Intermittent fasting

   

                                                   Intermittent fasting

    

                As people are becoming more health conscious, intermittent fasting has become a topic of interest nowadays. Intermittent fasting as an essential step in preserving robust health is recognized by science communities as well after experimentation.

It is basic knowledge that your balanced gut is a powerhouse that holds the key to your overall wellness. It is like the roots of a tree. If the roots are weak, the entire tree suffers- leaves turn yellow, branches droop, flowers and fruits wither and fall down. An imbalanced gut messes with hormones, estrogen, cortisol and insulin leaving one moody, tired, battling weight gain, to making one unable to perform even ordinary works. But the beauty lies in the fact that your gut has incredible ability to clean itself if given a break for a short time. Constant and overeating does not give rest, overdriving digestive system to various problems of bloating, acidity, inflammation, imbalance of hormones and other things depleting complete energy, there by losing all interest to enjoy the beautiful life, a gift given by the God.

Indian tradition recognized this problem and made it almost mandatory to observe fasting twice a month on Ekadashi, the eleventh day of each lunar cycle ( A lunar month had 30 lunar days according to Vedic calendar. Based on the moon, two fortnights waxing one with 15 days and waning one with 15 days). After observing a day of fasting people were expected to break the fast after Sunrise on the following twelfth day known by the Dwadashi which means twelfth in Sanskrit. On the eleventh day fasting means onetime simple food excluding rice, grains, beans, meat etc. instead of, fruits, milk, milk-based products and non-grain products are recommended. Sometimes complete restriction on food and water also observed. Next day breaking fast includes simple food in moderate quantities and easy to digest is recommended.

This Ekadashi fasting is dedicated to the worship of Hindu god Vishnu ( Protector  and nourisher of the living beings according to tradition) as a way to purify the body, and soul, and to cultivate a deeper connection with the divine.

Interestingly the days chosen for fasting and breaking the fast have scientific basis. The eleventh day in the fortnightly lunar cycle has astronomical significance of the Moon’s position and its influence on the human mind. Our bodily functions are influenced by the Moon and its magnetic pull. The Moon affects the water element in the creation. It is a well known fact from the rising high tides in the Sea during these periods.More than 60% of the human body is made up of water, predicting Moon’ influence on the body and mind.

Hindu ancestors were aware that toxins in our body get aggravated during these periods periods of Full Moon and New Moon. When the stomach is kept light and empty, it helps to detoxify the body, cleanse the blood, and improve the functioning of the kidneys and liver naturally. Fasting on Ekadashi thus helps to cleanse the body naturally, clear the mind and direct the awareness inward. A step towards spiritual awakening through religious tool. Rice, grains or starchy items are avoided for the reason rice , grains hold a lot of water content. Since Moon attracts water, eating rice can cause unsteadiness of the mind.

The Puranas ( Hindu scriptures) describe the origin of Ekadashi worship linking to Vishnu’s killing of a demon on this day through his Yoga maya.

Fasting is known as Upavaasa in sanskrit. Upa means near vaasa means living or residing,  a day closer to God. Thus the purpose of fasting is not merely to starve the body, but to bring our body and mind closer to Lord. Fasting is easy, effective and powerful means to feel the presence of the divine within. Thus making it as a religious practice, health of the body and mind of the people was/ is taken care of.