Ayurveda recognises the three doshas, namely Vata-Pitta-Kapha as primary life forces. These active principles are the basis of life, life processes and its eventual death. Scheduling accordingly is neither a routine nor a discipline, this is the natural movement of our own being, as suggested by Dr. David Frawley.
Let’s consider this fact that some food items or practices, or drugs (medicines) lead to entirely different results in different individuals. The reason behind this is simple- the constitution of every individual is different, their timings to do specific tasks are different, which brings out diverse results.
Want to make the best of your time?
Schedule your day according to the Dosha Clock.
What is Dosha Clock?
The action of three Doshas– Vata-Pitta-Kapha depends on several factors, including the time of the day, in regard to the movement of sun and moon. Each dosha works in chronology, being most active at a particular time in the day.
Kapha Time-
• 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Pitta Time-
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Vata Time-
• 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.
• 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Kapha time should be used for contemplation. But one should do some physical activity, other-wise Kapha can make us sleep during meditation.
Pitta time increases our productivity and restoration. Therefore, afternoon time must be used to its full advantage and night time for restoration of continuous wear and tear in the body.
Let’s see why we should correct our current schedule-
Vata Time- Dawn
(2 a.m. to 6 a.m.)
At dawn, the Vata is responsible for dreams and nightmares. A meditator wakes up early and knows exactly how to channelise this energy in a positive way. This period suggests activities like waking up, physical cleanse, mental cleanse and taking care of overall well-being. Ayurveda is stern about waking up by the rise of the sun. Ambrosial Hour (Brahma-muhurta or Amrit-vela) is approximately 45 minutes before the sun-rise. We should sense the awakening energy, like the birds do and leave the bed, at ease.
Vata is responsible for the evacuation of toxins and faecal matter, which have been accumulated by the activity of Pitta at night. After evacuation; oral cleanse, nasal cleanse, and bathing are suggested. Meditating during this time helps in mental cleanse and grounding the highly unstable nature of Vata. one must meditate and take in the positive energy of the morning. Oiling the body during this period adds to the general well-being of the body.
Letting Your Body To Snooze Off During This Time Will Let The Kapha-Time To Take-Over, Which Will Make You Feel Heavy and Lethargic Throughout The Day.
Kapha Time- Morning
(6 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
Walking, exercising, cycling or doing yoga tends to bring the body in motion during this slow period. These activities help to lay off the stiffness of muscles and joints from the sleep. Also, Kapha helps to focus on studies, that is why the schools begin during this period.
Ideal Time for
Breakfast-
8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Digestion is very slow during this period. If we eat heavy and cold breakfast, it aggravates the Kapha even more and diminishes the digestive fire for the rest of the day, heaviness and coolness being similar to Kapha. This is not good for health. Consuming light and hot meals bring Kapha to balance and promotes digestion for the rest of the day.
Pitta Time– Day
(10 A.M. To 2 P.M.)
Pitta correlates with analysis, comprehension and productivity. If you want to perform brain-storming tasks, achieve difficult targets, then Pitta will let you have it. Pitta gets more work done in a shorter time frame.
Our digestive fire becomes stronger as the Sun grows, and weakens as the sun comes down. Thus, this is the best time to consume heavy meals. If you prefer non-vegetarian diet, try to consume it during this period.
Ideal Time for Lunch-
12 noon to 2 p.m.
(Biggest meal of the day)
Vata Time- Evening
(2 P.M. To 6 P.M.)
During this time, the previous Pitta time and heavy meal results in glucose production. Therefore, it is recommended to consume light snacks or nuts, when hungry during the late afternoon.
Time for
Creativity,
Planning,
Writing
The glucose in addition to the Vata encourages neurological activity. This is also the time for hyperactivity, which you may want to stabilise with meditation or chanting. During this period, you will experience your brain to work faster, grasp new things and think creatively.
Kapha Time- Morning
(6 A.M. To 10 A.M.)
As we discussed above that our digestive fire depends upon the intensity and movement of the sun, likewise, our body isn’t capable of digesting heavy meals after the sunset. It wise to have our dinner during this period and keep it light. Kapha makes us mindful of whatever activity we do during this time, and keeps us pleasant, like, exercising, preparing and consuming meals. Delaying the dinner, or consuming heavy dinner makes us susceptible to partial digestion of food leading to Ama-toxicity (toxins due to accumulated partially digested material in the body), dyspepsia, obesity.
Since this period has a grounding effect on us, it is best to practice self-care, either during the evening or before going to bed. It is time to share quality time with ourselves and our loved ones. A short walk after dinner is recommended for better intestinal health.
Ideal Time for
Dinner-
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Pitta Time– Night
(10 P.M. To 2 A.M.)
Pitta makes you have a sound sleep, just like a mother lulls her kid to sleep. Parents know better to tug their kids to bed an hour before this period begins, otherwise, pitta won’t let any of them sleep. During this sound sleep, the body takes its time for restoration of wear and tear in the body, and doing metabolic activities. The body prepares the toxins for evacuation by the Vata in the upcoming period.
Ideal Time to
Sleep-
• 9 pm to 10 pm
• 2-3 hours after dinner
If we stay awake after 10, we feel highly active and usually begin to feel hungry. These ‘mid-night carvings’ are highly responsible for Ama-toxicity, disturbing our metabolism, and can further lead to metabolic disorders like Hypertension, Diabetes, Thyroid imbalance etc.
Tip: Try to avoid glowing screens at night, because they aggravate the Pitta, keeps us alert and might cause Insomnia.
Use this time away from gadgets for contemplation and relaxation before going to bed.
Developing understanding of the activity of dominant Dosha tells us its benefits if we come in sync with them. Tuning in with the natural rhythm of the body restores our physical and mental health.
If we schedule our day according to dosha-dominance, our productivity also increases, like the boat sailing in the direction of flow of the river.
Happy Scheduling!
Sadar namaskaar!
The articles are extremely educative and logical.
My heartfelt thanks.
Very informative article on keeping ourself healthy in a natural way.
Thanks for a very informative article .
Very informative and usefull.Shukrane
Very informative article. Thanks for sharing ☺️
We should follow these guidelines. Guru Bhagwaan ji ke Anant Anant Shukrane hai
Excellent information
Excellent information .I like this site.thankyou so much.
Thanks for sharing this much required article in today’s time when everything seems to be out of sync with nature. Need to read it a few times more to imbibe all the points .
Diagram is very good .
Thats really made me curious to know more , thnks for info. Looking for more informative blogs?