FASTING IS USED FOR HEALING BUT NOT AS A RITUAL, BECAUSE IT IS RELATED WITH THE HEALING PROCESS ONLY; WHEN IT IS DONE ONLY AS RITUALS, IT LOSES ITS MEANING.
FASTING THERAPY is one of the most ancient customs. This is nature’s oldest, most effective and yet least expensive method of treating diseases. It is defined as complete abstinence of food and drinks other than water for a specific period of time to attain health. It is an effective way to kindle the digestive fire and burn away accumulated toxins from the body and mind. It also eliminates gas, lightens the body, improves mental clarity, provides a clean tongue and fresh breath and preserves overall health.
Fasting also helps to build up self-control and discipline and bring more awareness and control over senses which ultimately elevate the state of consciousness. It allows the body to rest, detoxify and to heal.
Dr. Arnold, American Naturopath had proved by his experiments that during fasting, wounds and cuts heal more quickly. Acute diseases can be cured by fasting only. It cleanses the body and thus makes it more energetic. It makes skin more glowing and healthy. Breathing movement improves. Abdominal pain and swelling also removes. Blood pressure get normalize and vital force also increased.
Fasting is the last weapon of a devotee of the non-violence resorts to fast. It takes us towards spirituality and god. Ether element is attained only fasting. By fasting peace and bliss can be achieved. Fasting is considered as king of all therapies-Mahatma Gandhi.
Digestive system digest food but when food is not consumed then it starts consuming toxins of the body and cure the body.
The purpose of fasting is to get rid of disease. By keeping this aim in mind we should follow such routine that not our body only but mind and soul also get relax and purifies.
People who are suffering from Diabetes mellitus, Ulcers, Tuberculosis, Malnutrition, Anemia, AIDS, Porphyries, and Infectious disease SHOULD NOT DO FASTING. Fasting in these diseases can harm or aggravate the condition. Pregnant women, Elderly people should also not do fasting.
DURATION OF FASTING: To cure acute diseases anyone can fast for 1-4 days it is termed as short fast.
To cure chronic diseases, fasting is for 7-21-40 days depending on the condition of the patient and disease. Such type of fasting should be done under supervision of Naturopathic Doctor.
PRECAUTION TO BE TAKEN DURING FASTING:
- Physical labour or strenuous exercise should be avoided during fast.
- Drink lot of clean water in small quantity at a time to avoid dehydration.
- Mind should be free from anger, worry and fear. Always be positive.
- Solid food should not be taken during fast
- One should eat with self-control when fast is over.
- Walk on clean grass in the early morning.
- Enema should be taken once in a day during fast.
- Alternate hip bath and alternate compression on lower abdomen should be taken.
- Keep feet warm as tolerance to cold decreases.
- Long fasts should be done under supervision of Naturopathic Doctor.
CRISIS DURING FASTING: During fasting, a temporary increase in symptoms during the cleansing or detox process which may be mild or severe. One should not be panicked at that time. Only nature cure treatment should be taken to control Abdominal Colic, Headache, Skin Diseases, Vomiting, Fever, Arthritis, Weakness etc. from Naturopathic Doctor.
TYPES OF FAST: Fast and types of food should be suggested to patients according to their age and type of diseases.
- Juice fast
- Fast on fruits
- Fast on vegetables soup
- Fast on milk
- Fast on butter milk
- Evening Fast
- Weekly fast
- Short and long fast
- Complete fast
PREPARATION FOR FAST: Before starting any fast, one should be know the rules and benefits of fasting, crisis and their management. Before starting long fast, one should half his meal and increase intake of water, vegetables and fruits. On the second day he/she should give up one meal and in evening only fruits is to be take. On 3rd day he/she should be totally on vegetables soup. On 4th day he/she should be totally on fruits and on 5th day he/she should keep juice fast only. Drink lots of water during fasting. After 5th day one should go for long complete fast under the supervision of naturopathic Doctor.
HOW TO BREAK THE FAST: Breaking fast is as important as keeping fast and following instruction during it. It is a critical phase of fasting. During fasting, body is in the resting mode, stomach shrinks and intestines become idle so solid food must be re-introduced very slowly. To break the fast on liquid food using for this purpose fruit juice/tomato juice/watermelon juice or vegetable broths. In fruit juice half glass of orange juice should be taken. After an hour another half glass may be taken. Start taking half glass juice at every hour on the first day. 2nd day full glass of juice at every two hours should be taken. On 3rd and 4th day orange, grapefruit, tomato, watermelon, muskmelon should be consumed. On 5th day vegetables soup may be added with fruits. One may consume lemon water, coconut water, lemon-honey water too. From 6th day onward one should start consuming light meal/sprouts & drink lots of clean water.
After successful fasting one should feel light and energetic, real hunger, pink tongue, no body odor and no hard stool.
Thanks and Regards
MKM
Note : The ideas expressed in the above article are of the writer’s only; Gursoch team doesn’t promote it as an alternative to any medical advice or treatment.
