Science of Fasting

Another powerful healing method used in combination with other nature cure is fasting. Therapeutic fasting is one of the oldest methods used throughout the ages to cure a myriad of dis-ease states, such as arthritis, asthma, skin problems, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, and kidney and liver diseases. Most diseases in man are self-induced through overeating, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Lethargy and overindulging in rich foods is a sure path to autointoxication. Disease then results when glandular activity and metabolic rate slow down, and the eliminative organs decrease in efficiency due to the steady build up of toxic deposits in the cells and tissues of the body. Fasting is powerful method for clearing all these waste materials out of the system. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is a result of uric acid crystals and mineral compounds which have collected in the joints and soft tissues. High blood pressure, along with stress, is a result of metabolic wastes which have been deposited in the arteries and small blood capillaries, resulting in a restriction in the blood flow. Fasting is a very powerful method for clearing all of these waste materials out of the system.

On the third day of a fast, autolysis begins to occur. After 72 hours without food, the body starts to digest its own waste materials. The first to be digested are always unnecessary toxins which are stored in the body, such as cysts, tumors, and excess mineral buildups. These are followed by the digestion of excess fatty tissue. It is also after the third day that the initial discomforts of feeling hungry and possible dizziness or weakness all disappear. In Scandinavia, doctors who follow the biological route for curing their patients, use fasts anywhere from seven to sixty days in duration, with truly amazing results. If a patient is very weak or sick to begin with, they will be put on a healthy diet to build up strength, and later, begin the fasting procedure.

There are different types of fasts. Some are pure water fasts, and other combine fruit juices and vegetable broth. One even combines lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper, diluted in water. The key to any fast is to use only fresh fruits and vegetables. Using a juicer to make the appropriate drink just before you imbibe it is the ideal, in order to benefit from the raw live enzymes. One of the most popular cancer cures developed in the 20’s and 30’s, initially to cure tuberculosis, and later cancer, in the Max Gerson therapy, which is based on the premise that raw live foods act to cleanse and naturally strengthen the immune system of the body. Albert Schweitzer was a great advocate of Gerson’s as his own wife was cured by this therapy.

During a fast, it is important to not only drink plenty of liquid, but it is also important to give yourself a couple of enemas each day to make sure that the bowels are kept clear of toxic materials. After three days of fasting, there is not always enough fecal matter to sustain parastaltic action, however, the toxins do still build up in the intestines, thus it is important to keep yourself flushed out to avoid auto toxicity. For those who are interested in fasting, it is suggested that you consult a wholistically oriented physician if you are trying it for the first time. There are also several books listed with more detailed plans for fasting, the proper way to come off of a fast, and other very pertinent information.

(From Empowerment Through Reiki by Paula Horan with thanks)