The ancient science of Ayurveda has spoken elaborately of the merits of fasting. According to this ancient discipline, fasting is an effective way to kindle the digestive fire and burn away accumulated toxins from the body and mind. It also eliminates gas, lightens the body, improves mental clarity, provides a clean tongue and fresh breath, and preserves overall health.
However, it also does not recommend infrequent and long term fasting, that could deplete bodily tissues and create imbalance to the constitution. It favors regular and short term fasting, which could be on the same day each week or setting aside a few days each month, all depending on individual constitutions and cleansing requirements.
Fasting, done properly, has another major advantage. It is a kind of
ritual that can purify the body and mind and develop the pure qualities of
detachment and equanimity. Fasting helps create an atonement with the Absolute
by establishing a harmonious relationship between the body and the soul. It
nourishes the physical and spiritual demands so necessary for overall health.
