The best way to cleanse the inner body is by fasting.
Generally, fasting has many benefits, gives the necessary rest to the intestines, stomach and other organs of the body such as the heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, liver, etc. and recovers the strength so that the body can work with great efficiency after fasting. Furthermore fasting facilitates the removal of toxins, so then cleanses the entire body. Fasting can remove abnormal growths in the body, as tumour, disease tissues, pain, kidney stones, swelling, inflammation, etc. Fasting relaxes the nervous system. Overcomes anxiety and insomnia and also increases willpower, etc.
The most beneficial days for fasting are calculated according to the phases of the moon. And the position of the moon affects the tides; in our bodies, which is between 70 and 85% liquid, the attraction of the Moon also has its effect. In the days of new moon and full moon, the attraction is greater. In those days, or in the immediately preceding period, the liquid portion of our body tends to concentrate on the top of it, causing imbalances in the body. So as to control this imbalance, it is necessary to do a complete fast without water, eleven days after the new moon (amavasya) and the full moon (Purnima). This eleventh day is known under the name of Eka’dashi. Fasting without water helps to create emptiness in the stomach and in the lower part of the digestive system; this prevents the liquids from drawing up. It has been found that in the days of full moon, there is an increase in the incidence of mental and nervous disorders. Fasting helps control the effects that cause these disorders.
The precise day of Eka’dashi is computed according to the lunar calendar. Using a regular calendar, where the days of new and full moon are set according to the solar time some mistakes can be made. In order to have the exact dates you can contact any centre of Ananda Marga.
Fasting is neither required in the case of children-until they reach adolescence-, nor in the case of pregnancy and illness. A day of fasting means to fast from sunrise of the day of fasting, until sunrise of the next day. The usual practice is not to eat anything after dinner of the previous day, to the next morning of the day of fasting.
How to break the fast?
Finished the fasting one should break it drinking a glass of water with lemon and a pinch of salt. It is advised to eat a ripe banana, as this helps revive the digestive system in a more gently way then you can have more fruits and yogurt.