The methods observed during the fasting therapy are of greatest significance. There are several methods to be followed during fasting therapy. The best, safest and most effective method of fasting is juice fasting. Although, the old classic form of fasting was pure water fast, most of the leading authorities on fasting in the present days agree that juice fasting is far better to water fast. It is said that during fasting the body burns up and excretes huge amounts of accumulated wastes. To speed up this cleansing process one can drink alkaline juice instead of water while fasting. It has been further suggested that this accelerates the elimination of uric and other inorganic acids. In addition to this, the sugar derived from the juices, strengthens the heart. In this context, juice therapy is considered to be one of the most effective fasting therapies.
Vitamins, minerals, enzymes and trace elements in fresh, raw vegetable and fruit juices are quite beneficial in normalising all the body processes. They provide essential elements for the body"s own healing activity and cell restoration and thus speeding the recovery. All juices should be prepared from fresh fruit immediately before drinking. Canned or frozen juices should be avoided. A precautionary measure which must be observed in all cases of fasting is the complete emptying of the bowels at the beginning of the fast by enema so that the patient is not troubled by gas or decomposing matter formed from the excrements remaining in the body. Enemas should be administered at least every alternate day during the fasting period. The patient should get as much fresh air as possible and should drink plain lukewarm water when thirsty. Fresh juices may be diluted with pure water. The total liquid intake should be approximately six to eight glasses.
A lot of energy is spent during the fast in the process of eliminating accumulated poisons and toxic waste materials. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that the patients get as much physical rest and mental relaxation as possible during the fast. In cases of fasts in which fruit juices are taken, especially when fresh grapes, oranges or grapefruit are used exclusively, the toxic wastes enter the blood stream rapidly, resulting in an overload of toxic matter, which affects normal bodily functions. This often results in dizzy spells, followed by diarrhoea and vomiting. If this physical reaction persists, it is advisable to discontinue the fast and take cooked vegetables containing adequate roughage such as spinach and beets until the body functioning returns to normal.
The overweight person finds it much easier to go without food. Loss of weight causes no fear to them and the patient"s attitude makes the fast therapy almost a pleasure. The first day"s hunger pangs are perhaps the most difficult to bear. The craving for food will, however, gradually decrease as the fast progresses. Seriously sick persons have no desire for food and fasting comes naturally to them. The simple rule is to stop eating until the appetite returns or until one feels completely well. Only very simple exercises like short walks may be undertaken during the fast. A warm water or neutral bath may be taken during the period. Cold baths are not advisable. Sun and air baths should be taken daily. Fasting sometimes produces a state of sleeplessness which can be overcome by a warm tub bath, hot water bottles at the feet and by drinking one or two glasses of hot water.
Thus, during fasting therapy, the methods are to be meticulously followed in order to get completely cured.
