Benefits of fasting – An Ayurveda view
Benefits of fasting – An Ayurveda view
In medical terms, the word ‘fasting’ can be defined as “voluntary abstinence from consuming food for varying lengths of time.” Fasting is used as a therapy for several medical conditions. It is also a vital component of ritualistic and spiritual practices in many religions.
Almost all medical systems in the world acknowledge the therapeutic benefits of fasting. Ayurveda has catalogued and elaborated upon these benefits exhaustively. Fasting plays a key role in ensuring the efficacy and success of ayurveda detoxification therapy (Panchakarma treatments). Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, believed fasting enabled the body to rejuvenate its self-healing capabilities. Many western healers have opined "fasting is the greatest remedy, the physician within." Fasting is recommended in almost all religions as a means of spiritual purification.
Fasting and Religions
According to Hindu scriptures fasting helps create a harmonious
relationship between the body and the soul. Hindus believe that
denying physical needs is necessary for spiritual gains. Islam has
given utmost importance for fasting. Muslims observe fasting during
the month of Ramadan. Prophet Muhammad has explained the benefits,
significance and regulations of fasting. Christians believe that
fasting helps them to deepen their relationship with god. They also
believe that fasting heightens their awareness of spiritual self.
Jain religion strongly emphasizes on fasting to purify our souls,
improve morality, spiritual power, increase knowledge and strengthen
relationships Paryushan Parva is a jain fasting festival which is
observed in month of September.
Physiology of fasting:
According to researchers the following changes take place in our
body when we fast:
The body uses glycogen reserves (stored sugar to help energy
supply).
Major detoxification process starts.
Number of white
blood
cells increase.
Immunity gets boosted.
Inflammation of inner layers of digestive system decreases.
Some
muscle loss occurs during fasting.
Liver converts stored fats and non-essential tissues into ketones
to fulfill the supply of energy to
brain and heart. The process is
called as ketosis. This stage is reached on third day of fasting in
men and second day of fasting in women. At this stage the sensation
of hunger vanishes and many people experience increased energy level
at this stage.
Between the fourth and seventh day of fasting, hormonal levels are
balanced, excess
fat and damaged tissues are burnt and clarity of mind is
experienced.
Ayurveda recommends regular, short-term fasting. Infrequent long
term fasting vitiates doshas and may lead to imbalanced body
functions. The fasting method must be decided according body
constitution. The duration of fasting and type of fasting is
determined after analyzing level of toxin (ama) accumulation,
digestive strength, vitiation of doshas and body constitution. The
following fasting methods are recommended in ayurveda.
Consuming light foods like gruel, kitchari or kanjee.
Fasting with fruit juice or vegetable juices
Drinking only warm water or
herbal teas.
Abstaining completely from food and water.
A healthy fasting leads to a feeling of lightness in the body,
clarity in the mind, and increased energy. It helps to regularize
bowel movement and relieve
constipation.
Clean tongue and fresh breath indicate completion of detoxification
process during fasting. It is very important to stay calm during
fasting. Texts of Ayurveda strictly recommend avoiding physical
exertion and mental
stress
during fasting.
Health benefits of fasting:
Acne, pimples
and other skin conditions like eczema,
psoriasis clears up faster when a person fasts.
Fasting reduces
joint
pains in conditions like
rheumatoid arthritis and
gout.
It helps to overcome addictions and help in deaddiction.
Fasting brings
glow to skin and makes
skin
radiant.
Body energy level and Immunity increases when you fast.
Body tissues get rejuvenated.
Helps in
weight reduction and to control
obesity.
This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of http://www.ayurhelp.com
|
|
|