Fasting and Hiking

Fasting and hiking: At first glance, these two activities seem to us to be incompatible. However, it is becoming more common to see fasting associated with a mild physical activity requiring moderate effort, such as walking. Its benefits are indisputable and concrete:
– a motivation to make the necessary changes to our well-being,
– measurable and surprising physical benefits,
– a positive and creative state of mind,
– a pride of accomplishment,
– an encounter with oneself and nature.

Who is it For?

Fasting and hiking trips are for healthy individuals who want to:
– to take responsibility,
– to take charge,
– take concrete actions such as quitting, eating raw, growing life, moderating sugars, excitement, moving,
– recharge,
– losing weight,
– take a step back, holidays …

Regardless of the goal (s) targeted, the experience of fasting helps us in the acquisition of healthy habits that are a guarantee of health and vitality.

Why fast?

The manifestation of physical or psychological symptoms just as the disease occurs in the body when the toxemia that exists there exceeds the threshold of tolerance of our body. So no matter where these toxins come from (food, stress, pollution, improper lifestyle), abstaining from food helps to eliminate them.

In a week of fasting and hiking, we can get rid of a lot of toxins, but certainly not all. Subsequently, the establishment of a healthy lifestyle taking into account the four pillars of vitality – physical activity, diet, emotional balance and rest – will help maintain the gains of fasting. Thus, each of the following fasts will allow a deeper cleansing.

And hiking in all this?

Well dosed, physical exercise positively influences all systems of the body. What happens when you walk a few kilometers? The rhythm of breathing increases while activating the strength and frequency of heartbeat. Blood is propelled faster, which increases gas exchange, cellular nutrition and waste disposal. The mechanisms of elimination are stimulated, (kidneys, intestines, lungs and skin) which favors their work.
And above all, the hikes allow us to be in contact with all the elements of nature and to enjoy its benefits: the air to cool off, the water to purify, relax and energize, the land to unload positive ions and the sun to bring us heat and vitamin D. A walk in consciousness gives us an inner calm by diverting our attention from our parasitic thoughts. In the end, healthy fatigue and pride of accomplishment.

An unforgettable experience

Motivated and disciplined people can follow a fasting and hiking program alone at home. We can also get out of our usual setting, share the experience with others, discover a corner of the country, get advice, be reassured on occasion, all this facilitates the practice. This seemingly boring experience turns into an unforgettable holiday for body and mind. We share knowledge and the meeting of others will be an additional motivation to change.

See the website of a Quebec organization that organizes this type of activity.

In Course 231, Health Education, AMCC teaches about fasting and fruit cures in the section on descaling.

Other suggested readings:
D. Mérien, “Fasting and health”, Editions Nature et vie, 1993
Dr. F. Wilhelmi de Toledo “The art of fasting”, Éditions Jouvence, 2005
P. Jeveneton, “My detox cure” from A to Z »Plon Edit, 2008
S.Asselin and G. Picotin, “The four pillars of vitality” Éditions Québecor, 2010