Water therapy is an adjunctive approach that can be used with almost any other approach.  

In most cases, it is found that we are not drinking enough water. Up to seventy percent of the total body weight is due to water. Normally, our daily diet provides about two-third of the body's requirement of water. Some health practitioners suggest that you drink about eight to ten glasses of water every day to meet the remaining one-third of the body's requirement. You may need to drink more water when you are tired, sweating profusely, or when your body has a condition such as cancer.

Some recommend that you should avoid drinking water while eating food, as the water can dilute the digestive juices in the stomach, thus leading to indigestion. They suggest drinking  water on empty stomach, a half hour before eating, or a couple hours after eating.

Many recommend the following water cure, including F. Batmanghelidj, M.D., who wrote the book Your Body Cries for Water.

The Water Cure Recipe

Drink 1/2 your body weight of water in ounces, daily. Example 180 lb = 90 oz. of water daily. Divide that into 8 or 10 oz. glasses and that's how many glasses you will need to drink, daily. Use 1/4 tsp. of salt (non-refined ocean or sea salt) for every quart of water you drink.  As long as you drink the water and it isn't prohibited by your physician, you should be able to add the salt. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol as they can dehydrate you. Every 6 oz. of caffeine or alcohol requires an additional 10 to 12 oz. of water to re-hydrate you. Many people also suggest starting your day with up 5 or 6 glasses of water and then waiting at least an hour before you eat or drink anything. Be sure to start our slowly and build up to this. You can overdo this if you try to drink too much too quickly and your body isn't used to it.

Others believe it is important to drink water that has not been fluoridated and others suggest you either oxygenate the water you drink or alkalize it. Your own research will help you decide what is best for your situation

Water As Medicine (Pani Prayog)

Drink 1.25 liters of water (4 glasses), which has been kept overnight, early morning before sunrise & before brushing the teeth. Don’t eat & drink for 45 min. of course you wash & brush, after drinking. Do not exercise for 30 min. While following this treatment one can drink water only 2 hrs after meals. Even a healthy person can do this therapy to prevent illness in future. Beginners can start with 2 glasses of water & then increase it to 4 glasses.

Diseases Cured: Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Pain in the Joints, Heart Problems & fainting, meningitis, urine problem, uterus cancer, piles, stomach problems, bile, cytica, cough, old age problems like wrinkles, pimples, paralysis, bronchitis, asthma, leucorrhoea, acidity, swelling, fever, headache, anemia, obesity, tuberculosis, liver ailments, irregularity in menstrual cycle, gas problems, constipation & so on.

If people start ignoring the lure of fluids like beer and soft drinks, and stick to drinking fresh, pure water instead, one shall soon observe a marked decrease in the number of patients all over the world. Naturopathy has studied the therapeutic qualities of water under two distinct parts : (1) Internal Application (2) External Application. If you desire the benefits of this therapy, you must, as a prerequisite, get rid of a so-called `modern habit'-- namely ``Bed tea'' or the habit of consuming tea, the moment one wakes up, even without brushing teeth or moving out of bed. Never forget, you can start on Water Therapy only after you clean your mouth thoroughly.

In olden days, tradition urged people to consume about 1 litre of water, kept in a copper vessel overnight, after they woke in the morning and brushed their teeth. The water, reacting chemically with the copper of its container, reached the benefits of the same deep into the being of its drinker. A small amount of copper intake, daily, is very conducive to our well-being, health-wise.

1. The Internal Use of Water Therapy: To initiate Water Therapy, drink 1.25 litres of pure, fresh water on an empty stomach each morning, after having starved for 8-10 hours the previous night-long. Please do not drink any less than 1.25 litres of water in the morning. Try consuming the entire quantity of water within 5 to 10 minutes. However, if in the initial stages of your therapy, you find drinking so much water rather difficult, you might start by drinking a quantity smaller than the prescribed 1.25 litres, and with time, graduate to drinking more and more water, till you reach the 1.25 litre mark. It is easy to determine this quantity : An average soft-drink bottle holds 250 ml. of liquid. 1 litre = 1000 ml. Gauging thus, 5 soft-drink-bottles-full will give you your daily 1.25 litres of fresh, pure water. This, you are to consume within 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure to give yourself ½ an hour of complete rest, after drinking the water. Exercises, moving bowels or bath can be taken care of, only after this rest-period. Make sure you don't eat or drink anything within 1½ to 2 hours of drinking water in the morning.

Benefits : Which are the ailments that can be cured or controlled by this form of Water Therapy? They are : Asthma, cough and other respiratory diseases, cold and sinus, acidity, constipation, dysentry, indigestion, infections of the intestines, piles, blood-pressure, angina (pain in the heart/chest), uneasiness etc. The above mentioned experiment, if carried out with lukewarm water instead of cold water, can prove to be more beneficial for people suffering from 'Vat'-related diseases. The juice of a whole lemon, if consumed with lukewarm water, with 1½ to 2 spoonsful of dry ginger powder added to it, can help a lot in such cases.

In case of 'Pitta'-related diseases, mix 1½ spoonsful 'Trikatu' (dry ginger, black pepper and piper longum) in 1.25 litres of plain pure water and add ½ spoonful of 'Trifla' (Almond, Beleric myrobalans and Myrobalans) powder to that, and use this mixture for water therapy. If one requires relief from Cough (mucus) related diseases, one should carry out this experiment, with lukewarm water. In 1.25 litres of lukewarm water, add : 1½ spoonsful of ghee made from cow-milk, 1 or 1½ spoonsful of salt and 2 spoonsful of honey. Some people drink coconut-water on an empty stomach every morning, which is a good habit indeed. There is no water as pure as coconut-water, which is rich in potassium and other mineral nutrients. If you have the habit of drinking coconut-water every morning, keep in mind the quantity of coconut-water you consume. If you consume 100 ml. of coconut water every morning, and are into Water Therapy as well, subtract 100 ml from the stipulated 1.25 litres of water (for Water Therapy) and balance the remaining quantity with pure water, for Therapy. The same instruction applies for the juice of wheat leaves and lemon-water. Subtract the quantity of wheat leaves' juice that you drink every morning, from the stipulated quantity of 1.25 litre water for Therapy. Likewise, subtract the quantity of lemon-juice that you consume, from the mandatory 1.25 litres of water you are to drink, and drink pure water accordingly, to make your daily, morning fluid-intake add to 1.25 litres

When 1.25 litres of water is drunk in a span of 5-10 minutes, after a night of fasting that lasts for no less than 8-10 hours, the pressure of water that grips the intestines, activates them a lot more than usual.

Due to the sudden water-pressure, the bits and particles of food that adhere to the walls of the intestines, along with gases and other undigested materials, disengage themselves from the intestinal walls, dissolve into the inflowing water and leave the body along with the same. This in turn, gives the intestinal cells a new lease of life.

(The intestines are not the only parts of the body to benefit from this Water Therapy. The cells of the entire being get revitalized. When, after 8-10 hours of fasting, water is drunk, the insides of the body soak it up thirstily and as a result, every single cell of the body gets affected by the water-intake. The free radicles and toxic elements adhering to the cells, are literally pressurised into removing themselves from the cells, and then the body's in-built cleansing system gets rid of these unwanted elements very easily, afterwards. This sort of cleansing is good, in cases of cancer and 'metabolic' diseases. Water is directly related to the kidneys and that is why Water Therapy does away with impediments within and ailments of the urinary track very fast. Water Therapy not only destroys the bacteria of the urinary track but there is also a chance of ridding the body of 'Pathri' (Stone) with the same therapy.

The first 3-7 days of Water Therapy could trouble the patient somewhat. He might suffer headaches and body-aches, as well as feel his head swimming. Sweating, nausea and loose-motions could also form parts of the 'symptoms'. If not all these, he might definitely experience a certain sort of uneasiness. The thing to keep in mind is that these are not harmful 'after-effects' of Water Therapy. These symptoms merely serve to testify that the body is getting rid of all the toxic elements trapped within its cells. Since these are not signs of harmful after-effects of Water Therapy, the therapy ought to be continued despite them. If necessary, the quantity of water drunk every morning could be decreased to a bearable extent. After a couple of weeks, when these disturbing 'symptoms' subside or die their natural death, the water intake can be increased to its stipulated level.

Though this sort of Water Therapy is good for kidney and heart-patients, they are however advised to try it out only after procuring their physicians' permission and relevant guidance.

2. The External Use of Water Therapy:

This therapy has been divided into two major parts :

(1) Enema

(2) Bathing.

We will give you some never-heard-before information on the subject of bathing but first, let us discuss Enema: It is quite a tradition to use soap-water for the purpose of Enema, but we would not advice that. 'Herbal Enema' is far better. Castor oil, wheat leaves juice and lemon juice mixed in lukewarm water and used for Enema make the intestines clean and strong within no time. During 'Herbal Enema' the so-called 'chemical reaction' that takes place between the intestines and herbs, has no chemicals involved in it and as such, has no side effect, either. One should avoid Enema in the following cases:

(a) If there is a serious blockage in the intestines.

(b) If one is suffering from high fever.

(c) If there exists an ulcer or hole in the stomach or intestines.

Now to discuss Bathing, which is an integral part of Water Therapy. There are various ways of Bathing, amongst which you might be aware of Steam Bath and 'Kati' (Bath below the waist length) Bath. Steam-bathing facilities are only available in big cities, so let us suffice it to say that in this form of bath, even the tiniest pores of the skin open up in such a way as to allow a thorough cleansing of the skin, making it glow. The name 'Kati' bath itself suggests that this is the art of bathing the waist. It helps eradicate problems like irregular periods, piles, pain along the waist, diabetes, and sciatica. The sort of Water Excercises that are gaining popularity in the western countries now-a-days, have their roots in the principles of Kati baths. People are made to excercise, first in cold, then hot and then, in cold water again. For a Kati-Bath, the patient requires a bath-tub first, in which he is expected to remain in a sitting position for about 30 minutes, in lukewarm water-- his waist immersed in the same. You might not be aware of 'Friction Rub Bath'. Ancient Indian Granths have adviced one to massage / rub the head, neck, hands and feet after a bath, with the help of a dry towel. Acupressure points are strewn all over our bodies and as and when these points are pressurised, the bodies develop strength to combat various diseases, internally. During a 'Friction Rub Bath', you press and rub against these special acupressure points and increase your body's immunity power. If you normally finish your simple bathing ritual in 10 minutes, 'Friction Rub Bath' wouldn't take you more than 15 minutes! But only this much can instantly deliver you from: fatigue and body-ache, headache and burning sensations in hands and feet, high blood-pressure and weak functioning of the heart, indigestion and 'Jhunjhuni' (pins and needles?). This sort of bath is especially useful if one suffers from 'Sandhi vaat' and insomnia. All you have to do in order achieve such benefits is stand beneath the shower and rub your head as you bathe, applying some pressure.Rub your neck from left to right. Rub the areas around and even behind your ears, applying pressure.

Hope this information has been helpful in enhancing your health !

Aspects of Water

Water is the element of emotion.

Water is the element of intuition.

Water is the element of the personal discovery.

Water will suddenly shower us with an outburst of cleansing emotions or the replenishing power of self-nurturance.

Water can leave us feeling bloated and dependent.

It can clean out and create a thirst for new adventures in self-exploration.

Water is the element of healing counsel.

Water is the element of emotional release.

Water provides us with an internal barometer, a temperature guage, and a measuring cup.

Water is the element of unconditional love, of positive self regard, and of pure emotional understanding.

Water sweeps us out from inside ourselves.

It forces us to face our personal realities, to reveal our inner realms of being, if only to ourselves.

Water is the element of naked truth.

Water rocks us to sleep with a lyrical lullaby.

It sounds the alarm insistently when we succumb to slumbering for too long.

Water is the vessel that carries us to mystic realms of inner magick.

Water is the element of dreams.

Water is the shape shifter that reflects our inner feelings.

Water is the mist, the fog, the storm that leads us to the place where we may meet our Selves.

People fast for varied reasons, usually either spiritual or physical. Both reasons for fasting come with many of the same benefits.

When we hear the term "fasting" we all come up with different concepts of what it means to us. To some it holds spiritual significance while to others it is simply a way of physically disciplining the body. Both are right, and yet the principle of fasting goes beyond these simple definitions. Here we will take a look at the reasons for and the benefits of fasting, both spiritual and physical, and a brief look at the different types of fasts.

When we look at the spiritual realm of fasting we see that, in the Bible, it was a regular part of Jewish law and continues to be part of Christian practice. People fast because they are either seeking God for answers or they want to show their commitment to Him by denying the flesh in this manner. Fasting is a way of showing willingness to serve God by giving oneself entirely over to prayer and contemplation. When one feels hunger it is a reminder to seek God about the matters at hand.

The spiritual benefits of fasting may not be scientifically documented but they are numerous. It prompts us to prayer which is comunion and fellowship with our creator. That communication opens us to hear His calling on our lives, or the answers we may be seeking in a questionable situation are much clearer. Even Christ, before beginning His ministry, fasted for forty days and forty nights.

Fasting not only opens our hearts to God for answers, it is also a means of making atonement in our spirit for our sins.

It is important to note that fasting, in the scriptures, was always accompanied by prayer as it was a means to seriously beseech God, or, to put it another way, to show Him they meant business.

It is said that physical restraint is basic to power, and for those who fast for spiritual reasons it is for power in another realm.

When fasting is done on a purely physical level it can't help but reap some of the same benefits as spiritual fasting, including that sense of power. When one can control their own fleshly, physical appetites they become armed with a sense of self-confidence and security. This positive attitude spills into every area of their lives.

The physical benefits of fasting include healing. When you fast you allow your system to rest and rehabilitate itself. It allows your body time to flush out toxic matter that has built up over the years. It actually revives and rejuvenates the millions of cells in your body. It improves circulation, stamina and strength.

Some people do only liquid fasts, consuming only water, broth or juices. Others take part in specific fasts, such as "fruit fasts", where they abstain from fruits or "meat fasts" where they abstain from meat. The most common fast is abstinence from all food and liquid except water. It is important to drink at least one quart of water per day while fasting.

Under no circumstances should fasting be attempted without advice and approval from one's physician. You should discuss your reasons for wanting to fast with your doctor and together you can come up with a sensible and safe plan according to your individual needs. The benefits of fasting, both spiritual and physical, will be greatly enanced when you know you are doing it the way you should be.

IN THIS ARTICLE YOU WILL learn about some of the tremendous benefits that can be derived from a properly conducted fast. When properly utilized, fasting is a safe and effective means of maximizing the body’s self-healing capacities. The results can be truly amazing. Before going on to describe some of the many advantages of fasting, let’s define it. Fasting is the complete abstinence from all substances except pure water, in an environment of total rest. Let’s also keep in mind that fasting is only one part of the total health-supporting program we call Natural Hygiene.

Health results from healthful living. No matter how successful a fasting experience might be, it needs to be followed by a consistently healthy lifestyle. The requirements of health must continue to be provided — especially in the areas of diet, environment, activity and psychology.

The examples that follow are just a few of the many beneficial uses of fasting.

During the past seven years I’ve worked with thousands of patients from all over the world who had a wide variety of disorders and health concerns. A great many of these patients required a period of supervised fasting to achieve their health goals. Virtually all of them needed to make lifestyle changes to achieve improved health. Fasting made the transition easier!

My observation is that the best motivating factor in helping people adopt healthful living practices is often the positive reinforcement that comes with feeling good and healthy.

Fasting, for as few as five days to as many as 40 days, will often dramatically shorten the time it takes for an individual to make the transition from a conventional diet and lifestyle (with all the associated addictions, pains, fatigue and disease) to the independent and energetic state associated with healthful living.

People who undertake a fast in a supervised setting, tend to achieve health more quickly than those who attempt changes without a fast. The intensive health education, plus the emotional support they receive during their stay, result in increased compliance with dietary and lifestyle recommendations.

When individuals try to make major dietary changes without the benefit of a fasting experience, they often become frustrated. The transition to a healthful eating pattern can make you feel sick. Symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating, joint pain, headaches, skin rashes, irritability, depression, etc. are just a few of the common problems that can arise as the body attempts to eliminate toxins, metabolic byproducts, etc., and adjust physiologically to a health promoting diet.

It is difficult to get people to practice new healthful living habits for long unless they begin to experience some benefits quickly. Changes that may take months (or even years) with careful eating may occur much more quickly if a properly supervised fast is utilized. This is an important consideration because once people begin to realize their health potential, they become a likely candidate for a lifelong commitment to healthful living.

Addictions to drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, nicotine and caffeine are examples where fasting can dramatically reduce the often protracted withdrawal symptoms that prevent many people from becoming drug-free. Most people are surprised at how easy it is to quit smoking or drinking with the help of fasting.

Fasting can often be especially important in situations where drugs or surgery have been recommended. When uterine fibroid tumors contribute to pain and excess bleeding, a hysterectomy — removal of the uterus — is often recommended. A proper fast will often dramatically reduce the size and effect of these tumors. I have treated numerous women who have been able to successfully avoid hysterectomy using conservative methods. Ovarian cysts and cervical dysplasia also often respond favorably.

Back and neck pain are remarkably responsive to conservative care. In my institution I utilize fasting, rest and exercise, improved posture and body use, and when appropriate, chiropractic manipulation and physical therapy. It is interesting to note that often patients with chronic pain who have received extensive treatment, including drugs, surgery and manipulation, will experience dramatic improvement through the use of fasting.

I recently treated a young man, a Natural Hygienist since birth, who had been in a severe automobile accident four years ago. He had suffered with constant neck pain and headaches since the accident. His greatest concern was his tendency to pass out unexpectedly. Apparently the dysfunction in his neck had interfered with the autonomic portion of his nervous system altering blood flow to his brain.

After a period of four weeks of care, which included a fast, followed by careful re-feeding and, in his case, spinal manipulative therapy, this individual made an excellent response. At his three month follow-up he reported complete absence of neck pain and headaches and had not felt faint or passed out since his stay at the Center.

Most cases of cardiovascular disease are also responsive to conservative care. In 154 consecutive cases of high blood pressure [hypertension] that I have fasted, 151 (98%) have been able to achieve and maintain normal blood pressure without the use of medications. [Complete details of this study will appear in an upcoming issue of Health Science.]

Angina and intermittent claudication are examples of conditions that will often respond rapidly to fasting. Often patients can achieve freedom from pain and medications within a few days or weeks. It is not unusual to see cholesterol levels drop as much as 100 points with diligent effort.

Disturbances of the gastrointestinal system — including esophagitis, gastritis, colitis, constipation, bloating, and the symptoms associated with so-called "candidiasis" — usually respond well to conservative care.

My most recent case of gastrointestinal disturbance was a young woman with severe colitis [inflammation of the colon]. She reported severe, constant bleeding through the rectum. She said that despite continual medical treatment with cortisone, implants, and a wide range of other medication, she had bleeding with every bowel movement for eight years. Her physician had explained that surgery would have to be performed.

After we had eliminated her medications, a period of fasting was undertaken. Within a week, the constant pain was resolved. By the 10th day, the passing of blood and mucus had stopped. After two weeks of fasting we began to carefully feed her. Her bowel movements were blood-free from the first. At her three-month follow-up she reported feeling great and completely free of any significant bleeding or problems.

Many chronic degenerative conditions respond well to fasting and a Natural Hygiene lifestyle. Diabetes is no exception.

Working with diabetic patients is very satisfying because the consequences of the disease are so devastating and the results with conservative care are usually so dramatic. Most adult onset diabetics can be brought under control and freed from the use of insulin and other medication through the use of fasting and a carefully followed diet and lifestyle program. Such a program will allow most diabetics to achieve a high level of function and the ability to maintain normal sugar levels without medications.

Not everyone is a candidate for fasting. There are a number of factors to consider before a fast is recommended. My procedure is to first review the patient’s medical history and perform a comprehensive physical examination including appropriate laboratory or specialized diagnostic tests. I then review my findings with the patient and make appropriate recommendations. These may include dietary and lifestyle recommendations. These may include dietary and lifestyle changes, exercise programs, etc., and, when indicated, fasting. When fasting is indicated, patients stay at my institution.

Not every individual or every condition will respond to conservative treatment. Occasionally medical care may be necessary. When a medical consultation or treatment is indicated, the safest methods available should be utilized.

 Where to fast

With the possible exception of very short fasts in acute disease — such as a cold, fever, etc.— all fasting should be undertaken in an institution under the direct supervision of a doctor trained in fasting supervision. A certified member of the International Association of Hygienic Physicians would by far be your best choice.

Fasting in an institution offers several advantages. The most important is the constant availability of an experienced doctor to guide and advise you. Most institutions have an educational program designed to help you better understand Natural Hygiene — the science of health. The benefits of being in a clean, quiet and emotionally supportive environment should not be underestimated.

In addition, a timely and proper termination of each fast is critical to the long-term success of the patient. Fasting under the supervision of a trained, qualified doctor is your best assurance of a well-conducted, beneficial fasting experience.

"A woman came to the Center recently who had suffered chronic constipation for more than 20 years. She complained that she had not had a single spontaneous bowel movement during that time without the assistance of enemas, colonics or laxatives.

"She fasted with us for a period of 12 days, during which time she experienced mild discomfort and referred low back pain. On the fifth day of feeding after the fast, she was having spontaneous, normally formed bowel movements — and she had continued to have them since.

"The long-term follow-up for people who stay on the Natural Hygiene dietary program is excellent. Chronic constipation is definitely a problem that people can learn to live without."

Alan Goldhamer, D.C.

"Fasting, or the abstinence from food, is a means used in nature by all creatures from the beginning of time. Either by instinct or intelligence this means has been used to assist the body to relieve itself from discomfort, pain and disease.

"Regulatory and reparative processes of the body are given unimpeded encouragement by the temporary omission of food. No other form of health care can boast the rewarding and gratifying results in the elimination of disease and the restoration of health.

"Fasting, once considered a fad, has gained acceptance not only by a constantly increasing segment of society — and has also earned the stamp of approval by many in the scientific community.

"Under qualified and experienced supervision, fasting is the greatest gift which can be given to an overburdened, sick body without benefit of any other form of therapy or treatment."

William Esser, N.D., D.C.

"Fasting is simply a process of deep physiological rest. This rest period helps you rebuild functioning power and recover from the energy dissipation caused by hectic daily schedules and abusive living habits.

"When outside stressors, dietary and therapeutic influences are eliminated during the fasting state, fasting reveals the baseline status of your body. This enables you to become more sensitive and connected to your body. This connection fosters a greater awareness of the instinctive biological and emotional requirements that are essential for the maintenance of health and wholeness."

Frank Sabatino, D.C., Ph.D.

"Unfounded fear is a peculiar state of disease within the imagination, arising largely out of a lack of knowledge.

"If we are slaves to unfounded fears, we are also slaves to beliefs and practices and action which are inconsistent with our well-being. So it is a matter of necessity that we understand fasting and all its facets if we are to overcome the fears that are associated with it.

"Many people attempt to solve the problems of life, the distresses of the body and the anxieties of the mind with food and drugs. They have great fear about not eating because they have experienced the headaches, the weakness and distress they associate with it, and they are convinced that food and drugs are the answer to their problems.

"How can you convince someone that going further without food is a matter of necessity for the recovery of his health? Only through knowledge and enough suffering to change his attitudes.

"The best way to dispel unfounded fear about fasting is with knowledge — knowledge that breeds confidence, confidence that engenders beliefs, and beliefs that result in correct action."

D.J. Scott, D.C.

"Not everyone is a good candidate for fasting. Many factors need to be considered before a fast is undertaken. Not every condition will respond optimally to fasting and conservative care alone. Occasionally, medical care may be necessary.

"At the Center we have established good working relationships with some of California’s best specialists. When a medical consultation or treatment is indicated, the safest methods available should always be utilized."

Jennifer Marano, D.C.

"A wonderful thing about fasting is that it puts an interval between the behavior that you are accustomed to and the behavior that you aspire to. We tend to be creatures of habit, and the ways that we are accustomed to eating and living feel as natural to us as breathing. That is why it is so difficult for people to stop bad habits. But fasting brings your present lifestyle to an abrupt halt. It gives you an opportunity to pause, reflect and decide how you are going to conduct your life afterwards. This enables you to make a break with your past and set off in a new, more positive direction.

"There is nothing routine about eating after a fast. Each meal is a celebration. After fasting, you tend to be very conscious about what you are eating, and why. Fasting heightens your awareness, as well as your appreciation for food. By fasting, we learn to eat with reverence.

"It is the non-doing aspect of fasting that enables us to make behavioral stopping and pausing and interrupting our usual patterns, as we learn to take more conscious control of ourselves.

"There is no better way to stop a vicious cycle of self-destructive behavior than by fasting."

Ralph C. Cinque, D.C.

There has been much contention in the scientific field about whether or not fasting is beneficial to one's health. Fasting is an integral part of many of the major religions including Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Many are dubious as to whether the physiological effects are as beneficial as the spiritual promoted by these religions. There is a significant community of alternative healers who believe that fasting can do wonders for the human body. This paper will look at the arguments presented by these healers in an attempt to raise awareness of the possible physiological benefits that may result from fasting.

1. Fasting technically commences within the first twelve to twenty-four hours of the fast. A fast does not chemically begin until the carbohydrate stores in the body begin to be used as an energy source. The fast will continue as long as fat and carbohydrate stores are used for energy, as opposed to protein stores. Once protein stores begin to be depleted for energy (resulting in loss of muscle mass) a person is technically starving.

2. The benefits of fasting must be preceded by a look at the body's progression when deprived of food. Due to the lack of incoming energy, the body must turn to its own resources, a function called autolysis.

3. Autolysis is the breaking down of fat stores in the body in order to produce energy. The liver is in charge of converting the fats into a chemical called a ketone body, "the metabolic substances acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid", and then distributing these bodies throughout the body via the blood stream. "When this fat utilization occurs, free fatty acids are released into the blood stream and are used by the liver for energy."

4. The less one eats, the more the body turns to these stored fats and creates these ketone bodies, the accumulation of which is referred to as ketosis.

5. Detoxification is the foremost argument presented by advocates of fasting. "Detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph glands, and skin." This process is precipitated by fasting because when food is no longer entering the body, the body turns to fat reserves for energy. "Human fat is valued at 3,500 calories per pound," a number that would lead one to believe that surviving on one pound of fat every day would provide a body with enough energy to function normally. These fat reserves were created when excess glucose and carbohydrates were not used for energy or growth, not excreted, and therefore converted into fat. When the fat reserves are used for energy during a fast, it releases the chemicals from the fatty acids into the system which are then eliminated through the aforementioned organs. Chemicals not found in food but absorbed from one's environment, such as DDT, are also stored in fat reserves that may be released during a fast. One fasting advocate tested his own urine, feces and sweat during an extended fast and found traces of DDT in each.

6. A second prescribed benefit of fasting is the healing process that begins in the body during a fast. During a fast energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use and towards the metabolism and immune system.

7. The healing process during a fast is precipitated by the body's search for energy sources. Abnormal growths within the body, tumors and the like, do not have the full support of the body's supplies and therefore are more susceptible to autolysis. Furthermore, "production of protein for replacement of damaged cells (protein synthesis) occurs more efficiently because fewer 'mistakes' are made by the DNA/RNA genetic controls which govern this process." A higher efficiency in protein synthesis results in healthier cells, tissues and organs. This is one reason that animals stop eating when they are wounded, and why humans lose hunger during influenza. Hunger has been proven absent in illnesses such as gastritis, tonsillitis and colds. Therefore, when one is fasting, the person is consciously diverting energy from the digestive system to the immune system.

8. In addition, there is a reduction in core body temperature. This is a direct result of the slower metabolic rate and general bodily functions. Following a drop in blood sugar level and using the reserves of glucose found in liver glycogen, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) is reduced in order to conserve as much energy within the body as can be provided. Growth hormones are also released during a fast, due to the greater efficiency in hormone production.

9. Finally, the most scientifically proven advantage to fasting is the feeling of rejuvenation and extended life expectancy. Part of this phenomenon is caused by a number of the benefits mentioned above. A slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, an improved immune system, and the increased production of hormones contributes to this long-term benefit of fasting. In addition to the Human Growth Hormone that is released more frequently during a fast, an anti-aging hormone is also produced more efficiently. "The only reliable way to extend the lifespan of a mammal is under-nutrition without malnutrition."

10. A study was performed on earthworms that demonstrated the extension of life due to fasting. The experiment was performed in the 1930s by isolating one worm and putting it on a cycle of fasting and feeding.

The isolated worm outlasted its relatives by 19 generations, while still maintaining its youthful physiological traits. The worm was able to survive on its own tissue for months. Once the size of the worm began to decrease, the scientists would resume feeding it at which point it showed great vigor and energy. "The life-span extension of these worms was the equivalent of keeping a man alive for 600 to 700 years."

In conclusion, it seems that there are many reasons to consider fasting as a benefit to one's health.

The body rids itself of the toxins that have built up in our fat stores throughout the years. The body heals itself, repairs all the damaged organs during a fast. And finally there is good evidence to show that regulated fasting contributes to longer life.

However, many doctors warn against fasting for extended periods of time without supervision. There are still many doctors today who deny all of these points and claim that fasting is detrimental to one's health and have evidence to back their statements. The idea of depriving a body of what society has come to view as so essential to our survival in order to heal continues to be a topic of controversy.

Children below 12 years, sick patients, travelers, and women who are menstruating or nursing a baby are exempted from fasting. In addidtioan to staying away from food or water for the whole day, the Muslim are asked to stay away deom sex, smoking or misconduct durinf the period of fasting. In addition, they are encourage to do more acts of piety i.e. prayer, charity or reading holy Quran during this month.

When one fast, its lowers his blood pressure and insulin level. This causes breakdown of glycogen from liver to provide glucose for energy need and breakdown of fat from adipose tissue to provide for energy needs.

According to the research done at The Faculty of Homeopathic Medicine, Pair Mas, Kelantan, Malaysia, it is noted that " Fasting brings a wholesome physiological rest for the digestive tract and central nervous system and normalizes metabolism."

Why Islamic Fasting Is Very Special

1. As compared to other diet plans, the Islaic fasting durinf the whole of Ramadan is very special, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake since there is no restriction on the type or amount of food intake during 'Iftaar or Sahur'

This was confirmed by M.M. Hussaini during Ramadan 1974 when he conducted dietary analysis of Muslim students at the Uinversity of North Dakota State University at Fargo. He concluded that calorie intake of Muslim students during fasting was a two thirds of NCR-RDA.

2. Fasting in Ramadan is voluntary undertaken. It is nor a prescribed imposition from a physician. In the hypothalamus part of the brain there is a center called "lipostat' which control the body mass. When severe and rapid weight loss is achieved by starvation diet, the center does not recognize this normal and, therefore re-program itself to cause weight gain rapidly once the person goes off the starvation diet.

So the only effective way of losing weight is slow, self-contraolled, and gradually weight loss by modifying our behavior and the attitute about eating while eliminating excess food.

3. The fasting of Muslim in Ramadan is actrually an exercise in self discipline. For those who are heavy smoker or nibble food constantly, or drink coffee every hours, it is a good way to break the habit, hoping that the effect will continue after the month is over.

4. Psychological effect of ramadan fasting are also well observed by the description of eople who fast They desribe a feeling of inner pease and tranquility. The prophet has advised them." If one slanders you or aggresses against you, tell them I am fasting." Thus personal hostility during the month in minimal. Crime rate in muslim countries fall during this month.

1. Stress and tension

2. Diabetes but in certain cases where a patient has been taking insulin, they should not perform fasting

3. Hypertension.

4. Migraine

5. Overweight

6. Insomania, etc.

As the body cleanses and heal itself through fasting, keener mental concentration and clearer spiritual perception develop. Remember the barin is the physical instrument of the mind. As the mucus and toxic wates are flushed from the barin cells through fasting, with it go the worries and frustrations from your mind. It become free and clear. Yourt memory becomes sharp and keen. Your creative powers are soon expanded.

Many non Muslim such as Buddihism, Hinduism, Christianity, etc aslo practice fasting because they know its power to detach on's mind form the world of sense and to sharpen one's sensibility to the world of spirit.

Let us do fasting together.

The dentists I told this to were amazed and said they never heard of this. Yet I saved these teeth as proof of Nature being able to handle all conceivable physical problems.

April 12, 1994

Hydrotherapy is most easily defined as the therapeutic use of water. It has been around for centuries and is probably the oldest of all therapies. It was once thought to treat everything from typhoid to tumors, and even general well-being in Roman and Turkish bathe. Today it is relied on as an aid in treating muscular and joint injuries, arthritis, and it is still treating general well-being in modern saunas and private bathtubs.

The benefits of hydrotherapy are a result of the principles of buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure and water temperature.

The principle of buoyancy of water comes into play when treating muscualar or joint injuries. Being in water reduces body weight by up to 90%. Physically this relieves the pressure of weight on our joints and muscles, and, the feeling of weightlessness proves to be very relaxing mentally as well as physically The weightless effect of water is also recommended for arthritis sufferers, as it eases joint stiffness and improves the mobility of the joints.

Hydrostatic pressure offers a form of massage that is soothing as well as healing. Studies at trauma and burn centers have shown that the massaging currents of water gently soothe touchy nerve endings while cleansing the wounds. This massaging action, combined with weightlessness, relaxes tight muscles. It also releases natural pain killers, called endorphins, into our system.

It is important to note that a person doesn't necessarily need to be in a whirlpool to enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy. A large bathtub at home will do fine, as long as one can relax, stretch out and be mostly submerged, depending on the effect you are looking for.

Water temperature has a great deal to do with hydrotherapy. Hot water raises your body temperature and causes your blood vessels to dilate. This increases circulation and greater circulation can speed up the body's healing processes. Some people believe that a hot soak (103 degrees) can help you fight a cold or flu. This high temperature increases the number of white blood cells, which help to fight infection.

As great as a hot soak sounds, there are words of caution to remember. Doctors recommend a temperature limit of 104 degrees and a time limit of 15 minutes. Do not take a hot soak after a workout. Hot soaks are not recommended for people who are being treated for circulation problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or pregnancy. (If you suspect you have any of these conditions, see a doctor first).

If you do take a hot bath, always cool down afterwards. One recommended way is to splash your body with lukewarm water. Remember, hot water causes blood vessels to dilate and cold water causes them to constrict, so cool down slowly so you don't create a strain on your heart.

If you are not being treated for any of the conditions above, the alternating of hot and cold temperatures can be very therapeutic. In fact, it is one of the most common ways hydrotherapy is used. (Again, check with your doctor before engaging in such activity).

As mentioned above, using hot and then cold temperatures makes the blood vessels open up, contract, and then open up again. This causes a pumping action in your heart and blood vessels that greatly increases circulation, which, again, aids in healing. This is often a home remedy that is recommended for people with migraines. They take a hot shower, followed immediately by a cool one which suddenly shrinks the swollen blood vessels in the head which are causing the migraine.

Some other hydrotherapy home remedies are a warm bath for hemorrhoids; hot foot soak for sinus relief; a 20 minute dip in cold water for joint of hands or feet to reduce swelling; a lukewarm body soak to relieve tension and stress; a half hour soak in a warm bath immediately before bed for a deep sleep.

And although we've mainly discussed the reactions of our bodies to the touch and temperature of water, let's not forget about the sound. The sound of water splashing, the roar of the ocean, raindrops on the window pane are all welcome sounds that soothe tension and promote mental relaxation. Many mothers find that crying babies are soothed when they turn on the water faucet and cradle the baby nearby where they can hear it. On another note, babies also respond well to a warm bath when they are cranky.

The benefits of hydrotherapy are numerous and not all are covered here. You may even find that water treats specific ailments for you that are not mentioned. Using some of the home remedy tips listed above, and responsible use of the knowledge of the benefits OR ill effects of water temperatures on the body, we can enjoy the therapeutic effects of nature's most abundant resource.