The Importance of Fasting According to Ayurveda

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‘Upavasa’ (upa: near; vasa: dwell) literally means maintaining an “abode near food” in Sanskrit. This sense of moving the body-mind connection closer to the ‘self’ enables us to experience intermittent fasting much more easily. Fasting is a primary prescription for getting re-connected with our ‘self’. It plays a major role in supporting health, longevity and mental clarity. According to Ayurveda, a systematic approach to fasting brings profound health benefits and encourages holy living.

The Principles of Fasting in Ayurveda

Balancing the Doshas

Ayurveda is founded on principles related to the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, each of which has different physiological and psychological correlates to body functions. Imbalances in these doshas lead to disease. Fasting is a therapeutic strategy for treating disease by way of cleaning the body of toxins and relinking the digestive fire (Agni).

Enhancing Digestion (Agni)

Without food to digest, the digestive fire of agni, which makes all bodily processes possible through its digestion, absorption (of nutrients) and elimination, can rest, rekindle and return to optimal efficiency. By fasting, toxins that accumulate from poor diet, digestion, and eating habits can be eliminated.

‍Detoxification

Clean to prevent disease and to treat disease. During the fasting period, unlike digesting food, the whole body functions to cleane and repair its worn‐out parts, removing impurities and toxins that have accumulated over time. Ayurveda states that the fasting mode of detoxification is natural, as it originates from the body itself.

Types of Fasting in Ayurveda‍

Nirjala Fasting (Dry Fasting)‍

Nirjala, the fast involving absence of food, and water. Such drastic fasts are generally recommended for short periods only and always under the supervision of a spiritual guide.

Phalahara Fasting (Fruit Fasting)‍

With phalahara fasting one can ingest fruits and fruit juices. As it’s less taxing on the body, it serves as a nutrient-rich diet while still providing the same detoxifying benefits as the kutaj diet.

‍Laghudarshan Fasting (Light Fasting)‍

This system of fasting called laghudarshan involves consuming a diet of light  quickly digestible foods such as khichari (rice and lentil dish) or vegetable soups or herbal teas. This diet is appropriate for individuals with poor constitutions or someone new to fasting.

Intermittent Fasting‍

Intermittent fasting, one of the most popular modern lifestyle choices is entirely in accordance with the Ayurvedic doctrine – it means to eat only during specific hours and to fast for the remainder of the day; very often the individual’s basic rhythm is regularised and a state of equilibrium between the doshas is established.

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Benefits of Fasting in Ayurveda‍

Improves Digestive Health‍

Fasting alleviates the digestive system and enables it to repair and revitalize itself, which in turn strengthens Agni, leading to better digestion.‍

Eliminates Toxins‍

Through the practice of fasting, the body gets a rest from constant digestive activity, which will then be free to focus on the process of detoxification, including the removal of Ama so that it doesn’t cling to the tissues, thus decreasing the risk of disease and promoting overall health.

Balances the Doshas‍

Fasting brings the doshas back into balance by cleaning out the channels (srotas) and allowing the circulation of energy.(It is particularly good for reducing Kapha and Pitta imbalances.)

‍Boosts Immunity

When digestion is free of nastiness and the doshas are in balance, there is natural immunity to infections and diseases — fasting helps to improve immunity and the immune response, reducing the risk of infections.

‍Promotes Mental Clarity‍

As a mental-energetic ‘detox’ it too is said to foster ongoing calm, focus and mental spaciousness. Fasting enhances meditation and other forms of cleansing of the mind.

‍Supports Weight Management‍

Though this is not the desired objective in Ayurveda fasting can be helpful for weight management because Kapha dosha is correlated with heaviness and lethargy. A nutritionally balanced diet after a fast helps maintain a healthy weight.

‍Enhances Longevity‍

Ayurveda is founded on the premise that longevity can be prolonged by regular cleansing, which includes fasting that keeps dosha and ama in check. This is in addition to avoiding work and sexual activity during the cleanse.

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Guidelines for Practicing Fasting in Ayurveda‍

Determine Your Dosha

It is extremely important that you find out your type of dosha before you go on a fast, so that the type of fast you choose and the kind of fasting you do will suit your constitution and type.

‍Start Gradually‍

For those new to fasting, begin with shorter fasting periods and gradually increase over time. Gradual adaptation minimises ill effects due to the body’s ability to adjust.

‍Choose the Right Time‍

One should attempt to fast on days when nature indicates that the body is in a quiescent state of rest; this happens to be the best time for a fasting regime. The twilight zone between one season and the next is the ideal time for a fast: spring and autumn are considered the best times for Ayurveda’s detoxification programme.

‍Stay Hydrated‍

Try to drink warm water or herbal teas during the fast, which will help both with the detox process – hydration will make toxins more mobile – and also keep you hydrated. 

‍Listen to Your Body‍

Pay attention to body signals – if fasting makes you weak to a dangerous degree, if you become dizzy or fall sick, break the fast and see an Ayurvedic practitioner. 

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Conclusion‍

Fasting is widely considered a remedy for both health maintenance and avoidance of disease, as well as a mental and spiritual clarifier because it balances the doshas, enhance the digestive fire (Agni) and enhance the toxic cleansing process of the body. This suggests that fasting protocols play an important role in Ayurvedic lifestyle medicine, and is seen as conducive to a peaceful and long life. The holistic effects of fasting contribute to a balanced lifestyle.

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 Sign up for the fasting and other Ayurvedic experiences offered at The Naturoville Wellness Centre each year throughout the fasting season. Take the first step towards your path to harmony and vitality at this warm and welcoming centre.

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