Ayurvedic Fasting – A Sacred Pause for Body and Soul

by Research Team | ASHAexperience | Jan 26, 2024 | Ayurveda

Ayurvedic Fasting – A Sacred Pause for Body and Soul

In a world filled with constant stimulation and a barrage of information, the ancient practice of fasting emerges as a beacon of simplicity and profound healing. Ayurveda, the timeless science of holistic well-being, views fasting not just as a physical detox but as a transformative journey for the body and mind. Let’s embark on a journey into the Ayurvedic perspective on fasting, exploring its benefits, and discovering how to incorporate it into a balanced, dosha-friendly routine.

The Essence of Ayurvedic Fasting:
In Ayurveda, fasting is not a mere abstention from food; it’s a conscious choice to allow the body to rest, rejuvenate, and reset. It aligns with the principle of “Ama,” the accumulation of toxins resulting from incomplete digestion. Fasting, in this context, becomes a powerful tool to eliminate Ama, promoting clarity and vitality.

Five Benefits of Ayurvedic Fasting

1. Detoxification
Fasting provides the digestive system with a break, allowing the body to divert its energy towards internal cleansing. This process aids in the removal of accumulated toxins, promoting optimal organ function.

2. Mental Clarity
Beyond its physical benefits, Ayurvedic fasting is celebrated for its impact on mental well-being. As the body purifies, so does the mind. Fasting is believed to clear mental fog, enhance focus, and elevate overall cognitive function.

3. Balancing Doshas
Ayurveda recognizes that different doshas respond uniquely to fasting. Vata types, for instance, may need a more gentle approach, while Pittas benefit from cooling practices. Kaphas, with their robust constitution, may find intermittent fasting particularly beneficial.

4. Improved Digestion
Fasting allows the digestive system to rest and recover, promoting the efficient processing of nutrients when regular eating resumes. This contributes to improved digestion and absorption.

5. Emotional Balance
The Ayurvedic perspective on fasting extends beyond the physical and mental realms to include emotional well-being. Fasting is seen as a practice that fosters self-discipline, resilience, and a deeper connection to one’s emotional landscape.

Dosha-Friendly Fasting

1. Vata Dosha
Choose warm, nourishing foods during fasting periods. Consider a short, gentle fast to avoid aggravating Vata’s natural tendencies.

2. Pitta Dosha
Opt for cooling practices, including cooling herbal teas and fruits. Embrace shorter, moderate fasts to avoid overtaxing Pitta’s fiery nature.

3. Kapha Dosha
Engage in intermittent fasting to stimulate Kapha’s slower metabolism. Include warming spices and herbal teas to counteract Kapha’s tendency towards stagnation.

How to Incorporate Fasting into Your Routine

1. Start Slow
If new to fasting, begin with shorter durations or intermittent fasting. Allow your body to adapt gradually.

2. Choose the Right Time
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of timing. Consider seasonal and circadian rhythms when planning your fasting periods.

3. Stay Hydrated
While abstaining from solid foods, stay well-hydrated. Herbal teas and warm water with lemon can be particularly beneficial.

4. Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to how your body responds to fasting. If fatigue or discomfort arises, consider adjusting your approach.

5. Break the Fast Mindfully
When breaking a fast, choose easily digestible foods. A warm, spiced soup or a small, nourishing meal can gently reintroduce your digestive system to regular eating.

Fasting is not just about Letting Go

In the rush of modern life, the practice of Ayurvedic fasting emerges as a sacred pause—a conscious choice to reset the body, clarify the mind, and reconnect with the rhythms of our being.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach; rather, it’s an invitation to explore and adapt fasting practices to align with your unique dosha and individual needs.

We need to remember that it’s not just about what we are letting go of, but what we are making space for—renewed energy, mental clarity, and a profound sense of well-being that extends far beyond the duration of fasting. So, let’s take a step back, embrace the simplicity of this ancient practice, and allow our body and mind to experience the transformative power of Ayurvedic fasting.

Speak with our Ayurvedic Doctors, Nutritionists, and Healers today to learn more about how Ayurvedic fasting at www.ashaexperience.com

Team ASHAexperience offers ancient Ayurvedic treatment and practices to the world for a sustainable society by offering self-care practices through Ayurveda and Yoga.

We believe in collaborative relationship-based care where our Ayurvedic Doctors, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Supplement Brands, Ayurvedic Nutritionists & Chefs, Yoga, and Meditation Trainers are in sync. Contact the team who passionately works together to hold your hand in this healing journey.

The Gut and brain connection according to Ayurveda

by Dr. Taruna Yadav | Australia | Aug 4, 2023 | Ayurveda

The Gut and brain connection according to Ayurveda

Ayurveda, recognizes the connection between the gut and the brain. According to Ayurveda, the digestive system and the mind are intimately connected, and imbalances in one can lead to imbalances in the other. This connection is explained through the concept of agni, or digestive fire, which is responsible for the proper digestion and assimilation of food, as well as the processing of thoughts and emotions.
Agni is the cornerstone of Ayurvedic theory, and it is believed to be responsible for maintaining good health and vitality. It is the digestive fire that breaks down food into its basic components, allowing the body to absorb the nutrients it needs to function properly. But agni is not just limited to the physical digestion of food. According to Ayurveda, agni is also responsible for the digestion of thoughts and emotions.

Gut is the Second Brain

The gut is often referred to as the “second brain” because of the connection between the digestive system and the nervous system. The gut and the brain are connected by the vagus nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. This nerve is responsible for transmitting signals between the gut and the brain, allowing the two to communicate with each other.

When agni is strong, the digestive system is able to process food efficiently, and the mind is able to process thoughts and emotions in a healthy way. But when agni is weak, the digestive system can become sluggish, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including constipation, bloating, and indigestion.

Similarly, when the mind is not able to process thoughts and emotions in a healthy way, it can lead to imbalances in the digestive system. For example, stress and anxiety can cause the body to go into “fight or flight” mode, which can disrupt digestion and lead to symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

How do imbalances of Doshas lead to poor gut health?

According to Ayurveda, there are three doshas, or energy types, that are responsible for maintaining the balance of the body and mind. These doshas are vata, pitta, and kapha, and they correspond to different elements and functions in the body.

Vata is responsible for movement and communication in the body and mind. It is associated with the element of air and is responsible for the nervous system and the movement of food through the digestive system.

Pitta is responsible for transformation and metabolism in the body and mind. It is associated with the element of fire and is responsible for the digestive system and the processing of thoughts and emotions.

Kapha is responsible for stability and structure in the body and mind. It is associated with the elements of water and earth and is responsible for the immune system and the storage of energy.

When these doshas are in balance, the body and mind are able to function properly. But when one or more doshas become imbalanced, it can lead to a variety of health problems. For example, an excess of vata can lead to dry skin, constipation, and anxiety. An excess of pitta can lead to heartburn, acid reflux, and anger. And an excess of kapha can lead to weight gain, depression, and lethargy.

What does Ayurveda recommend for a healthy gut?

Ayurveda recommends eating warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest in order to support agni/digestive fire and maintain balance in the digestive system. It also recommends incorporating spices such as ginger, turmeric, and cumin, which can help to stimulate digestion and reduce inflammation. Talk to an ayurvedic doctor before incorporating any lifestyle or dietary changes to understand what is best for you and your predominant dosha.

Ayurveda offers a variety of tools and techniques for maintaining balance in the body and mind. These may include dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle practices such as meditation and yoga.

Speak with our Ayurvedic Doctors, Nutritionists, and Healers today to learn more on what Ayurveda recommends to establish for perfect gut and brain health at www.ashaexperience.com

Team ASHAexperience offers ancient Ayurvedic treatment and practices to the world and creates a sustainable society by offering self-care practices through Ayurveda and Yoga.

#Ayurveda #GutBrainConnection #DigestiveFire #Doshas #HolisticHealth #HealthyLifestyle #HerbalRemedies #Meditation #Yoga #MindBodyBalance #NaturalHealing #Wellness #HealthTips #HealthyEating #AncientWisdom #SelfCare #HealthyLiving

Ayurvedic Gut Health Travel to India

by Kim Vareika | USA | Nov 2, 2022 | Ayurveda

Ayurvedic Gut Health Travel to India

Gut Health and Digestion

According to Ayurvedic principles, gut health and digestion significantly influence the immune system. Poor gut health can also lead to skin problems, brain fog, bloating, and sugar cravings. With the right Ayurveda program, you can detox your gut, improve digestion, increase energy, sleep better, and connect to the natural rhythm of your body!

Panchakarma program – An Ayurvedic Cleanse

An Ayurvedic cleanse is a good place to begin improving gut health. The Ayurvedic cleanse, also known as panchakarma, is a powerful tool as it nourishes rather than deprives your body. It balances all the doshas (constitutions) as it replenishes and heals both the body and mind. An Ayurvedic cleanse can be done anytime you feel a build-up of ama, which is the toxic buildup of emotions, experiences, and undigested food, however, traditionally a cleanse is done three times per year. An Ayurvedic cleanse is a three to four-week process of detox treatments in India that are customized for the patient by Ayurvedic Doctors.

The first phase of a cleanse, purvakarma, sends toxins to the surface of your skin and to the bowels to be eliminated. This phase includes steaming, massage, and warm oil on the forehead for mental clarity. The next phase, panchakarma, is a more intensive treatment that is recommended to strengthen the detox and rejuvenate the body. This phase is made up of five treatments (karmas):
● Virechan – cleansing through medicinal plants, powders, and pastes
● Vamana – herbal medicinally induced purging
● Basti – massage and warm oil enemas
● Rakta moksha – bloodletting
● Nasya – nasal cleansing through oils, fumes, and herbal remedies

One or more of these treatments might be used to re-establish the body-mind connection. Supplements, teas, and herbal remedies might also be prescribed to cleanse the body and intestines. An Ayurvedic diet will be assigned to you depending on your dosha and will be monitored by an Ayurvedic doctor. You should then eat certain foods and avoid certain foods throughout your detox. Plenty of water and tea is recommended to flush out all the toxins being brought out of the body. Although at-home cleanses can be performed, it is suggested to follow the advice of a professional Ayurvedic practitioner.

Once the toxins have been removed from your body, it is time to replenish and nourish your body through yoga, meditation, and natural foods. Healing foods and herbs help build the body and immune system even stronger than before. Building up your inner fire, agni, reinforces positive emotions that fuel you. Conscious breathing and chanting soothe the nervous system and relieve anxiety.

Detoxing your gut and improving digestive health is the beginning of a healing process that will improve skin problems, various allergies, stress, arthritis, autoimmunity, hormone balance, and more!

Detoxing your gut and improving digestive health is the beginning of a healing process that will lead to the improvement of skin problems, various allergies, stress, arthritis, autoimmunity, hormone balance, and more!

Give yourself the gift of better health by immersing yourself in the detox process on a holiday in Kerala. Choose a 7 day, 14 day or 21 day duration with the Ayurvedic doctor of your choice. If you are unsure of which practitioner to choose, allow the team to handpick one for you! Your doctor will assign you supplements and teas that can also be easily accessed through the website. You will be led step-by-step through your personalized healing process, and will still have access to your doctor once you return home to carry your Ayurvedic plan through to the rest of your life.

Our team of practitioners will collaborate and passionately work together to hold your hand while on your healing journey. Wellness is brought to the forefront through a blend of Ayurvedic medicine, supplements, nutrition, yoga, meditation, and total support. Reawaken your body and mind while on an intimate wellness tour in India. Self-care and self-discovery experiences are waiting for you so start your journey today!