The month of February promises it all: In Latin Februare means clean. That may explain why lots of people become interested in fasting and perceive the wish for inner cleansing.
When we fast, we clean the organism and allow the body to regenerate for a period of time. The cells shut down their energy production. We notice this after defecation and the first cleansing days. In these days we are a bit tired and feel that the whole organism is working on detoxification.
These processes take place in nature. In winter walks we pass “bare” trees. These trees do nothing than a kind of fasting. The leaves have dropped in the fall. In winter, minerals and precious energy from the ground are collected and trees concentrate new powers for the creation of new branches, leaves and flowers in spring. When fasting we purify our body not only, but also collect new life forces.
Because we do not need to prepare any meals during fasting and do not need to go shopping, we automatically have more time to care for our bodies and our minds. If you join a fasting group you can enjoy together walks in nature, and/or alkaline foot baths or pursue various relaxation techniques such as Yoga.
When we walk in the period of fasting, we breathe deeper and are more conscious because we perceive the fresh air and nature more intensely. Afterwards, we feel refreshed and invigorated.
During a foot bath we can brush our feet in the direction of elimination and massage the muscles. We can stimulate our foot reflexology with light pressure to help our body in the cleaning process. Relaxation techniques such as autogenic training, yoga or gymnastic exercises bring our minds to rest and free us from the many thoughts about our daily activities.
In the early days some people experience complaints during fasting such as headaches and joint pains, bad breath and increased sweating. Such side effects are called healing crisis, but not everybody necessarily has them. If you use the Dr. Jentschura 3-step method, these crises can be greatly reduced or even avoided. See also “Health by purification” by Dr. hc Peter Jentschura and Joseph Lohkämper.
What happens after fasting?
After fasting, the first days are very important, and we should take plenty of time. The organism must get used again to a normal diet. We should start with “easily to digest” foods and increase the amount slowly.
A juice fast is also the ideal introduction to a fundamental change in our eating habits. Cook in a different way. Try to eat mainly alkaline-forming food. Start step by step, and change little by little your meals!
Bring a change in your office or work life: instead of chocolate bar you snack walnuts, cashews, almonds and cranberries. Nibble a carrot, white radish or a fresh cucumber. Eat dinner with no opulent servings, but steamed vegetables, baked potatoes, soup or stew.
People who do not want to fast still can do something good: Try to renounce one day a week on cereal and animal protein and eat only fruits and vegetables. Drink more water or herbal teas than normal. This already achieves a lot.
We wish you much success on your (fasting) path to wellness!