Fasting in the Modern World: Echoes of Ayurvedic Langhana

Langhana: A Timeless Practice in Ayurveda and Its Connection to Modern Fasting

 

Langhana: Ayurveda’s 3,000-Year-Old Fasting Wisdom                                                                           In the **Charaka Samhita** (circa 1000 BCE), , an ancient text on Ayurveda, **Langhana** refers to therapeutic measures aimed at **lightening the body** by reducing excessive doshas (imbalances) and toxins (ama). The term "Langhana" means "to fast" or "to make light," and it is one of the primary principles in the treatment of diseases, especially those caused by ama or kapha dominance.This ancient concept aligns with modern scientific findings about the benefits of fasting for metabolism and cellular repair.

Here are some  **slokas from Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana (22:11)**, describing **Langhana (lightening therapies)** and related concepts:

                       

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                                              " लंघनं परम औषधं"

                                          " Langhanm param aushadham "

##Meaning 

Fasting is the best and supreme medicine.

Ayurveda recommends that fasting help regenerate stem cell and help in immunity building. Fasting properly generates the correct and balanced desire to eat , that helps overall.

Benefits of Langhan

>                    ** "Langhanam laghavam kruchram rukshoshnam cha prayojayet,  

>                          Samshodhanam cha rogagnam kaphamedoamajit priyam."**

### Meaning:

- **Langhanam laghavam**: Langhana (lightening therapies) creates a feeling of lightness in the body.  

- **Kruchram rukshoshnam cha**: It involves measures that are intense, dry (ruksha), and hot (ushna) in nature.  

- **Samshodhanam cha rogagnam**: Shodhana (purification) and Langhana are beneficial for disease elimination.  

- **Kaphamedoamajit priyam**: These therapies are especially favorable in conditions caused by excess kapha, meda (fat), and ama (toxins).  

This sloka highlights the utility of Langhana as a preparatory and therapeutic tool, particularly in managing kapha and ama-related disorders.

. Importance in Treatment:

 Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 22:10**

>                          **"Ama chaiva kaphaschaiva navajvaro bhaved yadi,  

>                         Tatra langhanamatyartham shreshtham yuktyanupurvashah."**

**Meaning**:  

When diseases like **ama**, **kapha**, and **navajwara** (early-stage fever) arise, **Langhana** becomes the most effective treatment. It should be applied systematically and appropriately according to the condition.

   - Langhana is particularly effective in conditions like fever (Jwara), obesity, indigestion, and metabolic disorders. It serves as a preparatory step before undertaking deeper detoxification therapies like Panchakarma.

### **. Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 22:13**  

>                             **"Langhanam swasahitam cha laghvanamcha kriyayate,  

>                              Vyadhihina bhavet kshipram tasmad langhanamacharet."**

**Meaning**:  

Langhana, along with the intake of light (laghu) and suitable substances, restores health quickly. Hence, **Langhana should be practiced** as an essential therapy in such conditions.

### **. Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 22:15**  

>                           **"Langhanam laghavam karyam doshasthe pratikurvate,  

>                                       Ama doshasya samshuddhi balam chaivopachiyate."**

**Meaning**:  

Langhana is effective in reducing doshas when they are in excess. It also helps in cleansing **ama** and ultimately restores **strength (bala)** in the body.

### **. Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 25:40**  

>                             **"Rukshaushna tiktam madhuram cha langhanam hitam,  

>                                       Atapam cha marutam cha vyayamam cha samacharet."**

**Meaning**:  

Therapies involving dryness (ruksha), heat (ushna), bitterness (tikta), and lightness are beneficial for Langhana. It includes **exposure to sunlight (atapam)**, wind (marutam), and appropriate exercise (vyayama).

### **Key Takeaways from these Slokas**:

1. **Langhana** is emphasized in conditions like fevers, indigestion, and kapha/ama disorders.  

2. Therapies like fasting, light diets, and cleansing practices are recommended as part of Langhana.  

3. It not only eliminates toxins but also promotes strength and balance when used appropriately.  

4. Practices like exposure to wind and sunlight, consuming bitter/light food, and exercise enhance the effects of Langhana.  

### **Types of Langhana in Ayurveda**  

**Classification of Langhana**:

   - Langhana is divided into two main types:

     - **Shodhana** (Purificatory): Methods like Vamana (emesis) and Virechana (purgation) to eliminate toxins.

     - **Shamana** (Palliative): Methods like fasting, consuming light food, and using digestive stimulants to balance doshas.

#### **1. Shodhana (Purificatory Langhana)**  

- Focus: Elimination of toxins (ama) and excessive doshas from the body.  

- Methods:  

  - **Vamana**: Therapeutic emesis.  

  - **Virechana**: Therapeutic purgation.  

  - **Basti**: Enema therapy.  

  - **Nasya**: Nasal cleansing.  

  - **Raktamokshana**: Bloodletting.  

- Indications: Used in conditions with severe doshic imbalance or toxin accumulation.  

#### **2. Shamana (Palliative Langhana)**  

- Focus: Pacifying doshas and improving digestion without active elimination.  

- 

 **Methods of Langhana**:

   - **Fasting (Upavasa)**: Abstaining from food to stimulate digestion and reduce toxins.

   - **Pachana**: Use of herbs and remedies that enhance digestion and burn ama.

   - **Physical exercise (Vyayama)**: To create lightness and reduce kapha and fat.

   - **Exposure to sun or wind (Atapa and Maruta)**: sun therapy and exposure to fresh air.    To increase metabolism.

   - **Use of light, easily digestible food (Laghupakarana)**:   Consumption of light, easily digestible foods.  Like soups, barley water, or gruel.

 

 **Indications for Langhana**:

   - Conditions of **ama (toxic undigested material)** accumulation.

   - Disorders caused by excess **kapha** and **meda (fat tissue)**.

   - Diseases involving heaviness, lethargy, or loss of appetite.

   -  Suitable for mild to moderate imbalances or preventive care.  

 **Cautons**:

   - Langhana should be tailored to the individual’s **prakriti (constitution)**, age, strength, and the nature of the disease. Overuse or misuse can lead to debility or imbalance of vata.

The Charaka Samhita emphasizes balancing the intensity of Langhana to avoid adverse effects while achieving optimal health benefits.