Observe Fast In Sutak Period To Prevent Mood Disturbances

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Posted: Wednesday, June 15, 2011

by Dr K K Aggarwal
Heart Care Foundation of India

It’s safe to watch total lunar eclipse today said Padmashri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal President Heart Care Foundation of India.  Dr Aggarwal was interacting with the audience in a discussion organized  in Manthan and Aradhana program by Zee Network.

Unlike solar eclipse watching total lunar eclipse does not damage the eyes. It’s safe for pregnancy as per alllopathy but Ayurveda restricts it to be watched by pregnant ladies.

On lunar eclipse day there is “full moon” present in an atmosphere of “new moon”. The full moon effect on the environment also reflects on the mood and mind of a person. The high tides in the ocean reflect in the mind as mood disturbance.  These mood changes may occur in every full moon and that is the reason why in India mythology it is advised to control the mind by observing fast either on ekadashi ( 3 days before full moon) or on the day of full moon.

The ‘sutak’ (nine hours period before the lunar eclipse starts) is also observed in Indian mythology as a period of physical and mental fast so as to avoid the effect of eclipse on the mind. During this period one is required not to eat cereals, if possible nothing by mouth and do pranayama and meditation.

Ten percent of the society at any given time is affected with anxiety or depression. The full moon as per Ayurveda is said to effect and exacerbate symptoms of anxiety or depression. The fluctuations in the mind can also be associated with fluctuations in upper systolic blood pressure.

In an Institute of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Goa study a significant trend was observed for greater numbers of patients with non-affective psychoses on full moon days and on days of visible lunar eclipse, but no pattern was observed for mania or depression. [Indian J Psychiatry. 1999 Jan; 41(1):60-5.

If one believes in Indian mythology then one should observe the rituals as the fear of harmful effects of the mind for example in a pregnant lady can harm the fetus based on a common Vedic saying and principle “you are what you think”
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