sandeyeDiet & Fasting: Classic theory 2 fasting
February 18th 2008 19:57
The Yogic dietary system is not alone in recommending fasting as a practice. Many religions, including both Buddhism & Christianity, have either accepted or recommended the practice. The Yogic practice of fasting is based upon the intentions to purify, cleanse and revivify the body and to control the mind and spirit.
From the Yoga literature that I have read so far, it is suggested that you fast for one day in every 7-10, or for 3-4 days once every 1-3 months. The former building will power and body discipline, whereas the latter will fully rejuvenate and detoxify both the body and mind. It is not recommended to fast whilst pregnant, breast feeding, or whilst taking medication.
There are several forms of fasting. These include water fasts, liquid fasts and juice fasts. On a water fast, you either slowly drink 6-7 glasses of water per day, otherwise drink as much water as you wish but do not take any other substance or liquid. On a liquid fast, you indulge in liquid substances only, such as water, juice, milk, coffee. You drink as much as you wish, but should drink at a 50-75% water to 25/50% other liquid ratio. On a juice fast, you can drink either fruit or vegetable juices. Two sources say that you may drink 5-7 glasses, slowly, per day, whereas another source suggests you should drink any amount of a combination of fruit and vegetable juice per day, and another source suggests that you drink alternate glasses of fruit/vegetable juice and water throughout the day. (I myself prefer the liquid diet, as I do not like giving up my morning coffee indulgence!)
Yogic fasting is often accompanied by additional practices such as enema and Kunjar Kriya. (I will write about such as these in later postings.) It is advised that some side effects may occur from fasting. Meditation and Pranayama practice can often alleviate these. It is also explained that excessive activity - such as a two-hour gym workout or 1-hour jog - should be avoided if possible, whereas calm walking and such slower activities are to be encouraged. If indulging in the longer style of fast, you may find severe effects arising due to the full-cleansing of the body. As impurities are leaving, they often explode on exit. You may become dizzy, irritable, cold, or obtain a headache. You may need to leave fasting for the time being and return ot it at a later time if symptoms such as palpitations or irregular breathing continue after attempting to calm them with meditation/Pranayama.
For those devoted to the Yogic lifestyle, it is suggested to take the latter option of the longer fast, setting aside a few days to fully indulge in extra meditation/Pranayama practices aside from life. Whilst fasting, your senses become more alert and you are often able to derive added benefits such as fuller concentration from these practices.
When your fast is over, try not to fill up the empty belly with as much food as possible, but take a small meal as your first. Perhaps some fruit, or a small bowl of rice. It is recommended at three sources to take this 'first meal' at night, not returning to your regular diet until wither the next or following day. Another source recommends returning even more gradually, if using the longer fast method. It suggests you spend 1-2 days each on consuming solely fruit & yogurt, raw vegetables & salads, light meals of rice or barley base.
From the Yoga literature that I have read so far, it is suggested that you fast for one day in every 7-10, or for 3-4 days once every 1-3 months. The former building will power and body discipline, whereas the latter will fully rejuvenate and detoxify both the body and mind. It is not recommended to fast whilst pregnant, breast feeding, or whilst taking medication.
There are several forms of fasting. These include water fasts, liquid fasts and juice fasts. On a water fast, you either slowly drink 6-7 glasses of water per day, otherwise drink as much water as you wish but do not take any other substance or liquid. On a liquid fast, you indulge in liquid substances only, such as water, juice, milk, coffee. You drink as much as you wish, but should drink at a 50-75% water to 25/50% other liquid ratio. On a juice fast, you can drink either fruit or vegetable juices. Two sources say that you may drink 5-7 glasses, slowly, per day, whereas another source suggests you should drink any amount of a combination of fruit and vegetable juice per day, and another source suggests that you drink alternate glasses of fruit/vegetable juice and water throughout the day. (I myself prefer the liquid diet, as I do not like giving up my morning coffee indulgence!)
Yogic fasting is often accompanied by additional practices such as enema and Kunjar Kriya. (I will write about such as these in later postings.) It is advised that some side effects may occur from fasting. Meditation and Pranayama practice can often alleviate these. It is also explained that excessive activity - such as a two-hour gym workout or 1-hour jog - should be avoided if possible, whereas calm walking and such slower activities are to be encouraged. If indulging in the longer style of fast, you may find severe effects arising due to the full-cleansing of the body. As impurities are leaving, they often explode on exit. You may become dizzy, irritable, cold, or obtain a headache. You may need to leave fasting for the time being and return ot it at a later time if symptoms such as palpitations or irregular breathing continue after attempting to calm them with meditation/Pranayama.
For those devoted to the Yogic lifestyle, it is suggested to take the latter option of the longer fast, setting aside a few days to fully indulge in extra meditation/Pranayama practices aside from life. Whilst fasting, your senses become more alert and you are often able to derive added benefits such as fuller concentration from these practices.
When your fast is over, try not to fill up the empty belly with as much food as possible, but take a small meal as your first. Perhaps some fruit, or a small bowl of rice. It is recommended at three sources to take this 'first meal' at night, not returning to your regular diet until wither the next or following day. Another source recommends returning even more gradually, if using the longer fast method. It suggests you spend 1-2 days each on consuming solely fruit & yogurt, raw vegetables & salads, light meals of rice or barley base.
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