August is a good month for panchakarma, the deep cleansing treatments that form the heart of ayurveda. Heal yourself of ailments by dextoxifying your system

An ayurvedic lifestyle

Dinacharya is the ayurvedic prescription for healthy living day after day.

Waking: 4:30 to 5 am, the freshest and purest time of the day

Realisation: Take a moment to analyse your own, true nature Breathing: Take a short stroll amidst nature

Elimination: As soon as possible, empty your colon and bladder Clean your senses: Wash the eyes with rose water and triphala to purify the sight. Wash your ears and apply a tiny amount of sesame or almond oil in them to purify your hearing. Brush your teeth and scrape your tongue with a tongue cleaner to purify your mouth and sense of taste.

Oil massage/abhyanga: A self-massage that prevents aging and removes skin dryness

Exercise/ vyayama: yoga, swimming, a walk or any other physical exercise

Bathing: Warm water baths are suggested

Meditation: The most important aspect of dinacharya

Breakfast: Take a light breakfast. Minimise the calories and maximise the nutrients Study/work/travel

Lunch: This is the main meal of the day so eat a healthy nutritious meal that has moderate calories. After the meal take a little walk, a couple hundred steps only, to help the food digest.

Sundown: This is the time for evening prayers and meditations in many cultures around the world.

Dinner: This meal should be lighter than lunch.

Ease: spend time with family, read and relax

Bedtime: Get 6 to 7 hours of sleep before 4:30 am. A good practice is to massage the soles of your feet with calming oil before going to bed. This will calm your system and promote well being. Take triphala before sleep.