Fay L. Loomis, MA
One of the most overlooked and yet most valuable healing processes is the therapeutic fast. According to Evarts G. Loomis, MD, fasting “is a time set aside for the cleansing of the body and for strengthening the life of the spirit.” 1 Dr. Loomis, the father of holistic medicine, introduced fasting at America’s first holistic medical center, Meadowlark, which operated in Hemet for 33 years.
Lest you think fasting is synonymous with starvation, let me assure you it is not.
According to Dr. Loomis, “In our experience of conducting several thousand fasts over twenty years, the majority of our Meadowlark guests benefited greatly from them, whether they sought the healing of a chronic illness, clarity of mind for facing major life changes, personal and spiritual growth, or the heightening of consciousness Mortality was zero, and it was a very rare exception to have a patient claim that the fast was of no benefit.”
Fasting has a long history of being associated with many religious traditions, including Lent for Christians, Passover for Jews, and Ramadan for Muslims.
Additionally, world leaders, such as Pythagoras, Moses, Jesus and Gandhi used fasting to seek divine guidance, and in the case of the latter, it was also a means of protest in order to bring about social, economic, and political change.
The absolute fast is water only, and, suprisingly, one’s appetite disappears in a day or two. Dr. Loomis came to prefer vegetable juice fasts, as there was less initial fatigue and return of symptoms. Guests were also more likely to retain vegetables in their normal diet upon conclusion of the fast .
In addition to detoxification (it may make you odoriferous!), fasting may also bring about a reduction or elimination of medications, a decrease in heart rate, a slowing down and stabilizing of respiration, and a loss of excess weight, though Dr. Loomis never recommended fasting as a means of weight loss.
It is, of course, important that you consult with your doctor before beginning a fast. Some conditions which contraindicate fasting include pregnancy, severe bronchial asthma, diabetes, seizure disorders, malnutrition, ulcerative colitis, and terminal illness.
That said, let’s look at a modified fasting program which you can carry out on your own. You will receive the most benefit if you can retreat as much as possible from worldly concerns and activities, setting aside time for reflection, meditation, relaxation, and journaling to record spiritual insights. It is also helpful to keep up or begin a regular program of exercise, perhaps a gentle one at this time, connecting with nature as much as possible.
Transition days (1 or 2): Raw and steamed vegetables, cooked grains; bowel cleansing in the morning, one hour before eating, consisting of l heaping tablespoon of psyllium husk dissolved in 8 oz water.
Fasting days: Take in at least 1 oz liquid per 2 lbs. of body weight daily, including pure water, herb teas, and vegetable juices. Eat as much watermelon and Bieler Broth as desired. Contine bowel cleansing drink, plus an enema consisting of 1 qt. of water in which 1 gram (1000 mgs.) of vitamin C power has been dissolved. Drink a detox cocktail before going to sleep. See recipes below.
Transition days (1 or 2): same as above.
Bieler Broth
Briefly cook equal amounts of green beans, zucchini, and celery in a small amount of water. Blend with an equal amount of fresh parsley and, if desired, additional water,. Eat hot or cold.
Detox cocktail
2 grapefruit
½ lemon
1 tbs. cold-pressed olive oil
l clove garlic
Blend citrus juices with other ingredients.
Fay L. Loomis, MA, Health and Growth Associates, lectures, writes,
and holds workshops on holistic health. You can reach her at 951-927-1768.