Brief History of Fasting

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.