Ayurveda prescribes three major guidelines for Healthy Living. They are

Dinacharya, Ritucharya & Brahmacharya

Dinacharya

One should get up early in the morning at 0430 AM , the time prescribed for

Meditation. After brushing the teeth, one should take an oil bath.

Oil, preferably coconut oil, should be put all over the body and one should

relax for 30-60 minutes for the oil to sink in. Oil Bath is known in

Ayurveda as Abhyanga. Because of the oil bath, you will get proper sleep.

The body becomes fresh. The body is fortified and becomes cool. Oil will

take care of all the diseases of the scalp. It will prevent hair loss. The

hair becomes blacker and more healthy.

After Abhyanga, one should do exercise. Exercise will increase the digestive

capacity and obesity will be controlled. After doing exercise ( Yoga

exercises are the best ), one should massage the body mildly. One should not

do excess exercise. Excess exercise can result in weakness, thirst, fever

and vomiting. Mild massage can destroy phlegm and reduce fat.

Taking oil bath daily increases the digestive fire. It will increase the

sexual capacity. More energy and strength will be imparted by an oil bath.

Physical weakness will disappear. One should pour only cold water over the

head . Hot water bath is ideal for the rest of the body.

Ritucharya

Western system of Astrology which follows the Tropical Zodiac identifies

four major seasons - Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

From March 21 we have the beginning of summer, after the Spring Equinox.

From June 21 we have autumn, after the Summer Solstice. From Sept 22 we have

Winter, after the Autumnal Equinox and after Dec 22, which is the pagan

festival of Winter Solstice, we have Spring

The Indian system of Astrology which follows the Sidereal Zodiac identifies

six major seasons known as Rithus. Two months constitute a Rithu. ( Tau Dwau

Rithu ).

They are Sisira ( January & February), Vasantha ( March & April), Greeshma

( May & June ), Varsha ( July & August ), Sharath ( September & October ) &

Hemantha ( November & December ).

The Three Humurs of Ayurveda are Wind ( Vata ), Bile ( Pitta ) & Phlegm (

Kapha ). Their equilibrium is Health and their disharmony is ill-health.

During Sharath Rithu, Pitta will be more.

During Hemanta Rithu, Kapha will be more.

During Greeshma, Vata will be more.

During Varsha, Vata will be more.

During the hot Greeshma Rithu, one should avoid hard labour which gives a

tough time for the body. The ideal foods during Greeshma are Fruit juices,

buttermilk, lime juice and these should be taken extensively. Can have cold

water bath. Water Melon, plantains, bananas, cucumber, tomatoes, jackfruit

and leafy vegetables can be taken in.

Uttarayana ( the Northern Progress of the Sun ) involve the six solar

sidereal months from Capricorn to Cancer. During this phase, one should take

abundant fruits like pomegranate, water melon, orange, grapes and tender

coconut water. This phase is known as Adana Kala because much strength is

lost from the body due to the hot season. Plantains and bananas should also

be taken in. Rice, wheat, gooseberry ( which is a rich source of Vitamin

C ), pineapple, mangoes, cashew, groundnut, carrot, pumpkin,honey, milk and

leafy vegetables should also be consumed.

Dakshinayana ( the Southern Progress of the Sun ) involve the six solar

sidereal months from Cancer to Capricorn. This phase is known as Visarga

Kala , as this is a period which augments physical strength. Bittergourd,

gooseberry, chilli, wheat, honey, rice and vegetables can be taken in during

this period.

Brahmacharya

Brahmacharya means to roam in Brahman, the Absolute, to embrace none but

Him.

Lustre and virility are all dependent on the seventh Tissue Element, Semen.

If there is a weaking of this tissue element, the body loses potency. Hence

the need for preserving this vital Tissue Element through proper celibacy.

Havelock Ellis in his "Psychology of Sex " has demonstrated that

preservation of semen can result in increased creativity, high MQ & high IQ.

High Emotional Quotient and Spiritual Quotient are also the boons of

Brahmacharya.

Semen consists of the triune properties of Heat ( Tejas ), Light ( Ojas) and

Electricity ( Vidyut ). Sublimation of this vital fluid can result in

increased longevity. It will fortify the Immune system and body can be saved

from wrinkles. Intuition and the discriminative intellect will function more

during celibacy. Hence controlled Brahmacharya is a must for Healthy Living.

Pathya - Diet Control

There is a popular saying in Ayurveda that there no cure for 2 types of

people. People who observe Pathya ( Diet Control ) and people who do not

follow Pathya ! If a man has hyperacidity and do not observe Pathya ( if he

takes in spicy, hot foods, alcohol and beverages ), how can he be cured.

even with a plethora of medicines ? If the same man follows Pathya ( he

avoids spicy foods, alcohol & beverages ), he doesnt need medicines !