Ayurvedic fasting for more well-being

Guide to Ayurvedic fasting: the basics

In Ayurveda, the term dosha is understood as a fundamental force in humans, which guides all mental and physical processes. There are three of these universal forces in total: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Most people are mixed types.

Ayurvedic fasting according to Vata, Pitta, or Kapha

Ayurvedic fasting takes into account the constitutional types by recommending different fasting durations . Specifically, this means: Pure Vataor Pitta types should only fast for 3-4 days, since in this process fat and toxins are lost, and these two types are inherently rather light and slender.

A Kaphaindividual, on the other hand, can easily fast ayurvedically for a longer time, as they may even be slightly overweight and can accordingly lose more weight without health risks. Ideally, Ayurvedic fasting should be practiced under professional guidance , partly because it often involves mixed doshas.

Is Ayurvedic fasting the same as partial fasting?

Ayurvedic fasting is not about losing weight quickly. The goal is to detox the body, get rid of toxins and strengthen the Agni. Especially in spring, when the heavy eating from the cold season becomes noticeable, this type of therapeutic fasting is wonderfully suited to gain new energy .

Ayurvedic fasting involves eating small amounts and a limited selection of foods over a defined period. Total fasting is not an explicit part of the cure, because it slows down digestion. Up to 1.5 days of total fasting are possible, but not mandatory.

Those who fast ayurvedically primarily eat vegan and in smaller amounts, according to their own dosha. Overall, this results in a gentle form of fasting, which is not suitable for pregnant, breastfeeding, or menstruating women. Ayurvedic fasting should also not be practiced during illnesses and inflammations.

Ayurvedic fasting: how it works

Before the actual fasting days begin, Ayurvedic fasting suggests cleansing the intestines. This is followed by the actual fasting phase and a final recovery phase, to gently reacquaint the digestion with everyday eating habits.

Before Ayurveda fasting

The intestinal cleansing can be done in a variety of ways. One option is to drink dissolved Epsom salts for 3-4 days. Mung bean soup as the only food can also prepare you well for the fasting days. In general: Avoid cold, raw, and very heavy foods, to set a foundation for Agni.

To clear the entire head region, oil pulling is recommended: Take 1 tablespoon of coconut, sesame, or rapeseed oil in your mouth daily and pull the oil firmly through your teeth for 5-10 minutes. Be sure to spit out the oil afterwards and thoroughly brush your teeth and tongue, as toxins have now accumulated in the oil.

During Ayurveda fasting

On the actual fasting days, you can choose from various soup recipes, drinks, and other meals that match your dosha type. Skip breakfast and/or dinner and have a light lunch.

To flush out toxins and waste products as well as possible, it is recommended to drink lots of warm ginger water and herbal tea . Fruit tea is not suitable for Ayurvedic fasting, as it contains unfavorable acids.

In Ayurvedic fasting, food intake is reduced. This results in a lack of energy, so you shouldn't plan too much for the fasting days. Weekends or some vacation days are good times for Ayurvedic fasting, because on free days you can find peace and take short walks.

Recovery phase: After Ayurveda fasting

Ayurveda fasting usually occurs over a limited time. Once the fasting days are ending, it's best to gradually reintroduce the digestion to a normal (Ayurvedic) diet.

Specifically, this means: In the recovery phase after Ayurvedic fasting, you refrain for 10 days or longer from toxic foods like dairy products, fried foods, wheat products, meat, coffee, and alcohol. Because if the body is suddenly confronted with these substances again, new toxins form immediately.

No matter which variant of Ayurvedic fasting you choose, it always applies: Listen to the body. Fasting should bring about a positive development – if you don't feel well for a long time, it is wiser to end the fasting.

Ayurvedic fasting soup and other recipes

During fasting, it is quite possible to become chilly, so warm drinks and soups are a good choice for the fasting days. Spices play a central role in promoting digestion, such as ginger or coriander. As long as you don't overdo it with seasoning, this refinement fits well into the Ayurvedic fasting program.

As an example of a simple Ayurvedic fasting soup , the Peya rice soup is offered: 1 part rice is simmered in 14 parts water and flavored with a spice that matches the dosha. Cardamom helps, for example, with nausea, black pepper and basil counteract a Kapha disorder.

For the Ayurvedic fasting breakfast , a delicious drink made from ginger and honeyis suitable: 5-6 slices of ginger root are poured over with hot water. After a 10-minute steeping time, add some cinnamon and honey and drink the mixture in small sips.

This stimulates digestion and simultaneously curbs cravings. It is best to boil water in the morning and pour it into a thermos. This way, you can drink hot water every hour and optimally stimulate Agni.

In the build-up phase, you can have more fruit again. In the morning, you can, for example, enjoy fresh fruits in the form of a lassi : Mix 100g yogurt with cold water as desired, some cane sugar, 25g strawberries, and half a banana. The pureed mixture makes a delicious drinkable breakfast and, of course, works with other types of fruit as well.

With Ayurvedic fasting to new energy

The thought of fasting days is daunting for many people, yet fasting can be quite a pleasant experience. Ayurvedic fasting takes the individual into account rather than setting rigid rules.

Prolonged starvation is not the goal here; rather, it is to create new energy through a reduced, type-appropriate diet. By the way, you can excellently support the Ayurvedic fasting diet through gentle yoga exercises. Get rid of the toxins, welcome Agni: It's worth giving Ayurvedic fasting a chance!