Ayurveda has a unique way of showing us our daily habits and what works or doesn’t work for us. When we look at our day, we have to look into our internal clocks’ patterns and how they are working or not working for us. It is not only “what” we do for our bodies but the “when” we do it. When we eat, live, or breathe, our internal biological clock is affected positively if we follow our doshic clock. Modern society can shift how we live, disrupting our innate metabolic rhythm.
Both clocks, the circadian clock, and the Ayurvedic clock, go hand in hand. Eating a large lunch around noon matches our internal Ayurvedic clock, as that is when our digestion is the strongest. Eating a large snack at night will go against our internal Ayurvedic clock. Nighttime is a time to detox our system and fall into our sleep cycle. We were ridding the toxins so they are released in the morning when we wake up. Our circadian clock goes hand in hand with the Ayurvedic clock. The disconnection between our innate internal clock is called Chronodisruption. The sun and the moon cycle is essential in Ayurveda.
Pitta, the air and water elements, are the highest between 10-2. Vata is between 2-6 pm when our minds are most alert, and Kapha is when we should feel more grounded and sleep between 6 pm and 10 pm. It is essential to be in sync with our internal clock so our melatonin levels are balanced in the evening and cortisol levels are balanced during the morning when they peak. When we follow the sunrise to the sunset, we are resetting our system. It is best to wake up before sunrise to match the wake-up of mother nature to our internal senses.
The chemicals in our body adjust when we are balanced with the universe’s elements. Science has proven time and time again that establishing a daily routine that matches our internal system for nourishing our bodies is extremely vital to our lasting health. Eventually, when we become consistent enough, we start seeing the benefits. We then notice the subtle changes. This forces us to learn more about ourselves, what we need, and how to thrive.
The Doshic Times are:
Kapha – 6 am to 10 am, 6 pm to 10 pm ( exercise, exercise, and go to bed)
Pitta – 10 am to 2 pm, 10 pm to 2 am (eat, sleep)
Vata – 2 pm to 6 pm, 2 am to 6 am (mental exertion, wake up)
Many of my clients express low energy levels and, therefore, have started a cycle of flipping their internal clock in the opposite direction, not realizing the impact of their habits. The bodies are in constant flight or flight mode from stress, overthinking, eating at the wrong times, and overworking. They are waiting for the next event instead of being in the present moment. This is when they are out of their natural clock rhythm and not in rest and digest mode. Grabbing food at 11:00 at night when we should be detoxing our bodies in bed instead of eating sporadically in a rush during the day knocks us out of balance, leading to dysfunction.
When we get back on track, our bodies thank us for bringing in the nourishment it needs. Our bodies work on a clock. When we eat according to our constitution (not just what we eat), we see a shift in our mood, energy, and understanding of how our body works. Shifting a lifestyle that is in balance and harmony with nature is vital for longevity.
Stay tuned for Part II on dosha cycles
-Amani Mind