2. FASTING & Yoga
FASTING
Yogis advocate occasional fasts, particularly helpful in times of illness, in order to give
the stomach a rest. The recuperative energy may thereby be directed toward the
casting out of the toxins and poisonous matter that have been causing the trouble.
It is also noted that animals fast when unwell. They stop caring whilst they are sick,
lie around until they are normal once again and then return to their food.
Fasting – the practice of abstaining from all or certain foods and liquids – has long
attracted spiritual seekers and health devotees. Biblical characters, the Greek ‘Father
of Medicine’ Hippocrates and medical pioneers such as Galen and Paracelsus
practised fasting either to attain spiritual purification or to reinvigorate the body.
3. FASTING & Yoga
Today, many naturopaths, chiropractor herbalists, and other practitioners of natural
medicine recommend fasting to speed elimination of toxins, allow the digestive
system to rest, and even promote healing of some illnesses.
Fasting for even a day may also help to:
Clean your liver, kidneys and colons,
Remove toxins and impurities from your blood;
Clear your eyes and freshen your breath;
Calm your mind, sharpen your senses,
Provide you with a feeling of greater energy; and
Increase your appreciation of food.
4. FASTING & Yoga
Fasting is one of the quickest ways to increase elimination of wastes and enhance
the healing processes of the body. When the body is deprived of energy from food, it
begins to eliminate fat-soluble toxins, such as pesticides and food additives that
you’ve consumed, by increasing metabolism of body fat. The toxins are released into
the blood stream and then processed for excretion through the urine (which may
initially turn dark during a fast), sweat, and the breath.
A short fast can be a useful home-remedy for colds, the flu, constipation, indigestion,
skin problems, and some types of toxic conditions. Fasting has become an area of
study even among practitioner of conventional western medicine, who have focused
on its use primarily as a weight-loss programme but also as a treatment for chemical
poisoning, arthritis, and other medical conditions. After fasting, there is a new
5. FASTING & Yoga
Whole new chunks of the day are released from food dudes and consequently more
time for chores or reading or relaxation. Of course the mind can sink back into
craving sensual food at any time but as we are told ‘yoga comes and goes’.
