LUNAR CYCLES AND FASTING: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF TESTOSTERONE DYNAMICS, GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH, AND PSYCHOSPIRITUAL INFLUENCES WITHIN THE BRAHMA KUMARIS FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Background: Fasting practices aligned to phases of the moon, such as the full-moon day (Purnima), have deep roots in Ayurvedic, biomedical, and religious systems. Recent research indicates that these rituals may influence endocrine responses, gastrointestinal functioning, reproductive behavior, social behavior, and circadian control.

Methods: We performed an interdisciplinary narrative review involving the analysis of published peer-reviewed articles with classical Ayurvedic scriptures and the spiritual teachings espoused by the Brahma Kumaris. The physiological, hormonal, and behavioral findings concerning the effects of lunar-phase fasting were reviewed and critically evaluated.

Results: Results around testosterone dynamics, digestive performance, reproductive proclivity, aggression regulation, and circadian neurobiology are highly variable. Some studies show dramatic hormonal and behavioral changes; others report weak or inconsistent findings. Recent studies (2020–2025) on meditation, circadian disruption, and neuroendocrine function provide stronger evidence for stress-buffering and gut–brain regulation, but large-scale clinical trials remain scarce. Classical paradigms suggest that fasting during the moon strengthens psychospiritual capacities and organizes neuroendocrine systems, but the precise mechanisms are only hypothesized.

Conclusions: Fasting during the moon strengthens psychospiritual capacities and organizes neuroendocrine systems. Future research should prioritize randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to test the effects of lunar-synchronized fasting on hormone levels, gut microbiota, and neural activity. Integrating ancestral lunar fasting traditions with robust biomedical methods may clarify whether these practices yield quantifiable biopsychological benefits today.