Thu Sep 25 01:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Navratri Fasting: A Boon for Mind and Body, Says Ayurveda Expert**
**New Delhi:** As the nation gears up for Navratri, a period of spiritual significance and fasting, experts emphasize the health benefits of observing fasts the right way. Dr. Mridul Chitrakar, Professor at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa, explains that Navratri fasting, observed during the transition between monsoon and autumn, is a powerful way to detoxify both body and mind.
According to Ayurveda, fasting helps strike a healthy balance between *agni* (digestive fire) and *ama* (toxins) in the body. However, Dr. Chitrakar stresses that fasting isn’t about prolonged starvation or self-infliction. Individuals should tailor their fasting practices to their *Prakriti* (body type: Vata, Pitta, or Kapha), overall health, and the prevailing season.
Following proper guidelines and maintaining moderation are crucial for maximizing the benefits of the fast, leading to enhanced physical and mental well-being during this auspicious period. The article also highlights the cultural significance of Navratri, its association with purification, and encourages readers to explore related topics such as fasting diet plans and the importance of worshipping specific deities during this time.
First Piper 