Ekadashi calendar: what is it and how can it help our health?

Dear reader, we present to you our beauty columnist Inessa Tsarkova!

Inessa is an active nutritionist, gastroenterologist, therapist, naturopath and aromatherapist, health coach, integrative medicine doctor with a holistic approach. And now he will share with us his knowledge in the field of both physical and mental health, nutrition and much more.

Ekadashi is the practice of fasting in the Vedic tradition, yoga and Ayurveda. Translated from Sanskrit, Ekadashi means “eleven” (eka – “one”, dashi – “ten”). These are the special days most suitable for purification and spiritual development. Many people all over the world observe Ekadashi. Let’s take a closer look at this practice and find out why and how to follow it.

Inessa Tsarkova

How does the moon affect people?

Everything in the universe is interconnected. Planets and stars do not exist on their own, but in close interaction and mutual influence. Likewise, the energy of the Moon affects almost all processes occurring on our planet and its inhabitants, including humans.

The Moon’s gravity not only creates tides by moving layers of water in the seas and oceans, but also affects the movement of fluid in our body (after all, a person consists of about 75% of water), creating a peculiar phenomenon. ebb and flow in our organs and systems. Moreover, this effect extends not only on the physical level, but also on the emotional and energetic level.

People have always felt changes in their mental state during various phases of the moon (especially during full moon and new moon). Even the cyclical nature of the female hormonal system is directly related to lunar cycles that repeat every 28-30 days.

The effect of moon phases on the human body has been known since ancient times. Therefore, Chinese medicine has always taken into account its effects on life processes and the functioning of various systems in its treatment recommendations. According to the lunar cycles, there are phases when organs are irrigated with maximum blood, when the rate of metabolic processes in them increases many times, and cycles of fluid outflow, when organs and systems are cleansed as much as possible. It is these days of the lunar calendar that are recommended for fasting in the Ekadashi calendar and are particularly suitable for purification.

After a temporary rest, the digestive system begins to cope better with its work, digesting and assimilating. Remember how timely rest or vacation improved your performance?

By fasting regularly and correctly, taking into account the effect of the lunar cycle, our body can become healthier and rejuvenated.

Ayurveda teaches: “During fasting, the unbalanced doshas come into balance, the digestive fire is kindled, and the condition of the body and mind returns to normal. In addition, physical lightness, healthy appetite and thirst, good mood and digestion, as well as strength and energy are achieved.”

Interestingly, during Ekadashi fasting days, it is first recommended to stay away from grains and legumes. And we already know that these products contain the maximum amount of lectins that cause inflammation in the intestinal wall and lead to impaired permeability. You can read more about this in my article “Lectins: Training program on the invisible enemies of health, slimness and youth”.

What is the meaning of Ekadashi fast?

The Ekadashi calendar came to us from ancient religious texts of Hinduism and calls these days to cleanse not only our body, but also our thoughts, consciousness and soul.

According to the ancient works “Padma Purana”, the god Vishnu created the goddess Ekadashi to help people improve their karma and ease their path to enlightenment. The expelled sins of people, personified in Papapurusha, had no place to live, and he complained to Vishnu, who hid him from the cruel goddess in legumes and grains, which were forbidden to consume during the Ekadashi fast. These fasting days occurred every 11th day after the new moon and full moon (i.e., at the beginning of the second and fourth phases of the lunar cycle). According to the Ekadashi calendar, believers were commanded to fast for a day and perform prayers, recite prayers and make donations, and this was extremely strong during these days.

The word “Ekadashi” itself indicates the special meaning of each 11th day of the lunar cycle.

The real meaning of fasting is not only to physically cleanse the body, but also to calm the mind and control the momentary desires of the soul. These days, you should pay more attention to the needs of the soul, thus doing mental and spiritual cleansing.

“I fast to control my body and soul. It gives me strength and determination to achieve my goal,” said Mahatma Gandhi.

According to their teachings, if you thoroughly cleanse the body and mind during the days of Ekadashi and do it correctly, it gives a person lightness and vigor in the body, improves the general condition of the body, helps clarify the mind, helps spiritual attainment. rise and enthusiasm.

You can observe Ekadashi fasts not only for religious purposes but also to improve your health, which many modern people use. To do this, it is not necessary to read mantras and prayers; It is only necessary to fast, be calm, avoid negative thoughts and actions, and show kindness to all people.

The days of Ekadashi will vary in different time periods as it falls on the 11th lunar day at dawn. You can find the Ekadashi calendar for different time periods online.

10 rules for observing Ekadashi fasting

So what rules are prescribed for observing the Ekadashi fast?

1. During fasting, it is recommended to reduce not only meals but also sleep. And for this it is better to get up at dawn or at least as early as possible. You should also avoid daytime naps.

2. Salt baths and visiting a steam room or a contrast shower with salt scrubs can help the body cleanse itself.

3. These days it’s better to wear clothes made from natural, breathable fabrics. The use of cosmetics is not recommended.

4. It is better not to drink coffee and tea (and especially alcoholic beverages), preferring clean water.

5. It is recommended to stay away from cafes and restaurants and eat at home.

6. First of all, you should exclude products:

– cereals (wheat, rye, rice, oats, barley, corn, millet), legumes (beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils, etc.) and products containing them. However, buckwheat is allowed on Ekadashi days as it is not considered a grain;

– animal products that are most difficult to digest (meat, fish, eggs). I have previously explained in detail why these foods are difficult to digest in my article about species-specific foods;

– Although natural dairy products are allowed according to Vedic canons, it is also better to exclude them (taking into account their quality in modern realities). Additionally, cow feed contains large amounts of grain, which is the source of harmful lectins in dairy products. More than dairy products, “How do dairy products affect the body?” I mentioned in my article;

7. Active training and excessive physical activity should be avoided, but moderate basic activity will help speed up the cleansing process by improving the functioning of the lymph. These days it is better to refrain from sexual contact to calm the body.

8. Devote these days to spiritual development, be polite and friendly and avoid quarrels. On these days, prayers are especially powerful, meditations especially deep and effective.

9. For better knowledge of the laws of the universe and awareness of one’s true nature, it is recommended to devote these days to the study of scriptures and the teachings of spiritual mentors.

10. During Lent, it is beneficial to engage in charity by donating food and basic necessities to those in need.

Variants of Ekadashi fasting: for beginners and more experienced

Depending on your experience, your health, and your body’s preparedness, you can use various options for fasting on Ekadashi days.

for beginnersIt is better for people with chronic diseases, those suffering from insomnia and the elderly, as well as to observe lighter versions of fasting:

– if you are used to eating three or more times, you can reduce the number of meals to at least two (in the classic version, it is recommended to eat only once, from 16:00 to sunset);

— people following a traditional diet can fast by excluding animal products (using mostly vegetables, root vegetables, herbs, nuts, seeds and fruits);

– spend the day eating only vegetable salads;

– have a fruity day by consuming mainly unsweetened fruits, green bananas (containing resistant starch, which is beneficial for microbiota health) and berries;

— spend your day making smoothies, using greens, seeds, nuts, and plant milks to prepare them;

— spend the day with juices (preferably vegetable juices with the addition of a small amount of berries);

– Spend the day drinking herbal teas with honey.

experienced people Without any contraindications you can:

– spend the day completely with clean water and completely refuse food;

– spend the day “dry” by avoiding both food and water. In such cases, the cleaning of the intercellular space occurs especially effectively, since the body completely stops the processes of absorption and assimilation and begins to use damaged cells with greater force, as well as various deposits called “slag”.

My dear readers, by correctly following the instructions on the days of Ekadashi (selected taking into account the lunar influence), you can not only cleanse and heal your body in the best possible way, but also learn to control the demands of the body. develop self-discipline and contribute to your spiritual development and personal development.