The art of fasting is as old as humankind. In addition, not eating is probably the oldest and most universal food related healing technique. Entire religions have evolved from one man’s fast; empires have fallen and wars halted due to the discipline and sacrifice associated with this practice. For examples we need to look no further than Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, and Ghandi. Prayer, meditation and fasting have been a time honored ritual leading to understanding and enlightenment; followed by spiritual masters of the East and West. All major religions and spiritual traditions use some form of fasting for religious, spiritual, and/or health reasons.

 

The practice of fasting acknowledges the fact that our bodies are self-healing organisms which if allowed to, will heal naturally. Improper or excessive food intake simply thwarts the natural ongoing process. The proper balance between eating and not eating must be maintained for great health to be realized. Eating when sick can be just as detrimental as not eating at all, since digestion itself requires valuable energy. Also, fasting appears to stimulate the release of certain hormones that activate the immune system. Furthermore, the release of toxins from the body through fasting helps all body systems to perform under less stress therefore working more efficiently.

 

Fasting and dieting or self-starvation is not the same. True fasting should uplift the mind, body and spirit. Starvation diets are designed to “make you look better while not necessarily feeling better.“ These fad diets actually sub-consciously produce an inner feeling that you are inadequate or ugly. On the contrary, “we are all perfectly imperfect,“ as we are made in the image of GOD! Thus, we must strive for that perfection of self, so that we may become GODLY! Fasting is a technique to help us establish whole health and spiritual clarity. It is not a fad diet regime.

 

 

HOW TO FAST:

 

There are various ways to fast. A fast can last for hours to many days and the reduction of food can be in terms of quantity or quality. In all cases liquid intake and light exercise must be abundant to reduce the chance of dehydration, muscle atrophy and internal toxic overload.

 

The duration can be daily, one or more days, or weeks. The type of fast can be water, juice and broth or a mono-diet (eating one type of food). The basic rules of successful fasting are:

 

1) Fast when you are ill or have no appetite;

 

2) Fast only when you feel the desire and strength to do so;

 

3) Stop fasting if you feel weak;

 

4) Be careful with breaking the fast.  Add food slowly. Take as many days to return to your usual diet as you spent fasting;

 

5) Long fasts (longer than 10 days) should be done with a break from work;

 

6) In warm weather, fast with juices, fruits, water, raw vegetables. In cold weather, fast with broths, cooked vegetables, grains.

 

Always consult a physician or other professional health practitioner before doing a fast; especially if you are using prescribed medications, are diabetic or have kidney or heart disease.

 

Finally, it is not advisable to fast, even for short durations if you are taking medications or vitamins, or in cases of pregnancy and nursing. Fasting can increase sensitivity and absorption of medicines and vitamin supplements, thus causing side effects. Nursing mothers will decrease nutrient supply to herself and the baby. Before embarking on a fast, study the different types of fasting to find the method which best suits your lifestyle..

 

 

Editor’s Note: S. Abayomi Obadele Meeks, B.S., D. Ac., L. Ac. is a doctor of acupuncture and holistic medicine with more than 20 years experience. He is the first African-American licensed to practice this medicine in Colorado.  He is the founder of Moyo Health and Cultural Arts Center, Inc. Dr. Meeks can be reached at 303-377-2511 or by e-mail at afrikanarts@netzero.net.