The Fasting Path

In the East, it is said that life force energy flows through a system of branching nerve channels called nadi, comparable to the Chinese acupuncture meridians of the Chinese healing system.  According to Eastern thought, these channels constitute a more subtle level of the nervous system.  When we fast and clear our body of food, we enable the flow of this universal energy to move through us with less impediments.  However, wherever the flow of the life force energy meets resistance in these channels, it causes physical release and purification.  Usually, unless one is extremely tuned into their energy body, the release will be so subtle that it will go unnoticed.  But because of the increase of energy flow during fasting, the symptoms become much more noticeable.

In the intial stages of a water fast, most individiuals will experience physical discomfort with symptoms such as sore throats, stiff and aching muscles, canker sores, sore joints, headaches, fever, nausea and chills.  Fasting experts agree that these symptoms are a result of the stored toxins being released into our body so we may remove them.  But if we look a little closer, one can learn much more about this experience. 

It is often noted that the location of one’s symptoms may correspond to the major intersections where these channels join the spine, also called the Chakras.  And that these symptoms indicate processing and clearing in that part of the energy field.  So, sore throats, for example are a sign that the fifth chakra (throat) is closing down in an attempt to block the increased flow of energy - the ego’s attempt to block “dark side” feelings, memories, etc.  Nausea, caused by secretions of the intestine, liver and pancreas backing up into the stomach is associated with the purification of third chakra which has to do with one’s identification with self and personal power.  Headaches may correspond to the six chakra, known as the third eye, allowing us to see the world more clearly.

So whether you are fasting or not, many times the location of symptoms can be a clue in uncovering deeper mental or emotional blockages needing to be cleared.  For a deeper understanding of the chakra system, ways to clear them and the symptoms associated with each, check out http://sacredcenters.com/chakras.html. 

Namaste.