AP Daily Routines & Seasonal Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Ayurvedic practice involves gently massaging the gums and teeth with sesame oil or herbal powders each morning?
- Kavala graha
- Danta dhavana (Correct answer)
- Mukha abhyanga
- Nasya
Correct answer: Danta dhavana
Danta dhavana is the Ayurvedic practice of cleaning teeth using herbal tooth powders or twigs from specific trees like neem.
Question 2: In Ayurveda, what is the recommended time window for Brahma muhurta, the ideal time to wake up?
- 4:00–6:00 AM
- 1:30–3:00 AM
- 6:00–7:00 AM
- 3:00–4:30 AM (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 3:00–4:30 AM
Brahma muhurta is approximately 1.5 hours before sunrise, typically falling between 3:00–4:30 AM, considered optimal for spiritual and mental activities.
Question 3: Which season corresponds to Shishira Ritu in the traditional Ayurvedic six-season calendar used in India?
- Autumn
- Late winter (Correct answer)
- Early spring
- Rainy season
Correct answer: Late winter
Shishira Ritu corresponds to late winter (approximately January–February) and is characterized by cold, dry, and windy qualities.
Question 4: During Vasanta Ritu (spring), why is Panchakarma—particularly Vamana (emesis)—especially recommended?
- Pitta peaks in spring and needs purging
- Accumulated Kapha liquefies and can be expelled (Correct answer)
- Vata increases and must be grounded
- Agni is strongest in spring, aiding elimination
Correct answer: Accumulated Kapha liquefies and can be expelled
In spring, the Kapha that accumulated during winter becomes liquefied by the warming temperatures, making it the ideal time for Vamana to expel excess Kapha.
Question 5: What is the Ayurvedic practice of 'Udgharshana'?
- Nasal irrigation with saline water
- Dry powder massage to stimulate lymphatics (Correct answer)
- Oil pulling for oral health
- Herbal steam inhalation
Correct answer: Dry powder massage to stimulate lymphatics
Udgharshana is a dry herbal powder massage (without oil) used to reduce Kapha, stimulate circulation, and remove excess body fat.
Question 6: Which type of exercise intensity is most appropriate during Hemanta Ritu (early winter) according to Ayurvedic guidelines?
- Light, restorative only
- Half-capacity (Ardha Shakti)
- Full-capacity vigorous exercise (Correct answer)
- No exercise recommended
Correct answer: Full-capacity vigorous exercise
In Hemanta Ritu, Agni is strong and the body is robust, so full-capacity vigorous exercise is appropriate and even encouraged.
Question 7: In Dinacharya, what is the purpose of 'Anjana' (collyrium application to the eyes)?
- To stimulate the optic nerve for clarity
- To cleanse and strengthen the eyes, removing excess Kapha (Correct answer)
- To cool Pitta in the head region
- To lubricate dry Vata eyes with oil
Correct answer: To cleanse and strengthen the eyes, removing excess Kapha
Anjana involves applying herbal collyrium to the inner eyelids to cleanse the eyes, remove Kapha accumulation, and maintain visual health.
AP Daily Routines & Seasonal Practices 2
Which Ayurvedic practice involves gently massaging the gums and teeth with sesame oil or herbal powders each morning?