People wrongly assume, that “fasting” means “starvation.” In fact, fasting isn’t skipping meals or a fad diet either. The actual definition of fasting is “Abstaining from food for a defined period.”

Studies show that over the last few decades, the amount of time, we spend not eating has shrunk significantly. In fact, we are now eating food throughout the day (be it the snacks you consume on your desk or the coffee you sip every couple of hours), as compared to just thirty years ago.

In fasting, instead of three big meals a day and several snacks in between, you skip a particular meal(s) precisely at the same time every week (month/day).  

 let’s take a look at some of the fantastic benefits of fasting:

        1. Lose Weight

Intermittent fasting is a safe way to shed those extra pounds. This is because since your body doesn’t have any energy source to burn, due to the lack of food, it digs into the fat reserves, helping you lose stored body fat.

In fact, fasting is an efficient way to burn off body fat, than just regular dieting.

       2. Live for Longer

The lesser food you eat, the longer you live. As you age, the metabolism slows down, and it becomes difficult to digest foods as easily as when you were young.

When you fast, you eat less than regularly, reducing the burden on your digestive organs, and promoting longevity.

      3. Boost your Metabolism

Periodic fasting gives rest to your digestive system, thereby helping your body burn more calories. When your digestion is weak, your metabolism becomes weak. This is reset by fasting, which improves your body functions, which in turn improves your metabolism.

     4. Recognize Hunger Signals

True hunger kicks are felt only when you haven’t eaten for 12 to 24 hours.

Intermittent Fasting helps to regulate your hormones, helping in experience real hunger. One of the primary reasons for being overweight is that we’re unable to read the signals given by our body correctly.

     5. Improve your Brain Function

Intermittent Fasting boosts the production of a type of protein called as BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor).  This hormone is responsible for activating the stem cells in brains to produce new neurons and trigger other factors associated with neural health.

it also shields your brain cells from contracting Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

     6. Give a boost to your Immune System

Fasting prevents free radical damage and reduces inflammation in the body, in return strengthening the immune system.

     7. Reduce the risk of Diabetes

Fasting helps to improve insulin sensitivity. When you indulge in fasting, your body can better tolerate more carbs than otherwise, this can reduce the overall risk of Diabetes.

Final Thoughts

Here are a few ways to make your fasting easier and more efficient.

1. Decide on the type of fast you want to do – Set the period, you want to restrict your eating. 12-hour fast is ideal for beginners. If you have already fasted, then you can opt for alternate-day fasting.
2. Decide what you want to achieve – Lose weight, feel healthier, get more energy, spiritual experience, or rectify the lifestyle
3. Make your menu –Will you be drinking fruit juices, or eating uncooked vegetables and fruits. 

Above all, listen to your Body – Feel lightheaded and dizzy halfway through the fast? No worries, take a healthy snack. The main reason for fasting is to tune into your body’s signals. There are no hard and fast rules, so no worries about messing up. You can start again when your body is ready.

Article by:

Dr. Adithya Hande
Naturopathy & Yoga Physician
Shathayu Retreat

Having belly fat simply ruins the beauty of your entire personality, and one starts looking more aged. So if you want to look good, and be healthy reducing fat around your tummy should be the utmost priority.

The fat released from the omentum (which is fatty layer of tissue located inside the belly) rapidly and constantly travels to your liver, unlike the fat on your thighs, which patiently waits. The processed material is then shipped to the arteries, where it is linked to health risks like high LDL (lousy) cholesterol.

Experts say omentum fat (or an “apple” body shape) is more harmful than subcutaneous fat (like thigh fat, which gives you a “pear” shape) which can increase one’s chances of getting cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, Infertility, PCOD, and other Obesity Related diseases.

Stomach fat is one of the biggest problems for Men, women, and children- all age groups are fighting against obesity. No matter which age group you belong to, it is not easy to reduce belly fat. It requires workouts and exercises and that too along with proper treatment.

Ayurveda Detox helps in reducing body fat along with several other health benefits. This therapy is a great way to reduce belly fat along with Ayurveda massages. we are sure that you will find a noticeable difference and say WOW to yourself within four weeks of time and End 2019 in a better and healthy way!

It’s never too late to change old habits and start WEIGHT MANAGEMENT therapies for adopting a Healthy way of losing Body fat with Ayurveda

Any movement that we make relies on the controlling system of the human body- the Brain- be it writing, reading, walking, or talking. But a serious brain disorder like Parkinson’s disease can rob a person of the ability to do everyday tasks that many of us take for granted. There’s no cure, but Ayurvedic treatments for Parkinson’s Disease can help to arrest the degeneration of brain cells enhancing fine and gross motor movements.

Parkinson’s disease sets in gradually over time. The early signs may be barely noticeable. A person’s movements may change slightly. You might notice slowness, rigidity, or difficulty in balancing or walking. Also, their face may lack expression, or their handwriting may become small and cramped. There is profound postural instability, rigidity, and gait abnormalities occurring later, making their daily life tough and dependent. It might become harder to sleep, think, eat, speak, smell, and make decisions. As the disease worsens, symptoms may become difficult to control.

Parkinson’s disease usually arises after age 50, but can also appear earlier in life. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, which means that brain cells gradually malfunction and die. The disease damages brain cells that make a chemical called dopamine. The resulting dopamine shortage causes movement problems that mark Parkinson’s disease.

Shathayu Medical Management for Parkinson’s Disease

1. Shodhana Chikitsa:  Bio-cleansing therapies followed by Palliative therapy should be advocated. (Depends on the strength of the patient and prognosis of the disease)

2. Based on the conditions of the patient, massage/Kayaseka  with medicated oils like Maha Narayana taila, Kshirabala Taila, Sahacharadi taila, Dhanvantara taila, Mahamasha taila for 3-7 days

PANCHAKARMA – (based on the condition)

• Matra Basti -daily for 8- 14 days

• Yapana basti for 8/16/30 days

• Nasya karma for 7 days

3. Shirodhara/Shiro Basti with medicated oils daily for 7/14/21 days

4. Shiro Pichu for 7/14/21 days

5.  Herbal medicines which exclusively work on tremors, use of herbal nerve tonics to relieve rigidity and nourish the nervous system.

6. Dietary advice to improve digestion as it directly contributes to the efficacy of the medicines and treatments given.

7.  Practice yoga or meditation to focus on overcoming symptoms, managing internal energies, and for relaxation and reducing stress or anxiety.

All the Panchakarma procedures (Detoxification Process) will be customized by Physician only after detailed consultation. Treatments may be altered as per the individual strength.