Fasting

In the link http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=341523639286985&set=a.341498992622783.64594.100002880559367&type=1&theater 

we had mentioned about a primary management of any disease by fasting at 

home before visiting a doctor. The focus of the topic was fasting. Today we 

add the 

Benefits of fasting.

Chakradatta describes benefits of 

Langhana (say fasting) in aspect of 

Jwara (fever). 

Also he mentions jwara is the synonym 

of disease. 

All diseases arise from loss of appetite 

and indigestion (Mandagni). He says- 

1. Aama (the partially digested food 

juice i.e. Anna rasa) helps the digestion          www.astangayurveda.com

power (jatharagni) get diminished and create disease by blocking the micro 

channels (specially the Rasabaha srotas).

2. That is why fasting is advised as the first step of treatment.

3. Fasting stabilizes the destabilized dosha (active principles, i.e. Vata, Pitta 

& Kapha) and Agni (digestion power, agni are 13 in number). Also it digests 

the imbalanced and exaggerated dosha.

4. It remits the disease, enhances the appetite, interest in food and lightness 

in body.

How much fasting?

The fasting should not harm the quality or quantity of your life. Conservation 

of strength should be kept in mind. Because strength is the base of good 

health and here objective of fasting is nothing but a remitted good health.

People, to avoid fasting:-

People with neurological disorder, hunger, thirst, dryness in oral cavity, head 

reeling, child, old age, pregnancy, weakness should avoid fasting.

Sign and symptoms of Perfect fasting:

1. Easy excretion of stool, urine and flattus.

2. Lightness in body and heart.

3. Clear eructation.

4. Cleanliness in mouth, sensory pleasure of taste.

5. Lack of letharge and depression.

6. Sweating, interest in food, strong appetite and thirst

7. Pleasure in mind.  

All these signs and symptoms indicate a perfect fasting.

Sign and symptoms of Excessive fasting:

1. Pain in joints, body pain, cough, dryness in mouth, diminished appetite, 

lack of interest in food, thirst.

 

2. Weakness of vision and hearing.

3. Unstable mental state.

4. Eructation.

5. Wasting of body, digestion power and strength. 

Controlled fasting is good. Conservation of digestion power is best. 

Written By Dr Ambika Prasad Nayak

Email: drapnayak@gmail.com