you meditate because having a clear mind is essential to getting the full benefits of Yoga and meditation. By getting up this early, you will gear up your mind and body to function at its best in your day to day routine. Yogi’s call the one and a half hours before sunrise Brahmamuhurtha.

Also, this is the time of day when you will have the most strength and stamina – and so it’s the ideal time to exercise.

If you suffer from sinusitis, asthma or excessive buildup of mucus in your nose and throat you may experience symptoms during this time of day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1519433911255{background-color: #e2f2f0 !important;}”]

The Middle of the Day

10 am – 2 pm

Pitta Time

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]According to the ayurvedic clock, the middle of the day begins at 10 AM and ends at 2 PM. This time of day belongs to the energy of Pitta Dosha.

Pitta is the dosha that governs your metabolism, especially the digestion and the absorption of nutrients from food. Pitta energy is hot and fiery and the dominant force of good digestion. This is why it is ideal to eat your main meal at midday.

The metabolic process of your digestion, known as Agni works best during this time. Agni, your internal fire, is associated with the sun. Just as the sun is highest and hottest in the sky at mid-day, so too is your internal fire. As the sun goes down so too does your digestive fire, so aim to eat 75% of your food before the sun sets each day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1519433929542{background-color: #e2f2f0 !important;}”]

Late Afternoon

2 pm – 6 pm

Vata Time

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The period of the day between 2 pm and 6 pm is Vata time which is governed by the qualities of ether and air. These etheric qualities make it a good time for meditation, problem-solving or expansive creative thinking.

This is also the worst time to exercise because your body is the least strong during this time. Because Vata controls the nervous system, it can also be a time of day when your energy dips and you feel ruffled or jumpy. Now is a good time to ground yourself in a calm environment and reduce sensory stimulation. A warm cup of tea is what your body craves now.

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The Second Cycle of The Ayurvedic Clock

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Evening

6 pm – 10- pm

Kapha Time

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we move into the evening, Kapha energy returns, and this time its heavy earth and water qualities help us to wind down and prepare us for sleep. That the very same heavy Kapha energy which makes it difficult to wake up in the morning will now help you to sleep in the evening.

Isn’t it ironic that at the 6 pm marking of the day, most people are just getting off work, only to have to come home to chores and dinner?

Because of the heavy qualities accumulating now, Ayurveda recommends taking a light supper. It is better for your health if your body has finished the digestion process before sleep. Why?

Well, keep in mind that when you eat a light supper, it’s easier to transition from being awake into a deeply restful state.

Let me ask you this question. How do you think your mind and body will react to you eating a hefty meal right before bedtime? Wouldn’t you think that would make your body feel bogged down, especially in the mental state? Of course, it would! Now, just think if you were only eating boxed dinners and a lot of sweets before bedtime.

For many people winding down at the end of the day involves some type of sugary snack, an alcoholic beverage, and TV. That’s how we’ve been programmed to see relaxation time.

The hours between 6 pm and 10 pm is best for light conversation, non-violent tv shows, a warm bath, or soothing music. This will allow you to tap into the energy that helps your body to rest peacefully.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1519433965399{background-color: #e2f2f0 !important;}”]

Late Evening

10 pm – 2 am

Pitta Time

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Between 10 pm – 2 am Pitta energy returns. Pitta rules activity and takes over from the drowsy Kapha level. Pitta’s active digesting energy can give you a second wind that can cause you to eat or process various forms of stress from the day. If you miss the heavy energy of Kapha (between 6 pm – 10 pm), it can keep you up for the rest of the night.

What will this do you your body for the next day? By ignoring your natural drowsiness, you are sacrificing your potency for the next day. When you don’t listen to your body and miss your bedtime of 10 pm, you are sacrificing your well-being.

What many people fail to understand about staying up too late is that this is the time of day that your liver does the internal cleansing.

Your liver is the housecleaner of the body. But, if you’re still up and awake during this time, you miss the cleaning. To make matters worse, Pitta’s fire can make you hungry, and you may find yourself wanting to eat something instead. But, your body wants to sleep now, not eat![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1519433984414{background-color: #e2f2f0 !important;}”]

Early Morning

2 am – 6 am

Vata Time

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Did you know that according to the ayurvedic clock, you begin to rouse around the 2 am marking? This is because the active energy of Vata returns. Remember Vata energy has the qualities of ether and air. So, you may notice your sleep becomes lighter, and often you wake up after 2 am. Sometimes you may see your mind becomes active and starts thinking between these hours.

Because of Vata light, ethereal qualities now is the time of day best suited for meditation. Yogis typically begin their spiritual practices of yoga and meditation around 4 am. This is because the angle of the sun allows for significant clarity and peace now.

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New Routines Requires You To Change

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The key factor to remember is that new routines always require you to alter how you’re existing now. That’s the key to anything in life, really. If you want different results, you’ll need to make new and fresh changes. There isn’t much in life that’s impossible for success if you alter your current routines with determination. We are the way we are because of our daily routines.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1519354391002{background-color: #e2f2f0 !important;}”]

An Ayurvedic Bedtime Routine

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Now, let me share a wonderful Ayurvedic bedtime routine sure to help you sleep your best.

Aiming to get into bed by 10 PM. I know this can feel like the challenge of a lifetime, for sure! But we are going to give you some suggestions below.

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Turn Off the TV

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Most of us like to wind down with the TV on. But did you know that the blue lights can have a negative stimulating effect on your brain? It’s recommended you turn off your television an hour before bedtime. It’s better for your health to let your brain rest and wind down naturally.

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Resist the Online World

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Once again, the blue lights on a computer are bad for your mental health when trying to go to sleep. It would be better to turn your computer off with the television at least one hour before bedtime. The constant jumping from one page to the other will cause stress on your emotions and brain. This is bad because your mind cannot keep up when your physical body is trying to wind down for sleep.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1519354338696{background-color: #e2f2f0 !important;}”]

Get a Foot Massage

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You don’t need to go to a fancy spa to get a good foot massage. You can do it right in the comfort of your own home. A foot massage, especially one done with a Kansa Wand works wonders for stress-relief and tranquility.

You can also use Lavender essential oil for added relaxation benefits. Use this time when most people are watching TV or on their computer to become one with yourself. You can even do a few Yoga poses after to further train your mind to go with the natural flow of winding down. You’ll soon see how easy it is to fall and stay asleep.

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Relaxation CD’s

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you feel like you want to have something to listen to before bed, do Yoga Nidra, listen to a guided meditation or relaxing music. Yoga Nidra allows you to experience yourself beyond the confines of your body as witnessing awareness while your body experiences profound relaxation and restoration. It also influences brain and immune function and helps to soothe aches and pains as well as chase the worries away. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1519354364112{background-color: #e2f2f0 !important;}”]

Warm Milk with Herbs

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]About fifteen to twenty minutes before bed, make yourself a cup of warm milk. You can add some sleep encouraging herbs for an extra dose of relaxation. I recommend cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, saffron, with a pinch of ghee. Let it simmer in a pot for two or three minutes. The warmth and added flavors will help you wind down as your Ayurvedic clock begins to kick in for sleep.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1519354381456{background-color: #e2f2f0 !important;}”]

Conclusion of What is the Ayurvedic Clock

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Remember the key in abiding to your Ayurvedic clock is knowing the times your body transitions into each doshic cycle. It’s up to you on how well you pay attention to the Ayurvedic clock.

If you sync your natural biological rhythms with mother nature, she will reward you with a healthy body and mind.

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