Fasting for good health 

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. 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 colon
• Remove toxins and impurities from your blood
• Clear your eyes and freshen your breath
• Calm your mid, sharpen your senses, and provide you with a feeling of greater energy
• Increase your appreciation of food 

'Fasting is one of the quickest ways to increase elimination of wastes and enhance the healing processes of the body,' conclude naturopathic doctors. 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 bloodstream 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 practitioners 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. 

In yoga there is a kriya (Internal cleaning) call Shankha Prakshalana or Varisama Dhanti (washing of the intestines), which will help to alleviate digestive problems such as indigestion, gas, acidity and constipation. It generally tones the liver and other digestive organs and glands. It has been used in the cure of diabetes mellitus, hypoglycaemia, obesity, high blood cholesterol and high lipid levels. It strengthens the immune system.  

N.R.Shyam
Yoga Consultant
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Adyar, Chennai- 600 020
Phone: 4413462, Cell : 98410 98718