What
are your cravings?
What are your cravings?
Dr. Alka's Approach
A question that Dr. Alka routinely poses to her patients, it is rooted in her treatment philosophy of ‘intuitive living’. Founder of Tanmatra Ayurveda, a treatment and wellness centre based in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s capital city, Dr. Alka is a thyroid, gut, and gynaecology consultation expert.
Dr. Alka Vijayan continues to be a seeker with traditional Ayurvedic medicine being at the centre of her practice. But, “the patient has to be ready for real healing to take place,” she says. For Dr. Alka also gently guides her patients to adopt ‘intuitive living’ so that they understand their unique constitution (prakriti) and make empowered choices. This transforms individuals at the mental, physical and spiritual level, as they tap into the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda focused on dinacharya (lifestyle) and ahaara (food).
Dinacharya:
Ayurvedic Daily Routine
A dinacharya or daily routine as prescribed in Ayurveda turns the mundane into something meaningful as every act takes you a step closer to achieving holistic well-being. Rooted in the simple principle of aligning one’s lifestyle with nature’s rhythms, a dinacharya fosters physical, mental and spiritual balance.
The practice typically begins with rising early,often before sunrise, to synchronise with the natural energy of the day, known as brahma muhurtham. This quiet time allows for self-reflection, meditation and setting positive intentions for the day. A dinacharya emphasises oral hygiene, including tongue scraping and oil pulling, followed by self-massage or abhyanga using herbal oils to nourish the skin and improve circulation.A balanced breakfast, lunch and dinner are had at regular intervals, in accordance with one’s appetite, thereby promoting digestion. Physical exercise, such as yoga or walking, is incorporated to keep the body active.
The evening routine involves winding down with a calming herbal tea, light exercises and a technology detox to encourage restful sleep. By adhering to an Ayurvedic dinacharya, you have much to gain in terms of vitality, harmony and hormone health.