EVALUATION OF THERAPEUTIC ROLE OF UPAVASA IN AYURVED

Abstract

Ayurveda the scientific way of life guides the humanity to combat sickness as well as to keep up and maintain supreme well-being. Ayurveda recognizes the viewpoint that fasting causes digestion of metabolic toxins which are not good for health. Agnimandya (weakened digestive fire) and ama (toxin) are considered to be the main reason for disease manifestation. It is stated in Ayurveda that fasting encourages digestive fire with exclusion of blockage in the channel which helps in reducing of effects of the disease. There are 10 types of langhana enlisted Ayurveda and Upavasa (Fasting) is one of them. Ayurveda guides three therapies for the well-being and health spiritual, psychological, rational/physical. Many experts believe that fasting is the mixture of all three. Upavasa (Fasting) is withdrawal of food for specific time periods. An advantage of fasting incorporates clarity of organs which are responsible for sense. During fasting person can feel the easiness of body as well as brain. It gives better feeling in diseased state. Collectively these things contribute to make individual feel energised. Ayurveda advocates fasting according to the avastha (sama) and strength of vyadhi and patient. The strength of the patient is decided on vaya, agni, kaala and dosha . Upavasa (Fasting) is advised precautionary and in addition remedial methodology. This article is a sincere effort to comprehend the therapeutic role of langhana (Upavasa) as non-invasive and evidence-based modality in the management of various diseases mentioned in Ayurveda.