Ayurveda speaks - watch your Clock

Ayurveda, an ocean of never ending wisdom states that one has to plunge deeper to get precious pearls out of it. One can never understand the essence of the science by fragmentary understanding of the matter. It is a life of science, which is based upon self experiences and strong observations. Ayurveda theory is based upon five basic elements of cosmic evolution which are Ether (Akash), Air (Vayu), Fire (Teja), Water (Jala), and Earth (Prithvi). These five elements join each other in different permutations and combinations to evolve three biological forces called as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. They are the trinity of biological humors that regulate our body when in equilibrium, and also result in diseases when get vitiated.

Biological humors coexist in the body in such a fashion that they do not hinder each other’s functions and simultaneously control each other in order to perform desired physical and physiological functions. Being primary constitutive factors of the body, they are directly influenced by our conscious or subconscious actions. Having said that means even a smallest change in our life style has an impact over the positioning of these Doshas. Trinity of Doshas also gets influenced by time and predominate each other at different parts of the day and night. This natural fluctuation of Doshas maintains our health and regulates our physiological routine. Ayurveda explain it as Natural Biological clock.

If we divide 24 hours in day and night, individual dosha has four hours of predominating cycle. Each dosha increases for four hours during the day cycle and repeats the same during night. This cycle is directly proportionate to the physiological performance of the body. For a better understanding, this clock could be understood as,

In a Day cycle:

• From 6 am to 10 am Kapha predominates
• From 10 am to 2 pm Pitta predominates
• From 2pm to 6 pm Vata predominates

In a Night cycle:

• From 6 pm to 10 pm Kapha predominates
• From 10 pm to 2 am Pitta predominates
• From 2 am to 6 am Vata predominates

One needs to have a fair understanding of this biological clock of the body to regulate the daily routine and maintain life style accordingly. For example, at night cycle Kapha predominates between 6 am to 10 pm. Kapha or adhesive force of the body is also responsible for inducing sleep. Ancient wisdom recommends sleeping during this Kapha predominant phase in order to experience a peaceful sleep. Once this time is elapsed, follows the predominance of Pitta phase. Pitta also depicts enlightenment, awareness which also suppresses the natural urge of sleeping. It makes the mind alert again, even if you are physically sleeping or feeling sleepy.

Understanding your biological clock can help you to deal with minor daily niggles with ease and helps to maintain a disease free life. It is just a walk towards the general principles of life to live in harmony with your inner peace. Ayurveda suggests that one should constantly engage in learning new things, because “the true knowledge is a power, rightly said.”