The history of fasting is as old
as history, itself. From the dawn of creation, there is evidence of fasting.
Fasting The early great
philosophers, thinkers, and healers used fasting for health and as healing
therapy. Hippocrates, Plato, Socrates, Aristotle and Galen all praised the
benefits of fasting. Paracelsus, one of the three fathers of Western medicine,
is quoted as saying, "Fasting is the greatest remedy--the physician
within." Early healing arts recognized the revitalizing and rejuvenating
power fasting promoted.
Early religious and spiritual
groups used fasting as a part of ceremonies and rites--most often during spring
and fall equinoxes. Today, every major religion practices fasting for various
spiritual benefit.
Christianity (Catholics & Protestants, alike), Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, South and North American Indian
traditions--all utilize fasting in one form or another, whether for
purification, spiritual vision, penance, mourning or sacrifice. Many faiths
prescribe regular fasting to prevent or break the habits of gluttony. In the
U.S., the groups most noted for continuing fasting traditions are
Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, Lutherans , and Jews.
Yogic practices, including that
of fasting, date back thousands of years. Paramahansa Yogananda said simply,
"Fasting is a natural method of healing." To this day, the ancient
healing practice of Ayurveda includes fasting as therapy; its most
distinguishing method uses kitchari, a dish of rice and beans.
If you are a pet owner, then you
know yourself that even animals will fast during times of stress or illness,
and sometimes even at the slightest uneasiness. It is a natural tendency for
any organism, whether human or animal, to seek rest, balance, and to conserve
energy at critical times.
