Biorhythms and Ayurvedic Nutrition by Sudarshan Devendra

 Biorhythms and Ayurvedic Nutrition

by Sudarshan Devendra

October 11, 2023

We can find our own balance and develop greater discernment when making decisions about our habits. One of the principles presented by Ayurvedic cosmology is the triad of time and space known as the three gunas: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.

Understanding this concept allows us to fully integrate life's harmony, which arises when we live in accordance with the dynamic forces of the triad, governing the relative field of life. The gunas act in our bodies according to our original constitution, or genetic map. Additionally, they are influenced by the force of Sattva, Rajas, or Tamas, which can increase, decrease, or balance depending on our lifestyle habits and external environmental influences, such as climate, activities, and the geographical region where we live.

Let's briefly define each of the gunas:

Sattva Guna: This represents the creative, driving force, perceived as pure and clean energy. In the time rhythm, it is observed in two cycles: from 3:45 am to 8:00 am and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. During the first cycle, meditative or creative activities are ideal. Physical activity is also suitable due to the lightness of the air, but it should not be strenuous. The most appropriate diet during this period is light and nutritious, with a higher energy intake during the first cycle, and lighter, nutritious meals in the second cycle. Ayurvedic advice is to avoid sleeping during this time, as sleep belongs to the domain of Tamas. An abrupt transition from Sattva to Tamas is discouraged, as the stabilizing force of Rajas is needed before transitioning to the rest provided by Tamas.

Rajas Guna: This represents the force of construction, metabolism, and action, perceived as active and dynamic energy with residual heat. In the time rhythm, it is perceived from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is the time for action, work, and active study, where we respond to challenges and make decisions. It is also a time for communicative strength. Solar energy aids us during this time, as the Agni (fire) force is more present in the air. A substantial intake of food, particularly between 11:00 am and 12:30 pm, helps with digestion and optimal nutritional absorption. It is important to take advantage of Agni's strength, as between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm, we still have metabolic and functional energy to efficiently perform physical and mental tasks.

Tamas Guna: This represents stillness, inertia, rest, slow regeneration, low metabolism, and a sense of heaviness or tiredness. This period starts around 8:00 pm and lasts until approximately 3:30 am. During this time, our bodies and minds need rest after a long and active day. Engaging in activities that relax the system, such as enjoyable reading, pleasant conversations, uplifting music, or even watching a movie, is recommended. Dinner should ideally be eaten during the second Sattva cycle, between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm, with the meal ideally finished by 6:00 pm to allow the body's restorative processes to function efficiently when Tamas takes over. It’s also advisable to go to bed around 10:00 pm at the latest. This ensures proper recovery during the Tamasic period, allowing us to wake up feeling energized at 4:00 am or 5:00 am, during the Sattvic period.

Ayurvedic pharmacology offers significant support in following these biorhythms and harmonizing our systems. During the Sattvic morning cycle, between 4:00 am and 8:00 am, consuming Triphala (by Sattvayurvedic) is recommended, as it supports healthy bowel movements and activates digestive enzymes for the day. Triphala also aligns us with the beneficial Sattvic energy. After consuming some fruit (but not on an empty stomach), Brahmi powder (by Sattvayurvedic) is ideal. Brahmi strengthens the mind, helping to tackle mental challenges without exhaustion. In the second Sattvic cycle, between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm, a second dose of Brahmi and a bit of Guduchi (to boost immunity) is recommended around 6:00 pm.

During the Pitta cycle, it is advisable to take Ashwagandha powder (by Sattvayurvedic) in the early hours around 9:00 am. Ashwagandha improves vitality and reduces stress due to its adaptogenic properties. As temperatures rise, Amalaki should be taken regularly to cool the system and maintain its antioxidant effect, counteracting the free radicals we encounter throughout the day.

Once we have understood the interaction between the external environment and the triad of the gunas, it is crucial to address the internal environment. As mentioned, we are born in balance according to our doshas, but the dynamic energy of the gunas acts within us based on our habits. It is important not to assume that an increase in one guna over another is inherently beneficial. The key is to follow the natural rhythms of each guna and act accordingly to maintain balance.

Ayurveda invites us to fully experience the field of relativity with the three gunas, while also encouraging us not to forget our transcendent dharma, which we can achieve as human beings. In doing so, our central nervous system becomes a map for attaining higher states of consciousness, which, in turn, helps maintain the balance of our doshas and gunas over time.