Daily Routines & Seasonal Practices Flashcards

Which Ayurvedic concept describes the optimal proportion of one's strength at which exercise should be performed for most people?

Answer: Ardhashakti (half capacity)

Ardhashakti, or half of one's maximum capacity, is the classical recommendation for sustainable exercise that builds strength without depleting Ojas.

A practitioner recommends 'Ushapana' to a client. What does this practice involve?

Answer: Drinking a specific quantity of water immediately upon waking

Ushapana is the practice of drinking water (often copper-vessel water) first thing in the morning to cleanse the bowels, stimulate digestion, and hydrate the body.

According to Charaka Samhita, which behavior is classified as 'Prajna Aparadha' (crime against wisdom) in relation to daily routine?

Answer: Suppressing natural urges (Vegas) such as urination, defecation, or sneezing

Suppressing the natural urges (Vegas) is a primary example of Prajna Aparadha—acting against the body's inherent intelligence—which leads to disease.

What is the specific purpose of tongue scraping (Jihva Nirlekhana) in the morning Dinacharya routine?

Answer: To remove Ama (toxins) that accumulate on the tongue overnight and assess digestive health

Tongue scraping removes the overnight accumulation of Ama (undigested metabolic waste) from the tongue and helps assess the state of digestive health.

During which Ritu does Ayurveda recommend the use of 'Chandanadi' (sandalwood-based) preparations and moonlight exposure for cooling?

Answer: Sharad Ritu

Sharad Ritu (autumn) is when Pitta is most aggravated after summer heat; cooling preparations like sandalwood and exposure to moonlight help pacify excess Pitta.

Which of the following best describes 'Achara Rasayana' in Ayurvedic daily practice?

Answer: Behavioral and ethical conduct that provides rejuvenating benefits without herbs

Achara Rasayana refers to the rejuvenating power of positive behavior, truthfulness, non-violence, and ethical conduct as described in the classical texts.

In the context of Ritucharya, 'Visarga Kala' refers to which period of the year and what happens to the body during it?

Answer: The six-month period when the sun moves south (Dakshinayana), nourishing and strengthening the body

Visarga Kala is the southward solar movement (Dakshinayana) covering the rainy, autumn, and early winter seasons, during which the moon's cooling influence nourishes and strengthens the body.