In today’s world, intermittent fasting has become a prominent health trend. It is praised for promoting weight loss and cellular recycling, known as autophagy. However, this practice has ancient roots. For over five thousand years, Ayurveda has practiced a deep form of therapeutic fasting called Upavasa.

Unlike the modern idea of deprivation, Ayurvedic fasting is a conscious choice to withdraw energy from digestion to encourage internal healing and mental clarity.

The main aim is to restore your Agni and process accumulated toxins, known as Ama.

Today’s human condition often involves “over-nutrition,” characterised by constant eating that overwhelms the body’s ability to metabolise. This continuous influx of food creates a buildup of biological sludge called Ama, which Ayurveda considers the root cause of many diseases.

Thus, fasting is not just a weight-loss tactic; it is a fundamental Ayurvedic treatment. When Agni is relieved from processing external food, it can focus on digesting Ama, restoring balance to the entire system.

The Core Principle: Agni, Ama, and the Therapy of Lightness

To understand when and how to fast, you first need to evaluate your internal condition:

Agni (The Fire): Agni is responsible for all transformation, from the food you consume to your emotional responses. When Agni is strong, you have a clear appetite, a focused mind, and sustained energy.

Ama (The Sludge): Ama refers to the toxic residue of incomplete digestion. Signs of Ama include a thick coating on the tongue, gas, bloating, tiredness after meals, and brain fog.

If you suspect Ama, adding heavy or rich foods or complex herbal remedies will only worsen your condition. The first step in Ayurvedic treatment is Langhana, or the therapy of lightness.

Langhana is flexible, not rigid. It can range from a simple mono-diet to a complete liquid fast, always adjusted according to individual strength and specific imbalances.

Individualised Fasting Protocols for Hormonal Balance

Fasting serves as an effective Ayurvedic remedy for hormonal changes, such as menopause by addressing the specific Doshic imbalances that occur.

Managing Hot Flashes (Pitta Imbalance)

Hot flashes arise from trapped heat (Pitta) that flares up due to clogged channels filled with Ama. A water fast may be too intense for this issue.

The Cooling Liquid Fast: Engage in a 24-hour liquid fast using cooling substances.

What to Consume: Drink Fennel and Coriander Tea (classic Pitta pacifiers), hydrating Coconut Water, or small amounts of astringent fruit juice.
Mechanism: This fast clears the Ama blocking heat circulation, allowing it to distribute evenly rather than surging upward in a flash.
Addressing Menopausal Weight Gain
Weight gain during this stage often results from a sluggish metabolic fire (Manda Agni) and Kapha buildup.
The Heating/Scraping Fast: Apply heat to activate and dissolve Kapha.
What to Consume: Drink hot water infused with dried ginger (Suntha). You may also sip warm water with a teaspoon of raw honey, which has a “scraping” quality.
The Circadian Power Move: A highly effective tactic is to skip dinner, extending the overnight fast to 14-16 hours. This prompts the body to use fat reserves in the early morning.
Calming Anxiety & Brain Fog (Vata Imbalance): For Vata types, complete fasting can be risky as it may increase dryness and lightness, leading to panic or severe insomnia.
The Gentle Mono-Diet (Soup or Khichadi Fast):
Protocol: Rather than full abstinence, engage in a mono-diet of easily digestible liquids or semi-solids for 24 to 72 hours. This may include a simple, spiced vegetable soup or light Moong Dal Khichadi (made from split mung beans, rice, ghee, and mild spices).
Why it Works: These options are extremely gentle on the agni, providing a rest while the ghee adds necessary richness to soothe Vata and nourish the nervous system. The simplicity and warmth eliminate the Ama, causing the fog without depleting your energy.
The When of Fasting: Syncing with Nature
Ayurveda emphasizes that the timing of a fast is just as important as the method.
The Weekly Reset: A simple 24-hour fast (like dinner-to-dinner) once a week is an effective way to maintain metabolic flexibility and avoid Ama buildup. Always break the fast gently with light foods like soup or gruel.
The Fortnightly Fast: This fast takes place on the 11th day of each lunar cycle. It is a valued tradition based on the idea that atmospheric pressure shifts on these days, helping the body prepare for release.
Seasonal Cleansing (Ritu Sandhi): The two weeks between seasons (for example, winter to spring) are crucial for health. This is the best time for a deeper cleanse (3-7 days) to remove the Dosha that built up during the previous season:
Spring Cleanse: Focus on bitter and pungent foods (like ginger and turmeric) to dissolve accumulated Kapha.
Autumn Cleanse: Focus on cooling and cleansing ingredients (like cilantro and aloe vera) to eliminate accumulated Pitta.

Safety, Contraindications, and Rebuilding
Ayurveda tends to be cautious. Fasting is a depleting process and should be avoided if you are already low on energy.
Who Should Not Fast: People recovering from major surgery, the elderly, and anyone dealing with active eating disorders or serious anaemia.

The Art of Breaking the Fast (Samsarjana Krama): The refeeding phase is critical. You can’t overwhelm a low Agni with heavy food. Always reintroduce food gradually, starting with light liquids (like rice water or broth), then thin gruel, and finally soft-cooked rice. This approach protects your restored Agni from being extinguished.

Conclusion:
Finding Your Personalized Ayurvedic Treatment

Fasting (Upavasa) is a powerful practice that provides a natural remedy for the challenges of modern life. It isn’t about starvation; it’s about giving your body a chance to rest, so it can heal and restore itself.

By listening to your body and paying attention to your tongue coating, as well as understanding if your imbalance is Vata, Pitta, or Kapha, you can use fasting as a personal tool for maintaining metabolic and hormonal health throughout your life.

If you’re unsure about your specific Dosha or need help formulating a safe fasting plan, consult an expert.

Ready to Reclaim Your Agni?

Do you show signs of Ama buildup? Are your hormonal symptoms not responding to general treatments? Finding a good Ayurvedic Clinic nearby is the first step toward a personalized Ayurvedic treatment plan.
At Ojas Ayurved, Dr. Sarita Vaidya and our skilled team focus on women’s health and metabolic restoration.
Contact Ojas Ayurved today to book your consultation and start your journey toward lightness and clarity.