Water fasting is one of the most potent methods used in Nature cure. Water fasting adheres to the basic principles of nature cure which is based on the use of five natural elements – earth, water, fire or sunlight, air and space for self-healing and rejuvenation. In water fasting, food is not consumed and body survives only on pure water, fresh air and sunlight.
WATER FASTING AS A RELIGIOUS PRACTICE
Water fasting as a detoxification method has been known from ancient times. All religions and cultures have incorporated fasting as a way of purification. The long 21-day fast in Christianity is well known. Islam emphasises fasts on the Ramzan festival. Hinduism have incorporated fasts into many festivals as well as astronomical events including solar, lunar eclipses, Ekadashi day, etc. In Jainism, water fast is done to purify the soul of past karma and for attaining salvation.
WATER FASTING & AYURVEDA
The ancient medical systems like Ayurveda also recognised the importance of fasts for maintaining good health and for curing diseases. They observed that animals rarely get sick because they live on natural food and resources. Even if they do get sick, some resort to fasting to cure themselves. The same principles can be applied to the human body too. The human body has self-healing abilities. When the body is resting, especially during sleep, it is busy repairing and healing itself. Water fasting is one way to enhance this rest.
According to the science of Ayurveda, toxins are formed in the body due to improper digestion and food habits. These toxins are carried to the various organs by the blood. Accumulation of these toxins eventually manifests as diseases in those organs. The body would like to throw out these toxins through the intestine, but it never gets a chance as long as we are eating food and the intestines are constantly processing the food. During water fasts, the body finally gets a chance to throw out these toxins through the intestine, the lungs and the skin.
Water fasting should be done only with the guidance of a doctor trained in Naturopathy. Especially during long fasts, one has to be monitored on a daily basis by a doctor. Shorter one-day or three-day fasts can be taken up by oneself without much problem. However, those who suffer from medical conditions should always consult a doctor before attempting any water fast.
ARTICLES ON WATER FASTING
Listed below are few articles on Water Fasting. Click on the images to read the entire article.
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BENEFITS OF WATER FASTING
Benefits of water fast include maintaining vigour and optimum body weight, curing chronic health problems like dyspepsia, loss of appetite, gastritis, inflammation of bowels, sinusitis, allergies, skin problems, diabetes, migraine, joint pains, gas problem, constipation, etc. Fasting improves immunity and gives longevity. It improves glow and texture of the skin.
Water fasting is great rejuvenator and overhauls the body, mind and spirit.
