Fasting refers to completely refraining from eating food for a specific period or for a specific health problem. It derives its meaning from the English word “Feastan” which means to be strict regarding which food to eat and which to avoid. Many diseases can be treated by just observing fast. The practice of observing fast is one of the oldest customs. People from different religions such as Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Muslims and many more religions observe their own periods of fasts. Saints from the medieval age have also laid a great stress on the observance of fasts. In the whole era of medical history this method has been considered as the most dependable methods of curing. Many ancient physicians such as Hippocrates, and even medical practitioners, from modern times are advocating it.
Accumulation of toxins and wastes in the body is one of the principal causes of all diseases which are a result of poor eating habits. In modern age people usually follow a sedentary lifestyle with lack of exercise and overeating. As a result the digestive system becomes weak and various poisonous substances get clogged up into the system. To successfully treat a disease it is necessary to give a proper rest to the digestive system and allow it to work normally by eating right type of food at the right time, and even fasting under special circumstances. By depriving the body of food for a certain period of time all the organs of elimination such as bowels, kidneys are given the opportunity to expel the waste substances. Thus Fasting is one of the methods of cleaning up and a dependable and a quick method of cure. It also leads to proper blood formation and regeneration of various tissues and cells within the body.
The most effective and best method of fasting is the intake of juice. Previously water fasting was observed but many modern day medical researchers and doctors have advocated the need for fruit and vegetable juice as during this period uric acid and other inorganic acids are thrown out of the body and the sugar present in juices strengthens the heart is one of the natural forms of Glucose. Raw fruit and vegetable juices are extremely useful in regularizing the body processes as they contain minerals, enzymes and vitamins. Fresh fruits and vegetable should be used for preparing juices as they are more beneficial over canned and frozen juices.
The process of fasting should be commenced only after completely emptying the bowels by enema, so that the patient is not troubled by gas or decomposed matter remaining in the body. Every alternate day enemas should be administered. The patient should be provided fresh air and drink, lukewarm water when thirsty. But while observing fast a lot of energy is wasted in the process of eliminating the poisonous and waste material from the body.
The patient should therefore follow a complete mental relaxation and physical rest as much as possible. No straining physical work should be done and only exercises such as walking can be undertaken. Sometimes the patient may suffer from a state of insomnia but this can be avoided by taking warm tub baths or by drinking one or two glasses of hot water. After breaking the fast, immediately one should not overeat but to eat slowly and chew properly and have a proper and limited diet. This also has a soothing and rejuvenating effect on the physical and mental nervous system. Thus we can conclude that fasting is a natural way to cure diseases without the use of medicines.
