quote:
Originally posted by jonah:
Would a shorter fast (2-5days,2-3weeks, etc.)
be as beneficial? I also heard that a juice fast, where you just drink juices, gives you all the vitamins you need (if it is fresh juice, so wouldn't short juice fast be more helpful to clear the mind and purify the body while it is still getting essential vitamins and, its not as dangerous as a long fast (30-40days)
It really just depends on what you're trying to accomplish with fasting. Dr. Norman Walker, the late raw foodist guru, said that fasting over a 6 day period is detrimental to health even if drinking fresh juices. Of course, there's many who would roll their eyes at his point of view. But as far as doing a little bit of internal house cleaning... sure, 2-5 days is fine... it allows your body to focus energy usually used for digestive purposes for self-healing and mental clarity. On the other end... extended fasts, in my opinion, are for the ones that are trying to reach some specific goal spiritually. Meditation is used during these instances and prayer... and a whole lot of it. Of course this is how i choose to see fasting whereas there are a few other points of view out there. I can remember as a kid, some of my family would fast at times... and it was always for spiritual advancement of some sort. If you know much about the bible, Jesus fasted for 40 days... in just about all religions there is some emphasis made on it as well... like in Islam there is Ramadam where the Muslims fast everyday until sundown. Many of the Saints actually wanted to fast in the imitation of Jesus... like St. Francis of Assisi whom also would fast for 40 days... I'd suggest looking for a book that shows different kinds of fasting and then go with what feels best for you.
Peace
[This message has been edited by oskee (edited February 20, 2002).]
