Yoga and Fasting

While there is a yoga way of eating, there is also a yoga way of not eating.

This refers to fasting. Since we make our digestive system work several times a day, it’s a good idea to give it some rest.

This will allow our digestive system to recover from eating too much, eating unhealthy food or eating at the wrong time.

Fasting is an important aspect for the spiritually inclined, and is beneficial for those seeking purification.

Awareness level

Practising yoga and meditation during fasting help achieve a new level of mental, spiritual and physical awareness.

The benefits

• Yoga is a combination of gentle movements, stretching, twisting, with deep breathing. It increa-ses the speed of the detoxifying process
• The lymph and the blood transporting toxins are pumped through the body much faster, improving the drainage of the toxins and speeding up the elimination process
• Relaxation due to the practice of yoga has a healing effect on the body
• Yoga boosts energy levels. Increased detoxification makes the energy channels clearer. Hence, fewer number of diseases

Fasting Guidelines

• For people who eat three full meals a day and snacks in between, fasting is tough initially. They may start with one full meal around lunch time, taking in water or juice in between. Once they get the hang of eating less in a day, they may proceed to the single-day fast

• Decide on what type of fast you are going to follow. It can either be a water fast, a fruit juice fast or a vegetable juice fast. Once you decide, stick to it.