The Āyurvedic Clock and Your Practice
The āyurvedic clock has long been revered as a guiding principle for a balanced and harmonious life. Rooted in the ancient wisdom of āyurveda, this clock divides the day into different periods and explains how the elements and the predominant energies cycle throughout the day. We know this inherently, as we feel awake and alert at certain times of the day, while feeling tired and sleepy at other times. Our bodies know how to live in sync with nature’s rhythms, but our mind and ego think they can outsmart nature. So, we put on artificial lights and consume caffeine to stay awake when we should be tired, we try to push through an afternoon work meeting when it’s a naturally harder time of day for our brain to focus, and we save our workouts for after work hours, when our body should naturally be slowing down for the day.
Alongside the āyurvedic clock, various types of yoga practices are recommended to align with the prevailing energies of each time period. Let's delve into this fascinating connection between the āyurvedic clock and yoga practice types.
Vata (2:00am - 6:00am and 2pm - 6:00pm)
During the morning vata period (2am - 6am), the qualities of movement, creativity, and inspiration are prominent. This time is best suited for gentle, rhythmic flowing styles of yoga that help channel and contain the dynamic energy of vata. These practices can awaken the body, stimulate circulation, and ignite a sense of enthusiasm, preparing us for the day's activities. During the morning vata hours, there’s a special period called Brahma Muhurta (4:00 am - 6:00 am), known as the "Time of the Gods," this early morning period is filled with calmness, clarity, and spiritual energy. As dawn breaks, the world is still, and a sense of divine tranquility envelops everything. To align with this sacred time, a prānāyāma and meditation practice can cultivate a deep connection with oneself and set a peaceful tone for the day ahead.
The second vata period of the day (2pm - 6pm) resurfaces with a more frenetic quality that leave us feeling more overwhelmed and drained (we know it as the “mid afternoon slump” ). As the day transitions into evening, it is beneficial to incorporate calming and meditative practices like Yoga Nidra or gentle, slow-paced flow styles of yoga. These soothing practices can calm the nervous system, release accumulated stress, and prepare the body and mind for a restful night's sleep.
Kapha (6:00 am - 10:00 am and 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
Morning kapha time (6am - 10am) signifies stability, grounding, and nourishment. As the heavy, dull, and slow nature of kapha takes over, our energy naturally tends to slow down, and an invigorating yoga practice can uplift our spirits. Practices that are stimulating and energizing, infused with dynamic movements and breath work, can help invigorate the body, enhance digestion, and ignite the inner fire, dispelling any lethargy.
The second kapha period (6pm - 10pm) represents stillness, rest, and rejuvenation. This is the time when the body naturally prepares for deep restful sleep to replenish and repair itself. Taking advantage of kapha’s heavy and slow qualities at this time of day and prioritizing relaxation practices such as restorative yoga, can invite a sense of tranquility, promote better sleep, and help restore the body's energy reserves.
Pitta (10:00 am - 2:00 pm and 10:00 pm - 2:00 am)
Pitta time symbolizes transformation, intensity, and productivity. This period is marked by increased heat and intensity, both internally and externally. Engaging in cooling and relaxing yoga practices, such as Restorative or Yin Yoga, can help balance the fiery nature of Pitta. These practices allow us to release tension, cool down the body, and cultivate a sense of inner calm amidst the heat of the day. If you like a more active practice, you want to make sure the pace is slow and soothing, and that you do not practice in a heated room. During pitta time of day it is wise to practice to only about 70% of your capacity, so power yoga, Bikram yoga, and ashtanga vinyasa yoga are not the most conducive practices for this time of day.
The resurfacing of the pitta qualities of transformation occur during sleep (10pm - 2am). This is the time when our bodies and minds should be resting and processing the day. It is recommended, per āyurveda, that you be in bed and ready for sleep by 10pm for optimal health and wellbeing.
Understanding the āyurvedic clock and its connection to yoga practice types allows us to honor the natural rhythms of the day and harness the energies that prevail during different times. By aligning our yoga practice with the prevailing energies, we can enhance our overall well-being, promote more balance, and nourish our mind, body, and spirit in harmony with the wisdom of āyurveda.