Doctor Fasting
Fasting is accepted and recognised as being the oldest form of therapy. It is mentioned 74 times in the Bible. It is the universal therapy used by animals in the wilds the world over. As we study the ancient healers of the world, we find that fasting heads the list of helping Nature heal the sick and the wounded. There has been misconception about fasting that must be clarified. It must be definitely and positively stated that fasting is not a cure of any disease or ailment. The purpose of the fast is to allow the body's full range and scope to fulfil its self healing, self repairing, self rejuvenating function to the best advantage. Healing is an internal biological function . Fasting gives the body physiological rest and permits the body to become 100 per cent efficient in healing itself. Fasting under proper care, or with workable knowledge, is probably the fastest and safest way of regaining health ever conceived by the human being.

If I have to repeat myself, I want to make it clear and positive that fasting does not cure anything. Fasting puts the body in condition where all the Life Force of the body is used to flush out the causes of body miseries. Fasting helps the body help itself. Get to know the miracle that the body itself can perform during the period of complete abstinence from food. It gives the over worked, over burdened internal organs rest and time for rehabilitation. It exhilarates the internal power and vitality of the body to flush out toxic poisons and wastes that have been stored in the body for years. It raises the Vital Power to the highest point of efficiency. Thus it promotes the elimination of inorganic chemical accumulations and other pollutions that cannot be flushed from the body by any other means.

The prophets of old fasted for spiritual illumination and a closer contact with life. We know that fasting sharpens and makes mental facilities keen and sharp. Fasting improves the organs which deal with food such as in mastication, digestion, assimilation and elimination. The liver, which is known as the chemical laboratory of the human body and the most abused organ, has a chance during the fast to rehabilitate and pick up more Vital energy. Thus, after a fast, the liver functions more efficiently. Practically all the sensory powers possessed by human beings are exhilarated and raised to a much higher efficiency level than normal during and after a fast. No process of therapy ever fulfilled so many indications for restoration of vigorous health as does fasting. It is nature's very own prime process, her first requirement in nearly all cases. After a fast the circulation is better, food can be assimilated better, vital vigour is greater, as are endurance, stamina and strength. After a fast the mind becomes more receptive to logic and a sensible natural way of living.

After the fast the mind becomes so powerful that it can take full control of the body. It becomes the complete master and if a person does not go back to his/her old habits, he/she can carry this mastery of the body for the rest of his/her life. Fasting gives a person confidence. Fasting gives a person positive mental attitude. Fasting brings tranquillity of mind and a glow of well being that no other therapy can achieve. 

Fasting renovates, revives and purifies each and every one of the millions of cells that make up the human body.

For those who are interested, fasting has been prominent as a means for intensifying prayer. Those who have found spiritual value during times set aside for prayer and fasting are found both in Scripture and throughout church history. Those who knew the values and secrets of fasting as a vital dimension in God included: Jesus Himself, the Apostle Paul, the early church leaders, Daniel, Elijah, Ezra, Ester, David, Hannah, Isaih, Nehemiah, Zachariah and others. Prominent fasters in the annals of church history include John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Knox, John Wesley, David Brainard, George Muller, Rees Howells, Gandhi and many more.

They discovered that abstaining from food not only freed them to focus upon God with fresh intensity, but opened avenues of spiritual perception and understanding that were not available during the rush of routine living. They found as they focused upon God by deliberate discipline, God focused upon them in clarity of direction and quickening of spirit. They could partake of God more easily with all else set aside.

More About Fasting
If you were following the recommendations above, you possibly will have completed a one day fast on pears and grapes. The reason these fruits are recommended is the cleansing effect they have on your system. They help to remove waste that may have been clogging up your intestines causing such problems as constipation, swelling of your tummy or a feeling of bloatedness.

These problems arise simply because we eat too much junk food. We eat by habit rather than by hunger. We have been brain-washed to believe we must eat by the clock, even eating when we are not hungry, but because we are conditioned to eat breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack. But for most people the body has not been able to burn up all this food.

Unless your system is in terrific shape, you will not be able to masticate, digest, assimilate and eliminate all that heavy food. There is always a toxic residue left (and where does it go?) It finds its way into the moveable joints of the body. It takes years of bad eating to bring out some of these problems such as arthritis, pains in the feet and legs etc. For example, when waste accumulates, it forms a type of acid crystal which becomes calcified and replaces the synovial fluid which helps lubricate the joints.


Different Attitude
The pain and aches are felt in all moveable joints. For some it can be the feet. Each foot has 26 moveable bones. The force of gravity sends the acid crystals down to the feet. Gradually the feet and ankles start to stiffen and tire easily giving a burning sensation. But try to get people with similar problems to change the wrong eating habits and maybe exercise and they usually say "But I have to enjoy life. Who wants to be on a healthy diet"? We, unfortunately have to put up with the constant moaning about their pains etc. These problems are now affecting a lot of young people. What will they be like in 20 years time? I still say, if we did not have such free access to drugs, medication and hospitals and became more responsible for our own lives and our own health, then people would have a different attitude to taking care of themselves.

Fasting is a simple way of giving your body a rest from all the food we throw in. If you have tried the 24 hour fast, great, but there is no need to apply for sainthood just yet. You will find you can carry on as normal - working, exercising etc. The next step is the 24 hour water fast - non sparkling and no tap water. Drink as much water as you need. You can add a little honey and lemon juice to give it some flavour.

Wonderful Feelings
If you have been on a fruit diet and are trying water fast, it is an idea to do 48 hour fasting - 24hr fruit and 24hr water. When breaking a fast always have some fruit followed by toast and, if necessary tea. During the period of fasting try to spend some time on your own away from television, books, papers and negative people and places. Go walking in the forest or by the sea. You may feel a type of stillness within yourself. It is simply a wonderful feeling of getting closer to understanding yourself.

Most of us never spend any time on our own. We are always with someone or doing something, never being still. A well known celebrity once said that if people think they would go mad being on their own, then they are mad already but just don't know it. We all need people but there must be time for getting to know yourself. So try it for 24 hours.

If you have any medical problems, please consult a physician before attempting to exercise or fast.

A Better Awareness of Life
Following our last two articles on fasting, to which there was a large response, many people have phoned to ask questions about how long one should fast. Is it dangerous? Will you do harm to the body? etc.

Fasting is simply a way of giving the body a rest from all the different combinations of food we constantly throw in. I say throw in because just think of what you would eat in one day, 3 to 5 meals. Even though they may be small, your system never gets a chance to rest and to recover from digesting all the food along with alcohol, tea or coffee etc.

If you have been following our plan on fasting you would have completed one full day on pears or grapes - then the following week, one day on the water fast which should be non sparkling. Drink as much water as required. You might find yourself getting the odd headache - this can be caused by a withdrawal symptom from tea or coffee. So if it persists just have a cup of coffee or tea, but more than likely it will not be necessary.

Hunger pangs will come and go, so just try to forget about them. Your body clock will just be telling you when to eat. The average person eats from habit, not hunger, so do not dwell on food. Make yourself busy. Read, go for a walk on the beach or in the forest and be with people who may be trying it too.

Attitude Change
As you get more into realising the benefits of fasting you may feel your attitude changing. By that I mean you will feel more calm in yourself and be able to see or be more aware of life in general. The reason for this is simple.

Fasting has the direct effect of raising vibrations of the body. It helps you to possibly see your present situation in your job, relationships etc. The cleanness that comes from fasting is not only physical but spiritual as well.

Without going into it too deeply, you should realise that you have an earthly purpose which is special to you. Do you ever sit down and figure out exactly what you should be doing in life? Are you in your present situation or job from fear or loneliness (which are basically the same thing). They stem from being out of touch with life and yourself. Fasting can help give you a little insight into seeing things clearly. The rate of the vibrations from the body steers us in its own path. It attracts us to certain types of people, to places and so on. Everything with which you are involved will be affected by your level of vibrations, even your family or children; they are all affected for good or bad by your level.


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