HOW TO FAST

Nature's Method for the Restoration of Health

7th Edition

REVISED and ENLARGED

by
KENNETH S. JAFFREY

HOW TO FAST
Nature's Method for the Restoration of Health

BY

KENNETH S. JAFFREY

Published by KENNETH S. JAFFREY 9 Mandalay Avenue NELLY BAY,

QLD. 4819 AUSTRALIA
1984

Number 1 of a Series 7th Edition - Revised and Enlarged

Copyright No. 69340 KENNETH S. JAFFREY First

published 1967

This book is copyright. Apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or
review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without
written permission of the publisher.

STATEMENT BY THE PUBLISHER

The opinions expressed in this book are based on the Naturopathic philosophy of health and do not
coincide with currently-accepted medical theories on health and healing. The publisher does not claim
that any advice given herein represents a "cure" for disease.

INTRODUCTION
I have pleasure in presenting to my readers this, the sixth edition, of my
book.
It has been greatly enlarged and now contains everything which I
believe the reader needs to know about fasting.
Little did I realize when I wrote the first edition in 1967 that seventeen
years later it would have sold 10,000 copies and that it would be
translated into eight foreign languages.
As the title implies, the aim of this book is to tell the reader HOW to fast.
Many books have been written on fasting but most of them appeared so
long ago that they are now out of print and are virtually unobtainable.
Some books extol the virtues of fasting but fail to give specific
instructions on WHEN and HOW to fast.
The author assumes that the reader is aware of the benefits to be
derived from fasting and would simply like to be told exactly what to do
in order to undertake a fast.
This book is therefore a concise and practical guide and self-instructor.
It contains only enough of the theory of fasting to enable the reader to
understand the fasting process and to assist the tyro to fast scientifically,
intelligently and safely.
This booklet asks pertinent questions and then answers each question
fully and accurately.
If you are thinking of undertaking a fast my advice to you is to do it
scientifically and safely.
This booklet is written in the vernacular so those who have no
knowledge of Natural Healing can avail themselves of this useful
process.
It has been intentionally made brief. It contains no padding, anecdotal
material or case-histories.
Over the past 50 years patients and students have asked many
questions on fasting. In this book I have tried to answer all of these
questions.
K. S. J. (1984).

CHAPTER ONE
What s Fasting?
FAST - to abstain from
Fasting has been indulged in for many reasons.
Some people have fasted in order to bring themselves under the notice
of the public for religious or political reasons. This practice should
properly be called starvation.
Others have fasted for spiritual reasons. They believe that fasting
enables them to develop spiritually.
Some use the fast as a form of self-inflicted punishment. I strongly
advise my reader NOT to fast for spiritual reasons.
Fast only when the body indicates clearly that the fast is indicated.
This book deals with Therapeutic Fasting - fasting for the restoration
of health.
It is a procedure which is designed to provide the ideal conditions for
healing and normalization of health by natural means.
To FAST means to abstain from.
To many people this means simply to abstain from solid food.
Such a definition limits the scope of fasting and is incorrect.
Fasting means to abstain also from all enervating or unnecessary living
habits.
Fruit juices, vitamins or drugs are not taken during a true fast.
Fasting can be called Nature's method of healing.
It makes use of the principle that the body has within itself all of the
powers necessary to maintain health and restore it when it has become
impaired.
Fasting itself does not "cure".
The power to cure does not reside in anything outside of the body.
There is within every cell of the body a certain "will to live" or Life Force.
Every cell strives to reproduce itself and to continue its existence.
This "will to live" is called the Vis Medicatrix Naturae or Healing Power of
Nature.
Does fasting "cure" disease? - It does not! - "Then why use fasting when
we are ill?"

The thoughtful reader may well ask "If fasting does not cure disease,
why should we undertake a fast?"
It is true that fasting does not, in itself, "cure" disease, but on the other
hand, it does provide one of the most important conditions necessary for
cure.
The most important condition for the eradication of any disease is REST
(Ed Note - read as Conservation of Energy)
Nobody could deny that there is no disease condition in which rest is not
beneficial.
Fasting provides that rest.
When we fast we automatically stop the ingestion of unsuitable foods
and other substances.
This in itself is of great value in the promotion of health.
When we fast we allow the stomach and intestines to empty themselves
of accumulations of unexcreted body wastes.
Also very beneficial.
When we fast we give all of the organs of elimination such as the skin,
lungs and kidneys an opportunity to intensify their normal functions.
When we fast we allow the whole organism an opportunity to normalize
its chemical composition.
When we fast, the body is encouraged to promote an increase in its
normal metabolic activities such as the breaking-down and building up of
cellular material.
When we fast, we allow the body an opportunity to regenerate and
rejuvenate its cells.
Fasting allows the organism to conserve its vital nervous energy.
Following regeneration of the digestive organs the powers of digestion
and assimilation of nutrients are enhanced.
When we fast, the brain tissues are cleansed of their accumulations of
toxic material, thus incidentally fostering clarity of thought.
Fasting improves the function of every organ, tissue and cell of the body.
Fasting of itself does not "cure" but it does provide the essential
conditions for cure.
If the sick organism has not already passed "the point of no-return" there
is the possibility that, if cared for intelligently, it may be able to restore
itself to normal good health.

The three essentials for healing are:

1. Removal of the causes of disease.
2. Provision of the body's normal biological needs.
3. Provision of physical, mental and physiological rest. Fasting
enables us to provide these three kinds of rest.
What is commonly called "disease" is actually the healing process.
When the body is struggling to defend itself and to restore normality
there is a state of discomfort or "dis-ease".
It is quite wrong to attempt in any way to relieve this discomfort by
simply suppressing the pain or external symptoms.
We must remove the CAUSE of the condition and provide all of the
body's biological requirements. THEN, the fast is undertaken.
What is fasting if it is not a "cure" for disease?
Fasting is a process of rest in which the sick body is enabled to marshall
its resources and conserve its energy. By withholding food the
tremendous amount of nervous energy normally devoted to the digestion
and assimilation of food is made available for use wherever it is needed
for the purpose of healing. It is not generally appreciated that digestion
and assimilation of food are very complicated processes involving the
expenditure of large amounts of energy in the form of nerve force. If this
energy is conserved it can be diverted from the digestive and
assimilative organs to other areas of the body where it is needed for the
repair of injured tissues and the cleansing of poisoned tissues.
Florence Nightingale understood clearly the true cause of disease and
its role. In her book NOTES ON NURSING, on pages 9 and 10 she said:
"Shall we begin by taking it as a general principle that all disease at
some period or other of its course, is more or less a REPARATIVE
PROCESS, not necessarily accompanied with suffering; an effort of
nature to remedy a process of poisoning or decay, which has taken
place weeks, months, sometimes years beforehand, unnoticed, the
termination of the disease being then, while the antecedent process is
going on, determined. The same laws of health or of nursing, for they
are in reality the same, obtain among the well as among the sick. The
breaking of them produces only a less violent consequence among the
former than among the latter-and this sometimes, not always".
When we fully realise the meaning of the word "disease" we then realise
that it is by means of disease that the poisons which cause illnesses are
eliminated.

When you cut your flesh or break a bone the Vis Medicatrix Naturae
makes every effort to restore normality. The broken bone unites
perfectly, the wound is repaired so thoroughly that within a short time no
trace of damage is apparent. This is Natural Healing. It takes place
automatically when health is normal. When health is subnormal the
power to heal is reduced. In some cases of severe illness the body is
unable to heal itself and death occurs.
When the human organism is in good health it requires certain
essentials. It needs correct nutrition, water, sunlight, fresh air, favourable
temperature, exercise, rest and a psychological climate which is
cheerful, optimistic and positive.
When the organism is injured it requires exactly the same conditions, but
in different proportions. Slight injury or disturbance will be corrected
simply and automatically. Serious injury or an advanced disease state
requires some conservation of energy to enable the organism to restore
normality. We can conserve energy by resting. There are three kinds of
rest - physical, mental and physiological. Physical rest is achieved by
restricting the activity of muscular tissues. Mental rest is achieved by
adopting mental poise, restricting mental activity and entering a
peaceful, quiet and harmonious environment. Physiological rest is
achieved by a suspension of the digestive processes. We take into our
body only water, air and sun during this period.
The digestive process is a very intense one which requires the
expenditure of a great deal of nervous energy. If we cease eating food
the digestive process gradually subsides and eventually is completely
suspended. The sick organism now has at its disposal a tremendous
amount of nervous energy which can be devoted to the process of
healing.
Dr. John Hilton, an eminent Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons
said in 1863: "Pain is the monitor and rest the cure". Dr. Hilton
understood that pain was the outward expression of an organism
reacting to an unfavourable situation. Pain is therefore not something to
be "cured" but rather to be regarded as a diagnostic aid. It is the body
telling us that something is amiss. Dr. Hilton also realised that Rest was
nature's method of cure.
If we are ill there must be a cause. If we remove the cause, provide a
suitable environment and rest the body, it will proceed to heal itself.
Fasting simply enables the Vis Medicatrix Naturae or healing power of
nature to assert itself. Fasting is not a medical treatment and has
nothing in common with such treatment. Fasting is an integral part and

central point of the system of healing known as Nature Cure or

Naturopathy.
The custom of drinking fruit juices is often called a Fruit Juice fast. This
term is a misnomer. Such a practice undoubtedly has some merits but it
is in reality a Liquid Diet and has no place in a book on fasting.
We often hear people say that they have had a "fruit juice fast" or a "fruit
fast". These statements are contradictions. If one drinks fruit juices or
eats fruit exclusively, these are liquid diets or fruit diets. A fruit juice fast
means to abstain from drinking fruit juice. A fruit fast means to abstain
from eating fruit. A water fast means to abstain from drinking water.
There seems to be a great deal of confusion in the minds of some
Johnny-come-lately book writers who have got on to the Natural Health
bandwagon without first learning the fundamentals of Natural Healing.
Many books have appeared recently in which the authors have warned
their readers against what they call the dangers of the "water fast".
Apart from displaying their illiteracy, these self-appointed authorities
have terrified their readers with stories of the (non-existent) dangers of
ketone bodies in the urine, self-poisoning, and so on. I can assure my
readers that these figments of the imagination have never been noted by
competent authorities who have successfully conducted many
thousands of fasts.
However, there is an explanation why these authors have fallen into
error. The fast is, among other things, a process of cleansing. It is
therefore to be expected that during a fast a great deal of unwanted
waste material will be excreted through the lungs, skin and kidneys.
When this happens the perspiration and urine will be darker in colour
and will also contain heavier material than that found normally. Those
unacquainted with this phenomena tend to become apprehensive at the
sight of so much material being excreted during the fast, and
erroneously regard it as something harmful. Nothing could be further
from the truth. The increased excretion of this material is a salutary
process which can only benefit the patient. The competent Naturopath
and intelligent patient will welcome the fact that the body is throwing off
unwanted and harmful material, knowing that this can only result in a
vastly improved standard of health.
Fasting is not only for those in their prime. It can be used quite safely by
the old and young alike. Young babies and children respond much more
quickly than aged people and consequently usually require fasts of
shorter duration.

Some people have complained that they have paid large sums of money
"just to drink water in an institution". These people have completely
misunderstood the true nature of fasting. Fasting is not just "drinking
water". Fasting embraces a positive programme of mind and body care
which conserves the vital energies of the organism. What a patient does
before, during and after a fast is crucial to success. A fast should be
undertaken at an appropriate time.
A fast will not function satisfactorily if combined with drugs or other
unnatural treatments. Medical treatments are based upon the
suppression of symptoms while natural treatments are based upon
removal of causes. Their actions are incompatible.
Let me issue a word of warning. Fasting must NOT be combined with
drugs or hormone treatments. A patient who is having hormone
injections or drugs of any kind should not attempt a fast. Similarly, if the
patient is taking the Oral Contraceptive Pill a fast must not be
undertaken.
It is not possible to fast correctly and with safety under these conditions.
If a patient has been taking drugs for an extended period it is necessary
to withdraw the drugs slowly and progressively by decreasing the
dosage and frequency over a period of several weeks. I repeat this
warning. If you are taking drugs of any kind do NOT undertake a fast.

CHAPTER TWO

WHO SHOULD FAST?

As fasting is nature's method of healing it should be used for that
purpose only. Those people who are in perfect health, those who have
no aches or pains or symptoms of ill-health obviously do not need to
fast.
Since there are very few people who are in perfect health it follows that
most people would benefit by a fast. Those people who have allowed
themselves to develop into a very advanced state of disease or who are
very weak should seek the advice of a competent Naturopath before
undertaking a fast.

Some alarmists have stated that pregnant women and lactating mothers
should not fast. They predict all kinds of dire consequences. There is no
scientific reason why a pregnant woman or lactating mother should not
fast, if there is a valid need for it. If the temperature is above normal, a
woman may fast. If the fast extends beyond a few days a lactating
mother may have to cease breast-feeding her baby and should give it
goats milk, nut milk or soya milk until the fast has been completed.
Lactation will re-commence as soon as the baby returns to the breast.
Fears that the mother will lose her milk supply and "dry up" are
groundless. Pregnancy is no excuse to deny a woman the right and
privilege of fasting. No harm will come to the foetus as long as the fast is
conducted correctly and if the patient observes the rules I have laid
down in this book.
The ideal time to undertake a fast is when the environment is congenial,
the body vitality high and the mind is ready to accept the discipline of
deprivation of food.
Those who have accumulated a large amount of posionous waste matter
in their tissues or who have taken large quantities of drugs and
medicines over a long period should not suddenly commence a fast. A
body which is heavily encumbered with toxic material should be
prepared before embarking on a fast. If the diet has for some time
consisted of meats, fish, poultry, cooked and highly-seasoned foods,
foods composed largely of refined sugar and refined flour, alcohol or soft
drinks, the prospective faster is advised to adopt a cleansing diet of
natural foods for some weeks before attempting a fast. This diet should
consist mainly of raw fruits and raw vegetables. After about seven weeks
on this cleansing diet the body should be in a much better condition to
take advantage of a fast. If in doubt, do not hesitate to seek the advice of
a competent Naturopath.
Those people with a very low body temperature should seek the advice
of a Naturopath before undertaking a fast.
There are people who may fast and there are people who should NOT
fast. There is a time to fast and a time NOT to fast. All people, including
babies and old people, may fast with safety if the body temperature is
above the normal of 37 degrees Celsius, PROVIDING there are no
contraindications. These are listed in chapter nine. Those suffering from
an acute disease may fast safely as long as there are no contraindications. Those with a temperature above 37 degrees Celsius are
said to have an acute disease, which is synonymous with a fever or
healing Crisis. Sick people with a temperature of 37 degrees or lower

10

are said to have a chronic disease. These people should not fast longer
than three days under any cirsumstances.
CHAPTER THREE

WHEN SHOULD I COMMENCE A FAST?

The best time to commence a fast is when all conditions are favourable.
It can be laid down as a rule that it is safe to fast for three days at any
time. No preparation is needed for a fast of this length. Anyone may fast
for three days as long as the conditions and environment are favourable
and providing that there are no contra-indications. It can also be laid
down as a rule that it is safe to fast whenever the body temperature rises
above the normal of 37 degrees Celsius. This occurs in every acute
disease or fever. In the language of Nature Cure or Naturopathy this is
the period called the Healing Crisis. But, even if you have an acute
disease you should not fast for more than three days if there are contraindications.
When the temperature rises above normal the "voice of the organism" is
telling us that it needs rest-physical, mental and physiological. If we fast
at this stage we provide the body with the opportunity to repair damage,
to heal, and to renew diseased tissues.
Another good rule of thumb is to always fast when we feel ill or are in
pain. But of course, if your temperature is below normal then you would
not fast for more than three days. Here we have the concrete answer to
our question "When should I commence a fast?". We should commence
fasting when the temperature rises above the normal of 37 degrees
Celsius or whenever we are in pain or feel ill, but always providing there
are no contraindications as listed in Chapter nine.
"What must I do if I am seriously ill and my temperature is low?". The
answer to this question is that when the temperature is below normal
and disease symptoms are present the state is said to be a chronic one.
This is a state of low vitality in which the power to heal has been
depleted. We must do everything in our power to raise the vitality in
order to produce the acute condition of Healing Crisis in which the
temperature is above normal.
In the chronic state it is safe to fast for not more than three days. Then
you should remove the cause of your illness. It may be wrong food, too
much food, too many meals, insufficient mastication, eating while
mentally disturbed, lack of exercise, lack of rest, uncleanliness, impure
air, worry, tension, fear, or some other mental or physical disability.
Bones or muscles could be displaced thus causing an impingement of

11

nerves or blood vessels. Whatever the causes, we must do our best to

remove or at least to modify them. If you are unable to determine the
cause of your ill-health you should enlist the services of a competent
Naturopath. He or she is trained to detect the incorrect living habits and
structural faults which produce disease. If you fail to change the living
habits which produced your disease then fasting can bring only
temporary relief. You must remove the causes before any dramatic
change in your health can occur.
Some well-known authorities say that a patient may be fasted at any
time, no matter what their condition may be. I disagree. Many people
have failed to gain the desired results from fasting because the vitality of
the organism was too low at the time the fast was commenced. Many
patients have been fasted when their body temperature was very low. I
found that these patients did not respond as well as they should have
done.
On the other hand, patients who commenced the fast with a high
temperature responded satisfactorily. The most beneficial results are
gained if the fast is commenced when the organism clearly indicates that
a fast is needed. The most favourable time to commence a fast is when
the vitality is high, that is, when the vital forces are roused and the
organism has developed a Healing Crisis. As we have already
discovered, at this time, the temperature will be above normal. It is
advisable to commence a fast at any time if the patient is in great pain or
discomfort. But, if the organism also happens to be in a chronic state
with a normal temperature or below normal, then the fast should not
exceed three days in duration. This does not infringe the basic rule of
fasting, that a fast should always commence when the organism has
developed a Healing Crisis. How does this come about? It is evident that
the first three days of a fast does not constitute a fast at all. A true fast
commences only on the fourth day after the patient has commenced
abstention from food. This apparent anomaly is explained by the fact
that during the first three days of a fast the digestive processes in the
mouth, stomach and duodenum, etc. are still going on. Three full days
must elapse before the digestive processes slow down and eventually
become suspended. The fast proper commences on the fourth day. This
explains why it is safe for anyone to abstain from food for three days at
any time.
In the past some accidents occurred and some surprising and
unpleasant effects were experienced due to practitioners attempting to
fast patients who were not ready for a fast. In the case of neurotic
patients who were very low in vitality their symptoms became very much
accentuated and unpleasant to the patient, and distressing and

12

perplexing to the nurses and practitioners handling the case. If the

principles I have set out are observed these unpleasant and distressing
experiences can be avoided.
I have noticed in the writings of other authors that sometimes a chronic
patient will develop a Healing Crisis during the course of a fast. This is
always difficult and unpleasant for the patient and invariably causes
alarm and misapprehension to the relatives and friends of the patient. It
is far better to assist the organism to develop a Healing Crisis BEFORE
the fast is commenced.
If the patient is taking drugs when a Healing Crisis occurs it is necessary
to defer the fast and to withdraw the drug slowly over a period of days or
even weeks before commencing the fast. NEVER abstain from food
while taking drugs. Fasting is a process of abstention, and this means
abstention from drugs as well as normal foods.
It is my firm conviction based upon a lifetime of experience coupled with
a firm belief in the scientific principles of Natural Healing that only those
people who are suffering from an acute disease should undertake a
prolonged fast. Those suffering from a chronic disease may also fast,
but in this case the fast should not exceed three days in duration.
How is the patient to know whether the disease is an acute one or a
chronic one? The answer is simple. If your temperature is above the
normal of 37 degrees Celsius you have an acute disease. If your
temperature is 37 degrees or below that figure you have a chronic
disease.
How much above normal must the temperature be in order to commence
a fast? The answer again is simple. If your temperature is one point
above normal you may commence a fast.
The thermometer has lines marked on it. The long lines indicate
degrees. The short lines indicate points. If the mercury in the
thermometer has reached the first short line above the long line which
indicates 37 degrees then you may commence a fast.
I believe that this principle is a most important one and I also realize that
many modern writers on fasting do not understand this facet of fasting
and they therefore err when they advise their readers to disregard their
temperature and to fast at any time. I have on many occasions seen
seriously ill patients who failed to derive any benefit from their fast
precisely because they fasted while they were in the chronic state when
their vitality was low. When these same patients prepared themselves
for the fast and then developed an acute state, the fast which they then
undertook was completed satisfactorily and proved to be most beneficial.

13

Now, here is how to take the temperature accurately. Never take the
temperature before 10 a.m. Always wait until after 10 a.m. Be sure to
shake the mercury down below 36 degrees Celsius. Place the
thermometer under the tongue with the mouth closed, or under the
armpit or in the rectum. Leave it there for at least three minutes. After
three minutes you observe where the mercury comes on the scale in
order to ascertain the body temperature.
CHAPTER FOUR

WHAT MUST I DO DURING A FAST?

Having decided that our organism needs a fast and that there are no
contra-indications we now turn our attention to the fast itself. The first
essential is to provide a suitable environment. Fasting is carried out
most efficiently where the environment is free from noise, vibration and
disturbances. Vibration and noise make fasting difficult. Vehicles and
machinery rumble and cause vibrations which unduly stimulate the
nervous system. As well as the noises of machinery we also have noises
from radio sets, gramaphones, television and the telephone. Any noise
places a strain on the faster, especially a sudden loud noise. Soft
melodious music is often appreciated and can be soothing, but loud
raucous sounds are highly irritant.
The air should be clean and fresh. The poison-laden air and smog of a
city are most unsuitable for consumption by anyone fasting. Fasting
should not be attempted where gases from motor cars, scents,
insecticides or cooking odours are present.
The faster should keep as warm as possible. This conserves the energy.
Clothing which allows the body to become too cold or too hot should be
avoided. If the faster feels chilly he or she should have hot water bottles
placed at the feet or on the thighs. It is not advisable to walk about
lightlyclad. If he must get out of bed, he should not risk chilling himself
by walking barefoot on a cold floor or by exposing himself to a sudden
change of temperature.
If the faster wishes to rise from the bed to go to the toilet or for any other
reason he or she should rise slowly. Do not rise suddenly. A sudden rise
could cause dizziness or loss of balance, resulting in a fall and possible
injury.

14

Do not lie in a draught. Do not have a ceiling fan in your room. If you
must use a fan be sure to see that it faces an open window or door and
that it is pointing away from the patient.
The skin should be washed daily with luke-warm water and exposed to
the air and sun from time to time. Sunlight is essential but exposures
should be short. It is better to have a series of short exposures to
sunlight rather than one long session. Do not sunbathe between 11 a.m.
and 2 p.m. when the red heat rays predominate.
A faster should not enter into any controversy and should not read books
or newspapers or listen to radio or television programmes of a
controversial nature. The mental attitude of the faster, and those around,
is important. The faster should try to achieve mental poise. There should
not be any arguments on contentious subjects like religion or politics.
Only light reading of books and newspapers should be permitted. Avoid
reading that demands close concentration or anything of a sensational
or stimulating nature. The outlook should be one of confidence, optimism
and good cheer. There must be no doubt as to the outcome of the fast.
Above all, try to achieve a state of equanimity, a state of calmness.
Control your temper no matter how provoked you may be. A tranquil
state of mind comes from a complete resignation to the fast and
confidence in the fasting procedure. Know that the forces of Nature
which created you in the first place are all that you need to restore you to
health. Just lie peacefully without trying to sleep, but just dozing as you
feel inclined. Under these conditions your fast will produce optimum
results. Be cheerfully confident. Never doubt for a moment that the
forces of Nature, if given the right conditions, will work in and through
your organism in the most beneficial way possible. Do not encourage
visitors to talk for long periods or to worry you with business matters.
Generally speaking it is wise to discourage visitors altogether.
If you can achieve this ideal environment and if you abide faithfully by
the rules you will be truly fasting.
The faster should have pure water only, whenever thirst indicates that it
is needed. The faster should not be forced to drink at set intervals.
Follow the voice of your organism and drink only when you feel thirsty.
The water should not be too hot nor too cold. It should preferably be at
the same temperature as the human body - 37 degrees Celsius.
The water should not be swallowed too quickly. Sip it slowly. The best
water is sun-exposed rainwater or distilled water. If these are not
available it is advisable to boil your water in an enamel or glass vessel
for ten minutes and then allow it to stand for one hour in a tall jug. After
one hour the top two-thirds of the jugful is poured off carefully. This is

15

then exposed to the direct rays of the sun for at least half an hour. Drink
this sun-exposed water during the fast. Fluoridated water must never be
used for fasting. No amount of boiling will remove the harmful fluoride.
If you are not able to obtain rain-water or if the water from your public
supply has been chlorinated or fluoridated you may use distilled water.
This may be bought from a garage or some grocery stores. Be sure to
see that the bottle is sealed when you buy it.
Do not use water which may have been passed through a filter which
may not remove all impurities and chemicals.
There are odd cases where patients develop a dislike for water. In these
cases it is advisable to oxygenate the water. Fill a large jug with water
and hold another jug below the full jug. Pour water from one jug to
another several times. Put this water on the tongue of the patient a
teaspoonful at a time. In cases of very high fever or if the patient vomits
the water you should use this technique. It is called ACHAMANA. Water
is administered one drop every two or three minutes, using an
eyedropper in severe cases.
After the fast has been in progress for 24 hours you will notice that the
tongue has become coated. The coating may be white, yellow or brown.
This coating indicates that the fast is proceeding satisfactorily and
represents the condition of the stomach mucosa at the time. You will
also notice that the breath has a foul odour. The mouth will feel dry due
to the reduction in the amount of saliva being secreted by the salivary
glands in the mouth. You will also lose your desire for food. If all of the
signs are present the fast is well under way. During the fast you may
experience various minor aches or pains or symptoms of illnesses you
have suffered in the past. These symptoms often return during the fast.
Those who have taken drugs will often experience unpleasant reactions
when these drugs are being eliminated. The patient virtually relives his
medical history in reverse. The poisons accumulated recently will be
eliminated first while those accumulated further back in time will be
eliminated later.
The most difficult period is usually from the third to the fourth day. If you
are undertaking a fast under the supervision of a Naturopath he or she
will be able to help you through this period. Naturopathy does not make
use of drugs or medicines, so other means must be employed to relieve
pain when necessary. This principle is an important one because on no
account must any foreign substance be taken into the body or applied
externally during a fast. During a fast, the metabolism of the body is
increased tenfold. This means that any poison taken into the body at this
time has ten times the potency. If in pain the advice of the Naturopath

16

should be sought. If this is not possible the best course is to apply hot
water bottles to the site of the pain.
It is important not to smoke tobacco or to drink alcoholic liquor during a
fast. The results could be fatal.
Hydrotheraphy (water treatments), osteopathic manipulations, massage,
chiropractic adjustments, infra-red radiation, short-wave or diathermy
treatments should be rigidly avoided during a fast. No drugs, medicines,
herbal mixtures, vitamins, salt-purges or so-called "natural" remedies,
mineral water or even fruit juices should ever be taken during a fast.
They can do no good and could do harm by enervating the organism.
Remember that the Oral contraceptive pill, aspirins, epsom salts, castor
oil, etc. are all drugs and must not be taken during a fast. Some
authorities advise the use of an enema routinely during a fast. Others
recommend Colonic irrigation. There is no unanimity here. Some
practitioners and authors advise that the enema be used daily. Others
advise its use every three days. Equally eminent authorities eschew the
enema or colonic irrigation altogether. They claim that they are
unnecessary and that they may do more harm than good. A good rule to
follow is that the enema should never be used unless it is absolutely
necessary. The Colonic irrigation should never be used under any
circumstances whether you are fasting or not.
If the enema is not to be routinely used during a fast when is its use
permissible?
If you are constipated and have not had regular bowel movements for
two or three days preceding the commencement of the fast it is
advisable to take an Internal Bath. (Do not use a bulb enema).
If you have had regular daily bowel movements before you commenced
your fast then you do not need an internal bath.
If you have a bowel impaction in which old hardened faeces obstruct the
bowel, causing fullness and pain, it is advisable to take the internal bath.
In cases of doubt it would be wise to seek the advice of a Naturopath.
The unnecessary use of the enema causes serious enervation, flaccidity
of the bowels and usually there is great difficulty in re-establishing
normal bowel action after the fast has been broken. Fears of
autointoxication if the enema is not used are largely illusionary. Only
those who do not understand fasting would subscribe to this belief. The
amount of toxic material in the lower bowel is very small. Most of the
toxic material in a diseased organism is saturated in the tissues of the
whole body. Do not worry if the bowels do not work during a fast. No
harm will come to you.

17

When an Internal Bath is necessary it follows that it must be correctly

administered.
As I said before, bulb enemas and colonic irrigations should not be used.
The only safe and satisfactory way to administer an internal bath is by
means of a gravity douche. This is an enamel can which holds two
quarts of water. It is suspended on a nail driven into the wall, six feet
from the floor. It has a rubber tube seven feet in length which is attached
to the can on one end and has a vulcanite tap and nozzle on the other
end. The can is filled with warm water at a temperature of 37 degrees
Celsius. Do not add salt, soap or any other substance to the water.
Before taking the Internal Bath it is necessary to remove any air from the
rubber tube. To do this, hold a cup under the rectal nozzle and turn the
tap on. Allow a cupful of water to run out. Turn the tap off and return the
cupful of water to the can. You are now ready to take an Internal Bath.
Lie on your left side. Insert the nozzle into the rectum and then turn the
tap on. If the entry of the water causes pain, turn the tap off and
massage the abdomen in an anti-clockwise direction until the pain
eases. Turn the tap on again. Repeat until all water has drained from the
can into the intestines. Now, slowly turn face downwards and stay in this
position for one minute, then turn on to the right side and stay in this
position for one minute. Finally, turn on to your back and stay in this
position for one minute.
By this time you are ready for an evacuation. In order to assist the
expulsion of all the water it is advisable to massage the abdomen in a
clockwise direction. If necessary the Internal Bath may be repeated in
order to remove all faecal matter.
The faster may not sleep very deeply during a fast but it is customary to
doze lightly at intervals. Bright lights, vibration and noise will interfere
with sleep and should be avoided if possible.
Sometimes during a fast, light and sound may seem excessive and the
patient will be unable to rest properly. In these cases it is advisable to
exclude sound by using rubber ear plugs. These can be bought at any
chemist's shop. Light may be excluded by making a pad to cover the
eyes. The pad consists of three or four layers of black sateen six inches
in length by three inches in width. Attach a piece of thin hat elastic to
each end of the pad. Pass the elastic around the head and adjust the
pad over the eyes so all light is excluded.
Many people feel weak and tired during a fast but this is not invariably
the case. Every case is different. Some people have experienced an
upsurge of vitality during a fast. Cripples have been able to walk again.

18

Those in severe pain have been surprised to find that their pain leaves
them after a few days
Fasting is rest. Get as much physical rest as you can and thus conserve
your vital force.
A word of warning. Strict celibacy should be observed for at least one
week before commencing a fast, during a fast, and for at least two
weeks after the fast has been completed. Any sexual stimulation during
the fast will seriously enervate the organism and impair the effectiveness
of the fast. In fact, anything which stimulates or inhibits any bodily
function should be avoided during the fast.
Why is it so important to secure the most favourable environmental
conditions for fasting? The whole question involves a phenomenon
known as enervation. During a fast we are trying to conserve vital
energy or nerve force. When the nerve force is reduced or depleted in
any way we say that we are enervated. Since enervation is one of the
prime causes of disease it should be our aim to avoid it as much as
possible.
Since all the factors discussed have an important bearing on the
maintenance of high-level nerve function we can see that the provision
of the most favourable conditions during a fast is desirable. It will thus be
seen that fasting rationally involves more than "just drinking water". This
brings us to the question of whether a fast should be carried out under
supervision. If the faster has studied the subject and has had previous
experience of fasting he or she would be quite capable of handling any
contingencies satisfactorily. However, if a person has not had previous
experience it is advisable to fast under expert supervision. A Naturopath
can guide the faster through the various stages of the fast and by
explaining the action of the organism during these stages can assist the
faster greatly and save him or her much worry.
Towards the end of a long fast the faster may experience periods of
greatly heightened sensitivity to noise, vibration, odours and influences
such as aggravating behaviour of those in the immediate environment. If
the faster shows symptoms of irritability it may be advisable to segregate
the patient until the fast has been completed.
Do not take the temperature or blood pressure and do not take urine or
blood samples for analysis during a fast. These practices do not provide
any information of value, but may upset and weaken the faster.
CHAPTER FIVE

WHEN DO I BREAK THE FAST?

19

Assuming that you have complied with all the requirements and that your
fast is proceeding satisfactorily, you must be on the lookout for signs that
the fast has been completed. How long can one fast? When must the
fast be broken? There is no set rule. Nobody can set in advance the
length of any given fast. We must follow the "voice of the organism". We
must fast when the body tells us to fast and we must break the fast when
the body indicates that it has fasted long enough.
When we commenced fasting the mouth became dry, the breath was
foul and the tongue was coated. And incidentally, we lost our hunger.
The body is busy cleansing the tissues of posionous matter which has
accumulated over the years. It is replacing weak sickly cells with strong
healthy cells. Damaged organs are being repaired. When the body has
used up its available resources of stored food and nervous energy it will
call for more nourishment. It does so in several ways. Usually at this
time the coating slowly disappears from the tongue. The outer edges
turn pink first and the rest of the tongue clears gradually. The central
section and rear of the tongue clears last. At this time the breath loses
its foul odour, becomes fresh and clean. The mouth becomes moist
again. Hunger then returns and there is an urgent demand for food. If we
are listening to "the voice of the organism" surely this will be sufficient
evidence that the body wants the fast to be terminated.
Return of hunger is the most definite criterion. When a fast has been
carried through successfully there is an unmistakeable demand for food.
It is most unwise to attempt to break a fast when the body has no relish
for food. If we attempt to break the fast prematurely the food will lack all
flavour and will be most unpalatable. This is a sure indication that the
body is not ready to accept food at this time. It must be stressed that
physical weakness alone does not constitute a sign that the fast should
be broken. No matter how weak the faster may feel he or she should
continue with the fast until the signs given above are present.
There is a widespread misconception that because a fast should be
commenced as soon as the body temperature rises above normal, it
should be concluded when the temperature falls to normal. This is
incorrect. It is true that a fast should be commenced when the
temperature rises above normal but a fall in temperature alone is not an
indication that the fast should be broken.
These are the classical signs that the fast has been successfully
completed and that it should be broken - The tongue is clean, the breath
has no odour, the mouth is moistened by the saliva flowing in it and

20

there is a return of normal hunger. When these signs are present

simultaneously you are ready to terminate the fast.
There are very odd occasions when the faster may be uncertain as to
whether the fast should be terminated or not. Some people erroneously
believe that the normal human tongue is bright red in colour and may
unduly prolong the fast believing that it is necessary to wait until the
tongue is red. The human tongue is not normally red but a salmon pink
in colour.
If you are in doubt and do not wish to terminate your fast prematurely
here is a little closely-guarded professional secret which I am disclosing
for the first time. Cut a Granny Smith apple and lick the cut surface with
your tongue. If it tastes sour to you this is a clear indication that you are
not ready to terminate your fast. If it tastes sweet that is an indication
that your fast may be terminated. When your saliva contains the
digestive enzyme called Amylase it will convert the starch in the apple
into sugar and it will taste sweet. If the Amylase is absent the apple will
taste sour. There would be no point in terminating the fast if the enzyme
is not present because your body would not be in a position to digest
your food. On the other hand you should not continue fasting when the
enzyme is present.
What should be done if the patient wishes to break the fast prematurely?
The answer is simple. The precise moment to terminate the fast must
always be the prerogative of the faster. Nobody, no matter how wellintended or well-qualified, should dictate to the faster what should be
done. We may counsel the patient and offer moral support and
encouragement but we are not justified in taking the risk of enervating
the patient by using force. The faster should be patiently and quietly
given good advice but then it must be left to the individual to make the
final decision. No harm can possibly occur if the fast is terminated
prematurely. It is possible that the faster may not derive the full benefit
expected, but there is always another time. Even if a perfect result is not
achieved this time the fast will have served its purpose and some benefit
will have been attained.
CHAPTER SIX

HOW DO I BREAK THE FAST?

Breaking the fast is just as important as the conduct of the fast. It would
be foolhardy to conduct the fast correctly and then nullify the good
effects by unwise breaking of the fast. If the fast has been a short one of

21

three days then the first meal should be a glassful of fruit or vegetable
juice diluted with an equal quantity of water. The next meal should
consist of juicy fruit only. (Not avocado or banana). The ideal is to eat
one kind of fruit at this meal.
If the fast has been longer than three days then there should be a slower
transition back to solid food. If the fast has exceeded seven days it is
advisable to have fruit or vegetable juices for one or two days followed
by fruit only for one or two days. If the fast exceeds fourteen days, it may
be advisable to have fruit juices for three days followed by fruit only for
three or four days. From this point on the faster should make a slow
transition back to a full diet of natural foods. The next meal should be a
raw vegetable salad. On the next day starchy foods such as potato,
wholemeal bread, banana or unpolished rice may be added. On the
following day proteins such as nuts, cheese or eggs may be added.
From this time onwards the exfaster should adhere to a diet of natural
foods properly balanced. Many fasters have placed their health in
jeopardy by ignoring the simple rules for breaking a fast. Some people
have even broken a fast with a meal of potato, bread, milk or even
alcohol. Such practices should be condemned because they can have
serious consequences. I wish to emphasise that a fast must be broken
gradually and the first few meals should consist of fruit juices and fruit
only.
Starchy or high-protein foods should be strictly avoided for at least two
days.

CHAPTER SEVEN

WHAT MUST I DO AFTER THE FAST?

It would be logical to assume that any person who intelligently undertook
a fast would do so to improve his or her health. As the consumption of
unsuitable food is a prime cause of much ill-health it follows that to
return to the eating of these foods which largely caused the sickness in
the first place would be unwise. The benefits of the fast would be
temporary only. The consumption of unsuitable foods would surely lead
to a recurrence of the illness in time.

22

My book NATURAL FOODS sets out exactly and simply what a fullybalanced diet of natural foods looks like.
As there are many other factors which make for good health we should
also adopt hygienic living habits. We should expose our bodies to the
direct action of the sun and air as frequently as possible. We should
exercise regularly in the open air and breathe deeply and rhythmically
with the diaphragm as we do so. We should adopt the habits of good
posture and periodic relaxation. We should bathe regularly to keep our
skin in good condition. The water used should be cool. We should never
bathe in excessively hot or excessively cold water. We should cultivate
the art of positive thinking. When we study the subject of health from the
natural viewpoint we will develop a positive, constructive and optimistic
outlook on life. We will lose that fear of impending ill-health which is a
contributory cause of so much real ill-health and unhappiness today.
A few people have undone all the good accomplished during a fast by
grossly over-eating during the few weeks after a fast. After you have
broken your fast you may be tempted to over-eat. Keep your appetite
welldisciplined at this time. Avoid over-eating. Over-eating is not
advisable at any time but just after a fast it is more important than ever
to eat abstemiously.
CHAPTER EIGHT

REGENERATIVE FASTING
The technique which we have been considering so far is that known as
the Radical Fast or Marathon Fast. There is another type of fast which is
popular with those people who for some reason cannot undertake the
radical fast. It is called the Regenerative Fast. In using this alternative
technique the patient fasts for one day at regular intervals such as one
day a week, one day a fortnight, or one day a month. There is no doubt
that such a programme, if extended over twelve months would produce
beneficial if limited results, but it is not nearly as effective as the Radical
Fast. The Regenerative Fast may also be used on alternate days, with
an all-fruit diet or fruit juices. In this case the faster eats fruit or juices
one day and fasts the next. This may be repeated ad libitum.
CHAPTER NINE

IN CONCLUSION

23

Fasting may be indulged in with complete confidence. It is the oldest

method of healing known to man. It must have been used by our
ancestors for thousands of years before drugs, medicines and surgical
instruments were available to them. All animals fast when they are sick
or have sustained injuries. It is a rational and scientific method which is
sound in theory and works in practice. Fasting has been wrongly called
Starvation. This is unfortunate because many people have been
deterred by the thought of slowly wasting to death because they miss a
few meals.
It is a fact that a few people have actually "starved" to death in a few
days, while others have "fasted" scientificially for over 100 days with
most beneficial results.
The only similarity between fasting and starvation is that in both cases
food is withheld.
In the case of fasting the body does not WANT food and does not NEED
it.
In the case of starvation the body NEEDS food and WANTS it but does
not get it.
If a fast is correctly conducted starvation never sets in. It is perfectly
safe. Certainly most people do lose weight during the fast but this is
incidental. The tissues eliminated during a fast are unhealthy and
unwanted ones. The body always gives ample indication so the fast can
be terminated before useful tissues are used up.
In some cases one fast is sufficient to restore a person to good health,
but in many cases in which serious illness over a long period has caused
damage to vital organs, it may be necessary to have a series of fasts. If
you "listen to the voice of your organism" and fast every time the body
indicates that a fast is needed you will progressively raise the level of
your health and, with perseverance, restore your body to normal good
health. Fasting will then no longer be necessary.
"Fear is born of ignorance". If you lack knowledge of fasting you may be
afraid of the outcome. This is not a favourable attitude and could lead to
inferior results. Become acquainted with the simple facts of fasting
before you consider undertaking a fast. If you do this you will enter the
fast fortified by confidence. The outcome is then assured.
A final word of warning. Not everyone may fast with safety. There are
contra-indications to fasting. Here they are :

24

Those who are currently taking permanent medication such as Insulin,

Thyroxin, Digitalis, Cortisone, Adrenalin, etc., or an anti-tissue rejection
drug, should NOT fast.
Those who have had an organ transplant such as a heart or a kidney,
should NOT fast.
Those who have had an artificial tissue implant such as plastic tubing
skin, etc., should NOT fast.
Those who have serious reservations about fasting or have a
pathological fear of fasting should NOT fast. They should defer the fast
until such fears and reservations have been resolved.
Those people who cannot secure a suitable environment should NOT
fast. It is not advisable to fast if the environment is saturated with
excessively loud noises or vibrations or if the atmosphere is polluted with
impure air or noxious gases or if the temperature of the air is excessively
hot or excessively cold.
Those patients who cannot achieve a state of mental poise or
equanimity should NOT fast. The fast cannot proceed efficiently if the
people around you are negative, pessimistic or destructive in their
mental attitudes.
Let me reiterate what I have said on many occasions. Never fast a
patient in the chronic stage of any disease. Fasting is for acutely ill
patients only. If we observe this rule we will avoid the accidents which
have occurred in the past through indiscriminate fasting. Just because a
fever is Nature's own healing process this must not be construed to
mean that we may deliberately and artificially induce a fever in order that
we may then undertake a fast. It is possible to artificially induce a fever
and this has been done in the past. The results have always been erratic
and potentially hazardous. Medical people have injected toxic material of
various kinds for this purpose. One of the best-known is Coley's toxins.
Another well-known subterfuge is that used by soldiers who were able to
obtain sick leave by swallowing a small piece of soap and thus inducing
a fever. Other ways of artificially inducing a fever are by sunstroke and
heatstroke or by excessively chilling the skin. Some practitioners have
employed diathermy, short-wave and micro-wave machines.
All of these attempts at artificial fever induction are fundamentally wrong
and should be strictly avoided.
Some opponents of Fasting have been issuing emotional and
unscientific warnings of the so-called "dangers" of Fasting. Readers are
warned that Ketosis can occur, and this news can cause panic among
the unwary. This disease called Ketosis is characterized by the presence

25

in the blood or urine of Ketone bodies which, in excess, can cause

death. These Ketone bodies are in fact Acetone, Hydroxy-butyric acid
and Aceto-acetic acid which are normal by-products of liver function.
These substances are always found in ihe urine of healthy people and
are regularly excreted by way of the kidneys.
During the fast, the excretion of these ketones is accelerated and that is
just what we should expect.
Diabetics are known to produce excessive amounts of ketone which in
these cases can pose a threat to survival.
Also, during starvation ketones can be produced to such an extent as to
cause death. But, this cannot happen during a properly-conducted fast.
Here we see again how those who are ignorant of the rationale of fasting
can see fasting as being synonymous with starvation.
Ketosis cannot occur in those who adopt a natural healing regimen.
Ketosis will not occur during a fast because the fasting patient is not
starving. The fasting patient is living on the normal reserves of nutrients
within the body, and thus is quite safe.
What causes apprehension is the lack of understanding of the fasting
process. When large amounts of acetone appear in the urine of a fasting
patient this occurrence is a salutary one. Those potentially dangerous
toxins are being eliminated and this cannot pose a threat to the health of
the patient. It is only when the toxins are retained within the body that
they can be harmful. The presence in the urine of fasting patients of
sediments consisting of fine particles of uric acid, phosphate, sulphates
and oxalates, etc., is not something to be feared. On the contrary, the
excretion of these potentially harmful materials should be welcomed
because their excretion can only benefit the patient.
The raising of the non-existent threat of Ketosis is simply a red-herring
which is designed to destroy the confidence of the prospective patient in
the fasting process.
Ketosis is not caused by any natural health procedures. It is caused by a
breakdown in the metabolic processes in which fat metabolism stops
prematurely and aceto-acetic acid, acetone, and Hydroxy-butyric acid
are produced greatly in excess of that normally produced. However, only
in extreme cases of acidosis, diabetes mellitus, etc., does this occur.
CHAPTER TEN

26

In 1967 I wrote a small booklet entitled HOW TO FAST. It was enlarged

several times, until 1984, when the sixth edition appeared. On page one
I asked the question: "Does fasting "cure" disease?" I then replied: "It
does not". Then why use fasting when we are ill? The thoughtful reader
may well ask: "If fasting does not cure disease why should we undertake
a fast? It is true that fasting does not, in itself "cure" disease, but on the
other hand, it does provide one of the most important conditions
necessary for cure. The most important condition for the eradication of
any disease is REST. Nobody could deny that there is no disease
condition in which rest is not beneficial. Fasting provides that rest."
And, there I left my readers. It has been suggested to me on several
occasions that I should have explained HOW rest assisted the body in
its self-reparative efforts. It appears that those who may be considering
whether they should undertake a fast or not, might appreciate a little
more information so they can make a reasoned, rational assessment of
the virtues of and necessity for rest.
The idea that rest is nature's own method for the restoration of health is
not new. In 1863 an eminent Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons,
Dr John Hilton, said: "PAIN IS THE MONITOR - REST THE CURE".
In order to facilitate healing three kinds of rest are desirable - Physical
rest, Mental rest and Physiological rest. Let us define rest. Rest means a
pause in our activities or labours, repose, relaxation, inactivity. Physical
rest, as the name implies, is a cessation of physical activity. We suspend
our conscious muscular activities. Mental rest is a cessation of nervous
and mental activity. We adopt a stale of mental poise. Physiological rest
entails a suspension of the digestive processes, mainly those in the
mouth, stomach and duodenum.
By resting in these three ways we conserve energy and the energy
normally expended by physical, mental and physiological activity is
conserved. This tremendous energy thus conserved is available during
periods of crisis for the purposes of cleansing, repair and regeneration.
Rest cleanses or deterges the mind and body. Rest restores the
secretion of body fluids such as the blood, lymph, enzymes and
hormones to normal.
Rest restores the excretion of metabolic wastes to normal. The heart
which has been overtaxed will be calmed down. Muscles which have
become overstrained or over-tensed will become relaxed. Elimination of
body wastes through the skin will be increased.
By resting, we economize on our expenditure of nervous energy,
(electricity). The beneficial changes occasioned by rest are evident in

27

the condition of the skin, its texture and colour. Dull eyes will become
clearer and brighter. The dry mouth will become moist. More efficient
digestion and assimilation will be reflected in enhanced bowel activity.
Because brain irritation will be removed sleep will be deeper and more
peaceful. Following this rest period there will be a feeling of strength and
general well-being. Added to all of these obvious benefits will be the
disappearance of many previously persistent symptoms of disease.
It will be seen that by fasting we conserve a great deal of vital (electrical)
energy which would normally be expended in the digestion and
assimilation of food. It must be clearly understood that when the human
organism is ill the consumption of "good nourishing food in order to keep
up the strength of the patient" is not only wrong and unnecessary but
contra-indicated. Food is not necessary during an acute illness. On the
contrary, it can do great harm. "Stuffing" a sick person with food is a
fallacy and should be avoided.
Some members of the medical profession are well aware of the benefits
to be derived from bed-rest and often employ it by hospitalizing patients
who do not respond to home treatment. It is unfortunate that this
enforced bedrest is usually co-existent with such harmful activities as
frequent cups of tea, coffee or cocoa, too frequent meals of foodless and
innutritious foods and the administration of potentially harmful
medicaments and medical procedures. The digestive system is not
allowed to rest and this enforced rest loses much of its potential value.
When the human organism is ill it needs complete rest, not only from
food, but all deleterious substances, activities and influences.
Nature Cure has sometimes been referred to as THE REST CURE. And,
so it is. Rest, rationally and scientifically employed, holds out the best
prospect for restoration to health of a sick organism.
Rest, like all good and essential things can also be perverted. Total
inactivity can only end in disaster. Man is a dynamic organism so some
activity is essential.
Rest must be employed judiciously, as and when required. In the case of
serious illness, intelligent rest is essential for efficient healing.
Nothing that I have said should be construed to imply that fasting or rest
actually "cures" disease. Cure is not a function of fasting or rest. The
human organism itself carries within its tissues all of the restorative
powers needed for cure. This power is called Metabolism. In a nutshell,
the body heals itself when conditions are favourable. The body is a selfrepairing, selfregenerating organism. The only way we can help the body
to heal itself is to cease hindering it. We can best do this by providing
physical, mental and physiological rest.

28

As Dr John Hilton so wisely said "PAIN IS THE MONITOR - REST THE

CURE".
I trust that these few observations on the nature of rest and its rational
utilization during periods of illness and trauma, will be of interest and
value to my readers.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Inevitably, the question of whether or not to exercise during a fast will be
raised. Many reports of early fasting demonstrations show that these
fasters did not fast for legitimate reasons, did not fast correctly or even
starved themselves. Instead of fasting for the restoration of health, most
of these fasters were showmen or zealots who sought to earn money or
to exert political pressure.
They fasted in public or in shop-windows. During the fast they made
speeches, parachuted out of aeroplanes, drove motor cars, rode horses
and motor cycles or walked thousands of miles. The objective of these
demonstrations was, ostensibly, to show how a fasting person could
perform feats of strength and endurance. This practice brought true
fasting into disrepute for a time and the public regarded all fasters as
charlatans.
Let us calmly analyze the question of exercise during the fast. Is it
permissible to perform vigorous exercises during a fast? Should we
exercise at all during a fast? Those who recommend exercise during a
fast disregard certain important principles of healing. Therapeutic fasting
is undertaken at the instigation of the organism itself. It is not undertaken
lightly or electively. It cannot be denied that true fasting is for the
purpose of providing physical, mental or physiological rest. That is its
true function. This is a fundamental principle which should not be
abrogated.
If, as I believe, fasting is a process of rest it would seem to run counter
to our main objective if we exercised at this time.
Our objective is to conserve vital energy. By exercising, we consume the
very energy we are trying to conserve and this is a contradiction.
Exercise should therefore be avoided during a therapeutic fast, if we are
to derive the maximum benefits from our efforts at health-restoration.
It is true that some people who claimed to have fasted have also
exercised vigorously and appeared not to have suffered any visible illeffects. It is my belief that these people have not truly fasted. They were

29

not properly prepared for a fast. They were not suffering from any known
complaint for which a fast might be indicated, so we can conclude that
these people really starved themselves.
Starvation cannot, and should not, be equated with fasting. During a
fast, the body does not need food and its ingestion brings no benefit.
During starvation, the body needs food and it is deprived of the food it
needs. This practice is inimical to health.
Fasting brings repair, cleansing, regeneration and health. Starvation
brings deprivation, enervation, and, if persisted in, can only result in
illness or death.
Fasting is a deliberate, temporary and scientifically-arranged abstention
from food for the purpose of conservation of energy. This being so we
are justified in abstaining from all activities which entail unnecessary expenditure of energy.
Exercise is a necessary, desirable and beneficial activity for the achievement and maintenance of normal health. When ill-health is present, and
the total organism is making a "special" effort to repair damage, to
deterge toxins or to regenerate tissues, exercise should be avoided.
However, if the faster is robust, is only mildly ill and has the desire and
ability, then mild exercise such as walking is permissible.
Just as fasting should not be employed as a hunger-strike, or an
arbitrary form of punishment, so exercise, which under normal conditions
is necessary and desirable, should be avoided during a genuine
therapeutic fast.

CHAPTER TWELVE
I would now like to discuss a few problems which may occur. You may
hear stories from time to time of fasters who have experienced
difficulties after terminating a fast. One common problem is oedema. In
some cases the ankles or wrists may become swollen with fluid. If the
patient is correctly prepared, if the fast is commenced at the acute stage,
and if the fast is not terminated prematurely, oedema will not occur.
However, anyone who commences a fast unprepared or in the chronic
state, or if the fast has been prematurely terminated may develop
oedema. Prevention is better than cure, but if mistakes have been made,
the patient should adhere to a light diet of fruit and vegetables only and

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should spend as much time as possible lying on a slant-board. When the

oedema has been resolved the standard natural diet may then be
adopted. The oedema is caused by the digestive processes in the
mouth, stomach and duodenum not functioning normally. The excess
fluid generated finds its way by gravity to the lower extremities of the
ankles and wrists.
Nature Cure, reduced to its barest essentials may be described as good
nursing. Patients should be made comfortable. It is not necessary to fuss
unduly, but the good practitioner or nurse will try to anticipate the needs
of the patient thus avoiding the necessity for the patient to ask for
assistance.
It is also advisable to wash the skin at least once daily with lukewarm
water. In very hot climates it is advisable to sponge the skin three or four
times daily. The material being excreted by way of the skin is highly toxic
and irritant and should be removed regularly.
Unless the patient specifically requests visits from friends or relatives it
is best not to have visitors at all. The advantages of visits are far
outweighed by the disadvantages.
Nature Cure is not understood by the average person and fasting is still
less understood. The latter is usually equated with starvation. For this
reason it is advisable to ask the patient not to discuss their treatment
with strangers. The exact treatments being used would most likely be
misinterpreted.

Other Books in this Series:

2. NATURAL FOODS
3. LIVING NATURALLY
4. WHAT IS NATURE CURE?
5. REARING YOUR BABY NATURALLY
6. NATUROPATHIC FIRST AID
7. HEALTH AND HAPPINESS THROUGH POSITIVE THINKING
8. THE COMMON COLD
9. THE CAUSE OF DISEASE

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10. FEVER - NATURE'S OWN HEALING PROCESS

11. LESSONS ON HEALTH
12. HOW NATURE "CURES"
13. RADIANT HEALTH FOR BEGINNERS
14. TELL ME SIMPLY
15. DIALECTICS AND HEALTH
16. OVERCOMING MENTAL DEPRESSION

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