Ayurvedic Therapeutic Fasting, or Upavasa in its original Sanskrit form, is a full-body, full-mind, and full-soul experience rather than just taking a break from eating. The practice, which is based on ancient principles of Ayurveda, seeks to achieve a state of langhana (lightness) through the elimination of ama (toxins) and the resting of the digestive system. In contrast to the modern restrictive fasting methods, Ayurvedic fasting is very personalized and individualized to your specific dosha imbalance, agni (digestive fire), and nature of disease
In its essence, fasting is an Ayurvedic practice that contributes to the body’s balance and is not a means of depriving the body of its usual food intake. Fasting gives an opportunity for the body’s energy to change its direction to healing from the constant digestion of food.
● The Digestive Fire (Agni) is kindled: the digestive fire is strengthened by fasting, which is a major factor in nutrient absorption and the prevention of the occurrence of toxins.
● The elimination of ama (toxins): ama is the main cause of many health problems, and its formation comes from agni being weak, thus food not being digested. The process of fasting removes these impurities through burning and clearing.
● Stabilizing the Doshas: Fasting is an effective method of reducing the overactive Pitha and Kapha doshas, and at the same time, it keeps Vatha dosha in balance.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Intermittent Fasting (Upavasa) | Eat within a specific time window (12–14 hours fast), customized to your dosha. |
| Light Fasting | Consume light foods like soups or khichadi — perfect for beginners or weak digestion. |
| Mono-Diet Fasting | Eat only one simple, balanced meal such as khichadi for 1–3 days. |
| Juice or Fruit Fasting (Phalahara) | A gentle fast including fruits or fresh juices for light nourishment. |
| Seasonal Fasting | Practiced during seasonal transitions (spring and autumn) to detox and adapt naturally. |
Modern research now validates what Ayurveda has known for millennia — that mindful fasting can rejuvenate the body from within.
● Autophagy and Detoxification: Scientific studies show fasting triggers autophagy, a natural cell-cleaning process that mirrors Ayurveda’s goal of eliminating ama.
● Improved Metabolic Health: Fasting supports insulin sensitivity, healthy blood sugar levels and weight balance — all linked to a strong agni.
● Reduced Inflammation: Both Ayurveda and modern science recognize fasting’s power to lower chronic inflammation, one of the root causes of many diseases.
● Cognitive Clarity: Fasting promotes mental calm and sharper focus, aligning perfectly with Ayurveda’s vision of purifying both body and mind.
Ayurveda recognizes that every body is unique. Therefore, fasting should align with your individual Prakriti (constitution):
| Dosha Type | Dietary Approach | Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Vata (Air + Space) | Warm soups, stews, and cooked grains | Avoid long or water-only fasts; stay grounded with warm herbal teas. |
| Pitta (Fire + Water) | Cooling foods like cucumber, melons, and leafy greens | Include cooling teas like mint; avoid spicy or fried foods. |
| Kapha (Earth + Water) | Light, spiced meals such as kitchadi or broth | Longer fasts help stimulate metabolism; herbal teas with ginger or tulsi are beneficial. |
● Prepare Mindfully: To prepare your body for fasting, start with light, natural foods for a few days.
● Choose Your Method: Gentle methods such as the kitchadi mono-diet or intermittent fasting (12–14 hours) can be your initial trials.
● Stay Hydrated: Drink warm water or herbal water, such as cumin or coriander or cardamom throughout the day.
● Be Present: Fasting combined with meditation or slow yoga will strengthen the detoxification process.
● Break Gently: Gradually end the fasting process with simple foods — rice soup or vegetable stock or broth or light vegetable soup and then switch to regular meals.
At the Retreat Park Am See Nattika Ayurveda, fasting is not just a physical detoxification but a purification of the spirit through a calm ritual. You will be supported by the experienced Ayurvedic practitioners and the beauty of the peaceful lakes during your
fasting to discover fasting as a means to achieve harmony within yourself. The fasting plan for each individual is meticulously crafted to suit the person’s dosha and health requirements, thereby guaranteeing safety, balance, and rejuvenation. You do not only receive an Ayurveda cure in Germany, you reclaim the ancient knowledge of living mindfully that is accompanied by nature, silence and professional care.
Ayurvedic Therapeutic Fasting is an intentional return to equilibrium and vigor rather than a deprivation. Fasting through the channels of holistic healing by resting the digestive system, fortifying agni and eliminating ama. The Retreat Park Am See Nattika Ayurveda offers a chance for you to experience the ancient practice amidst nature, under the guidance of genuine Ayurvedic knowledge and modern comfort. If you are looking for physical detox, emotional detachment or spiritual lightness, fasting here will become an essential part of your Ayurveda treatment in Germany — a trip to real inner peace.
It’s a holistic cleansing practice called Upavasa or Langhana, designed to rest the digestive system, eliminate toxins, and restore balance among the three doshas — Vatha, Pitha and Kapha.
Fasting should be done only after consulting your Ayurvedic Physician, who will assess and monitor your health condition and the type of fasting is also determined based on the strength of the individual.
Ayurvedic fasting focuses on balance, not restriction. It’s personalized to body type, includes herbal support and aims to kindle digestive fire (agni)
Yes, by enhancing metabolism and improving digestion, fasting can naturally support healthy weight and reduce sluggishness, particularly in Kapha-dominant individuals.
This varies by individual, but short, gentle fasts once a week or during seasonal transitions are generally recommended for maintaining long-term wellness, but a consultation with your Ayurveda Physician is recommended to avoid complications.
