Got questions about fasting?
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What does Fasting mean?
Fasting is the abstinence from all solid food for several hours to several days, giving the body’s digestive system a chance to rest. The fact is, our body is better adapted to the lack of food than to its excess. Fasting temporarily starves the body of an external food source and forces it to draw on its own reserves through the process of autophagy (the cellular self-cleansing process that breaks down and recycles damaged molecules and cellular organelles).
What are the most common reasons for Fasting?
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In Germany, preventive and therapeutic fasting is much more developed than anywhere else in Europe and the world. Over there, more than 2 million people undertake a fast each year. Therapeutic fasting is recognized by their healthcare system as part of an overall health programme, giving rise to its own medical specialisation and some German private health insurances even reimburse expenses related to fasting. University hospitals, such as Essen and Berlin, offer therapeutic fasts for disorders such as arthritis, overweight, diabetes, migraines, allergies, and rheumatism.
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The first motivation to practice a fast is often the need to take a break, to take care of oneself and to do an internal cleanse or detox. After all, we clean our bodies on the outside regularly, why not clean it on the inside?
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The opportunity for a new start to a better lifestyle through fasting is undeniable! Many people who fast today seek to prevent the ills of everyday life. The many who have fasted a minimum of five days remark that the effects give them at least six months of benefits thus making it easier to implement healthier lifestyle choices.
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For many, an important motivator is the desire to lose weight, which is obviously a natural consequence of fasting. However, by uncovering the well-being felt not only on their physical but also mental health after a prolonged fast, weight-loss quickly becomes secondary for the majority of the Fasters.
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Many people take advantage of the fast to stop smoking, reduce or stop their consumption of coffee, red meat, salty or sweet refined products, sugar addiction, etc. … for a while anyway … and the most surprising is that many attest that this is done easily, with ultimately very little effort whilst fasting.
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Research has shown that plasma levels of serotonin (the happy chemical contributing to our wellbeing and happiness) were significantly increased during fasting. Furthermore, ketone bodies which derive from the processing of fat reserves, have a euphoric side from the second or third day of fasting. They are “truly” a super-fuel for our brain cells (neurons): and this in turn improved our well-being. So it is a matter of common sense: when you feel good, you simply want to continue to feel this state of wellbeing and prolong it as much as possible.
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Balancing work, health and lifestyle has become extremely challenging for many. Therefore, taking time out on a retreat to re-assess one’s life excesses is truly a beautiful gift to the self.
Is group fasting easier than Fasting alone?
Our bodies are not used to going without food, so not surprisingly; the first days of a fast can be a real journey into the unknown. Indeed, it is hard to predict how our body and our head will react to food ‘deprivation’ for a period of a week. Fasting alone can be difficult, particularly at the start, but fasting as a group creates a natural solidarity and a bond between fasting participants. The group dynamic provides strength and encouragement – everyone, regardless of their social status, prior experiences and expectations - is in the same boat! Being with a group of people who share the same approach of well-being, and support each other, certainly brings a real plus to the practice of fasting.
Should we move or rest during a Fast?
Combining physical activity such as hiking or walking with fasting speeds up and strengthens the elimination of toxins from the body. However, it must be understood that physical activity such as hiking or walking consumes energy, as does detoxification, and therefore both require our body to mobilise its vital reserves. Intensive exercise during the period of fasting would divert the available energy and vitality from the detoxification organs towards the muscles. With intensive exercise, detoxification cannot be done in the best conditions and therefore remain superficial.
This is why in our retreats the mix of fasting, hikes or nature walks and light exercise is carefully calibrated. The head is occupied whilst the maximum energy is used for detoxification without causing physical exhaustion. During the retreat, we encourage each and every one to listen to their body and to rest and take naps during the day if needed.
However, the walks also prevents the mind from going around in circles, they limit muscle wasting and favour fat burning. They offer an encounter with nature, the animal and plant kingdom. They generate a healthy muscular fatigue that support better sleep which can be disrupted during fasting.
The purpose of the retreat is to give the individual the chance to reboot, recharge and regain vitality!
Why does Fasting impact our emotional health?
It is quite common for a fast to bring on a deep feeling of wanting to let go, to meditate and a sensation of internal calmness that contributes to improved physical and emotional health. This natural effect will be greatly enhanced during our retreats through the practice of mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, visualisation and breathing techniques. Apart from the fact that fasting leads to an overall “reboot” of the body, it also allows for a psychological and emotional availability that often carries a new enthusiasm for personal growth.
Shared experiences, exchanges, laughter, the beauty of nature, all come to nourish the “Emotional body” the very one we usually ‘spoil’ with sugar-laden treats, chocolate and other unhealthy nibbles.
Mindfulness during a fast is particularly important because, when our body is no longer being fed through food, it is paramount that it receives other forms of nourishment.
Anchoring in the present moment, and developing the ability to relate to others and one’s self with kindness, acceptance and compassion will increases the field of our inner freedom!