FASTING – SIMPLEST, SAFEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE BODY HEALING TECHNIQUE
Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine was awarded Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi in 2016 for his remarkable research on mechanisms of a physiological process by which body destroys and recycles damaged cells, proteins and toxins. This process is known as ‘Autophagy’ (self-eating). Once we practice fasting, our body mechanism triggers autophagy to eat its toxic cells and debris and recycles cell contents.
This is why fasting is considered to be one of the best, safest and easiest ways to cleanse your body. It is the oldest healing technique we are practicing for more than 10000 years. It is well known that world’s major religions practice fasting though it has no religious basis. Christians have Lent, Muslims practice Ramadan and Hindus fast for several religious believes. Even animals also instinctively fast once they feel sick.
What are the Benefits of Fasting ?
There are several reasons to start fasting including:
- Fasting develops the most efficient digestive system;
- Fasting boosts immune system;
- Fasting is very helpful for Type 2 diabetes as it control production of insulin and certain proteins;
- Fasting protects against cancer;
- Fasting cures neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases;
- Fasting purifies and cleanses our blood and establishes proper pH balance;
- Fasting abstain from food and burn fat which are helpful to manage weight;
- Fasting helps to overcome insomnia;
- Fasting reduces cardiovascular risk;
- Fasting helps to balance lipid levels;
- Fasting reduces inflammation;
- Fasting reduces fatigue;
- Fasting helps to slow down aging;
- Fating generates more energy;
- Fasting provides mental peace;
- Fasting reduces oxidative stress.
- Fasting improves spirituality by strengthening inner will power and intuition.
What are the different types of fasting?
On the basis of religious believes and modern nutrition science, you have more than one options to opt but you should talk to a professional for choosing the right strategy for you.
- Periodic Fasting: We can fast for a certain period of time. Many religious fasting last for 1 full day, 9 days, 21 days or 30 days with limited and restricted foods and drinks.
- Intermittent Fasting (IF): When we practice intermittent fasting we refrain from foods for a certain amount of time. The eating schedule can be 5:2 model (5 days of the week are normal eating and two days are scheduled for controlled calories to 500-600 per day); 16:8 model (eat during 8 hours window and fasting for 16 hours of the day); or One-meal-a-day (OMAD) model.
- Daylight Feeding: We refrain from food when it is dark and take food during daylight to support circadian system.
- Partial or Full Fasting: During partial fasting we generally omit a specific meal and abstain from certain specific foods. On the other hand we do not eat and drink during full fasting. Partial and Full Fasting can be practiced one day or more than one day.
When can we do fasting?
We know how moon’s tidal force changes water levels in the oceans causing high tides and low tides. The ideal percentage of water for adult is around 60 – 65%. If moon changes the water levels in the ocean, it also affects our body. Though our lives are highly influenced by the entire cosmos, different phases of the moon impact mostly on the energy flow. The powerful storms and deadly waves mostly take place 1 day before and 1 day after full moon. Therefore we should consider the position of earth and the moon for practicing fasting.
Vedic calendar considers 2 days a month for fasting according to the position of moon. These days are known as Ekādaśī which is the eleventh lunar day of each of the two lunar phases. It is very scientific to practice fasting on Ekādaśī.
Monday is considered as the day of the moon and Lord Shiva. You can fast every Mondays as well. But if you follow Intermittent Fasting (IF) or other types of fasting, try to maintain continuity for experiencing the maximum benefits.
What are the precautions and preparations for fasting?
When you will first start fasting you might feel mild headaches, body odor, foul breath, rashes or pimples. You don’t need to be afraid as these are the consequence of releasing accumulated toxins by the body.
Keep in mind that fasting is not advisable for everyone. It is strictly prohibited for pregnant and breastfeeding women. You should skip fasting if you have any health issues or if you are under 18.
You must be emotionally prepared and well rested before fasting.
It is advisable to start fasting with short period and gradually increase the fasting time. Drink enough water or juice at the begging and abstain from liquid once you are confident to survive fasting without it.
You must listen your body and continue the self-healing process.
Fasting becomes celebration once you practice it with yoga and meditation. You can smoothly activate Chakras with meditation when you abstain from food. Fasting, Yoga and Meditation all together develop strong willpower with lessons of sacrifice and control and promote positive attitude and spiritual development. Don’t think fasting is religious practice, rather a tool for self-discipline, self-knowledge and self-healing.
