FASTING
sistance to elimination, and from mental work, because of its value in diverting the mind from contemplation of physical ills. Numbers of fasters can safely follow their usual vocations, and, again, others are compelled to rest throughout the period of abstinence. The majority of the latter are, however, sufferers from organic defects, incipient or advanced in character, and sooner or later the facts are uncovered in the course of treatment.
One thought may be impressed at this point. The patient should so occupy himself, in so far as he can, that his illness and his treatment are not at any time uppermost in his mind. The method in its infancy has numbered among the majority of its patients chronic invalids, medically treated for years, and accustomed to constant thought of personal pain and distress. The relief occasioned by the fast very often permits these cases to forget their ailments, and to devote their attention to the duties of life. Occupation and amusement assist materially in accomplishing this result.
In the ordinary case of functional disease
the fast to complete purification should be
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