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Integrating Dinacharya and Yoga for the Prevention of Lifestyle Disorders
Abstract
Daily habits affect health, but keeping a healthy routine can be difficult when work, meals and sleep are irregular. Ayurveda describes Dinacharya as a way of organizing everyday care. Yoga can form part of this routine through movement, breathing exercises, meditation and relaxation. This narrative review examines the classical basis of these practices and selected research on physical activity, stress, blood pressure, sleep and diabetes prevention. It also proposes a daily routine that could be tested in future studies. Yoga studies report benefits for some outcomes, although the strength of the evidence varies. A three-year Indian trial found fewer new cases of diabetes when adults with prediabetes added structured yoga to standard lifestyle measures. Reviews of stress and blood pressure also suggest possible benefits, but differences between studies and weaknesses in their methods limit firm conclusions. These findings do not establish that a complete Dinacharya and yoga programme prevents lifestyle disorders. A practical programme should fit the person’s health, ability and daily responsibilities, while keeping established medical care in place. Future trials need a clear description of the routine, suitable comparison groups, reliable measurements and longer follow-up. The combined approach is a reasonable proposal for preventive care, with its added value still to be tested.
Keywords
Dinacharya; yoga; Swasthavritta; lifestyle disorders; diabetes prevention; stress.
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