Ayurveda Guide to Fasting

In Ayurveda fasting comes under Langhana Karma (reducing therapies) and the cold season is considered to be the best time to fast. In Ayurveda there are two types of treating Langhana and Brmhana – lightening and stoutening therapies. Fasting is known as Upavasa

If you are new to fasting then intermittent fasting is the easiest way to ease into it. Basically this means more or less not having breakfast OR dinner – this will give you a window of 16 hours without food. From an Ayurvedic perspective the best idea is to miss the meal you usually have least appetite for. This will then give your Agni (digestive fire) a chance to build properly for the next meal.

Once you are comfortable with this if desired you can move to fasting for 24 hours one day a week or a couple of times a month. During this time you can enjoy herbal teas and water.

My Guide to Making Fasting Easier

Designate a particular day of the week to fasting and choose the one that makes most sense for you.

Avoid the two meals you are most likely to miss the least.

Lean into it gradually, for the first time you might go for 16 hours, then 20 hours, then 22 hours.

Listen to your body and go gently.

Often it is a change in our psychological relationship with food that needs adjusting first.

For women who are in their menstruation years then it is best to avoid fasting the week before your cycle is due.

Fasting regimens are different between men and women. It is best to seek a consultation on this.

Utilise herbal teas and water to help ease your way through the day. Avoid black tea and coffee during fasting times.

 

What are the Benefits of Fasting According to Ayurveda?

Improved Sensory Perception

Feeling of lightness

Simultaneous appearance of true hunger and thirst

Softening of disease severity

Increased enthusiasm

Reduction of laziness

 

What are the Benefits of Fasting from a Modern Perspective?

Initiates Ketogenesis. This is where the body looks to get energy from stored fat deposits. The ketones that are produced are awesome fuel for the brain and are likely to contribute to the increased mental clarity that can follow fasting periods.

During the time of fasting Autophagy (means self eating) is promoted. In brief this is where the cells clean themselves. However, this stops as soon as fasting is stopped.

Can help prevent cancer or prevent cancerous cells from growing or spreading.

Longevity can be enhanced through fasting.

Helps regulate insulin balance.

The immune system can be boosted.

Gut flora has a chance to flourish and regenerate itself.

The metabolic functioning can have a chance to reset itself and thereby end cycles of dysregulation and disfunction. Left alone this disharmony would lead to future disease.

Reduction in inflammation and associated pain.

 

Who is Fasting not suitable for?

Type 1 Diabetics

Type 2 Diabetics need assistance and caution

Children and Teenagers

During Pregnancy and while Breast Feeding

Those with a history of eating disorders, extreme caution and assistance is required, for some it will not be possible

Blood pressure issues and heart disease

When following Intense training / exercise regimens

Caution if you have difficulty sleeping at night, you may need / want to start your fast after dinner to counter this.

This is not an exhaustive list and discussing with a practitioner or GP is recommended

 

How should I end a fast?

Eating a light nourishing soup is ideal, something that will kindle the Agni (digestive fire). The following recipes are ideal Mid-summer Basil Soup – Eat & Breathe (eatandbreathe.com) or Mung Bean Soup Recipe – Eat & Breathe (eatandbreathe.com)