Intermittent Fasting Through an Ayurvedic Lens: The Art of Langhana

The current enthusiasm around intermittent fasting may seem like a modern wellness trend, but Ayurveda has prescribed therapeutic fasting — called Langhana — for thousands of years. The principle is simple: giving your digestive system rest allows Agni (digestive fire) to burn accumulated Ama (toxins). Ayurveda recommends different fasting approaches for each dosha: **Vata types** should fast gently and briefly. A 12-hour overnight fast (7 PM to 7 AM) is sufficient. Extended fasting can aggravate Vata, causing anxiety and instability. Warm water and herbal teas are permitted during fasting periods. **Pitta types** can handle moderate fasting (14-16 hours) but should avoid fasting when hungry or in hot weather. Pitta's strong Agni means skipping meals can cause irritability and acid buildup. Cooling foods like cucumber water help during fasting. **Kapha types** benefit most from fasting and can comfortably fast for 16-18 hours. Kapha's naturally slow metabolism responds well to extended breaks from eating. Warm ginger water during fasting helps stimulate sluggish Agni. The Ayurvedic approach differs from Western IF in one key way: it emphasizes listening to your body over following rigid schedules. Fasting should feel lightening and clarifying, never depleting.