सर्व रोगहरी क्षुधा ।।
ಸರ್ವ ರೋಗ ಹರ ಉಪವಾಸ
Fasting has been an fundamental part of Indian culture, festivities and tradition since ages and also an important, incredible part of Ayurveda,
Ayurveda acknowledges the preventive, promotive and curative attributes of fasting through it's reference as one such modality of treatment- depletion therapy.
By affirming “langhanam paramoushadam”. This implies that depletion therapies are the best therapeutic modalities a physician should adopt.
The texts such as Charaka Samhitha, Ashtanga Hridaya, Ashtanga Sangraha have separate chapters dedicated to them while texts such as Sushrutha Samhitha, Bhavaprakasha, Bhaishajya Ratnavali…etc., have explained fasting as langhana- that which provides lightness to body.
Definition and Description: The classics of ayurveda describe fasting as ‘Upavasa’. ‘Upavasa’ is defined as the abstinence from all the four forms of food; chewing, licking, swallowing and drinking, executed in a systematic form.
UPAVASA is not merely FASTING !,UPA - NEAR , AVASA - TO BE
So , upavasa implies to be near to the omnipresent .Infact , it's a commitment with the oneself .
Forms of fasting;
Ayurveda explains 2 forms of fasting- curative and promotive .
Curavtive form;
Depletion therapies are enumerated to be 10 in number,viz; Fasting, control of thirst, exposure to sun, exposure to wind, consumption of digestive stimulants, physical exercise and four elimination therapies(therapeutic emesis, purgation, decoction enema, nasal instillation of medicaments)
However, the classics define depletion therapy as that which brings about reduction/depletion of bodily virtues and causes lightness of the body.
Ayurveda classics have precisely proposed that the duration of the fast should be longer in diseases due to vitiated Kapha dosha and shorter ,in those due to predominancy of Vata dosha.
Fasting in certain diseases;Indigestion,Fever, conjunctivitis, vomitting, cough, diarrhoea, skin diseases, herpis, urinary disorders, obesity, diabetes, abscess, splenic disorders and disorders of head.
Preventive and promotive principles: Ayurveda advocates that Shishira Rtu(late winter) is the apt time for a healthy individual to benefit from fasting. It is also considered to be the best time for therapeutic fasting, even for treating diseases caused due to vitiated Vata dosha. And also, the time of the day, season, features of the particular land, pathology and progress of the disease, the strength, age of the patient are all to be considered while advising fasting.
Method of fasting;
- Fasting is considered from the last meal but after the previous meal has been digested properly.
- one should drink water when ever he feels hungry
- Daily from Sunrise the faster should be without food for 6 hours or more ,until natural hunger is experienced and then take light food.
- Fasting daily for few weeks you are a few days in a month can also be indicated.
Small quantity of light food which can be digested easily like dilute from juices ,tender coconut water,vegetable soups and thin butter milk should be taken later when digestive Power increases normal food should be consume in required quantity.
Things to avoid during fasting;
Anointing oil over the body and scalp, day sleep,sexual indulgence,beautifying oneself,walking long distances,Smoking, alcohol intake.
Who can fast?
Every person who desire healthy life can fast but it is contraindicated in few person and conditions.
Who can't fast?
Emaciated, very old, very young persons, pregnant lady,those who are experiencing excessive hunger, thirst,those with emotional extremities such as excessive anger, jealously…etc.,
Effects of fasting on body;
- Flushes out toxins
- Cell repair and autophagy
- DNA repair
- Reduces oxidative stress
- Reduces insulin resistance
- Decrease inflammatory damages
- Preservation of cognitive function
- slowes down the progression of neuronal dysfunction
Benifits of fasting;
- Boosts immunity
- Increased energy
- Improve s mental concentration
- Heals digestive problems
- Combates infections
- Lowers body weight and fat
- Decrease the risk of blood pressure, ,heart diseases, cancer etc.
Last bit;
Man who treats his stomach unfairly, by injudicious eating ,eating without hunger by over eating man become sick.
~AYURVEDA🍃
