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Fasting: an Exceptional Human Experience
Fasting An Exceptional Human Experience Since prehistory, fasting has been used in various ways as a means of transformation. As a spiritual practice, it is the oldest and most common form of asceticism and is found in virtually every religion and spiritual tradition. In psychology, studies have suggested that fasting can alleviate the symptoms of some psychiatric conditions, including depression and schizophrenia. In medicine, fasting is one of the most promising therapies, with research suggesting that fasting can cause certain drugs, such as chemotherapy, to work better while reducing drug side-effects. Hunger striking, sometimes called political fasting, may be the most powerful application of fasting. Proof of this occurred in 1948 when Gandhi's hunger strike caused millions of Hindus and Muslims in India to cease their fighting. As a practical guide, Randi Fredricks, Ph.D. provides detailed information on the different types of fasting, where people fast, the physiological process of fasting, and the contraindications and criticisms of fasting. Using existing literature and original research, Dr. Fredricks focuses on the transformative characteristics of fasting in the contexts of psychology, medicine, and spirituality. The relationship between fasting and transpersonal psychology is examined, with a focus on peak experiences, self-realization, and other exceptional human experiences. Dr. Fredricks demonstrates how fasting can be profoundly therapeutic, create global paradigm shifts, and provide personal mystical phenomena.
546 pages, Hardcover
First published December 18, 2012
50 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Randi Fredricks
4 books170 followersDr. Randi Fredricks, Ph.D. is an author, researcher and practicing psychotherapist. She specializes in preventing and reversing mental health problems through natural methods.
The focus of her practice, writing and research is on the development of models that incorporate complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders and related problems. For more than 30 years, Dr. Fredricks has been at the forefront of addiction research.
As an advocate of using alternative and complementary medicine in combination with traditional psychotherapeutic treatment, Dr. Fredricks' books, research, and approach to psychotherapy have assisted people in developing more effective personalized approaches to treating mental health. Her work has helped people to reduce their dependence on psychotropic drugs as well as reduce medication side effects.
Dr. Fredricks is considered an international expert in the area of fasting and psychiatric disorders. Her discoveries in how fasting affects psychological problems is essential for understanding the manner in which diet, nutrition, and calorie restriction can resolve these issues.
In addition to her work in the area of mental health counseling, Dr. Fredricks is an award-winning artist and designer. She maintains a blog on natural medicine and mental health. Her dedication to helping people develop personal and shared exceptional human experiences speaks to these lifelong interests. She lives and works in San Jose, California. To learn more about her work, visit her website at http://www.drrandifredricks.com.
The focus of her practice, writing and research is on the development of models that incorporate complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders and related problems. For more than 30 years, Dr. Fredricks has been at the forefront of addiction research.
As an advocate of using alternative and complementary medicine in combination with traditional psychotherapeutic treatment, Dr. Fredricks' books, research, and approach to psychotherapy have assisted people in developing more effective personalized approaches to treating mental health. Her work has helped people to reduce their dependence on psychotropic drugs as well as reduce medication side effects.
Dr. Fredricks is considered an international expert in the area of fasting and psychiatric disorders. Her discoveries in how fasting affects psychological problems is essential for understanding the manner in which diet, nutrition, and calorie restriction can resolve these issues.
In addition to her work in the area of mental health counseling, Dr. Fredricks is an award-winning artist and designer. She maintains a blog on natural medicine and mental health. Her dedication to helping people develop personal and shared exceptional human experiences speaks to these lifelong interests. She lives and works in San Jose, California. To learn more about her work, visit her website at http://www.drrandifredricks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 19, 2014
Fasting has long be part of my life as a form of worship. I had never considered it in a scientific or objective sense before, and this book was an incredible and interesting read. I did not expect it to be so factual or presented in an academic way—that was a bit of a relief for me. It removed the “hippy dippy” element from the information and presented it in a way that let the reader decide how to feel based on the studies and experiences of others. Many of the books you find to read on this subject are very biased in one way or another which makes it hard to separate opinion from fact.
If you are considering adding fasting to your life and have not been exposed to it other than in a religious context, this book will be very helpful to you. If you already fast for personal reasons, it will give you great insight as to why it is helpful to you. It is written in an academic essay style, and it will not color your feelings on the matter in anyway. It’s refreshing to be presented with new ideas in a format that allows you to form your own opinions about them; so many of the books you read on this subject will leave you feeling like you’re being sold snake oil. For this reason, I think this is probably the best book you could read on the subject.
If you are considering adding fasting to your life and have not been exposed to it other than in a religious context, this book will be very helpful to you. If you already fast for personal reasons, it will give you great insight as to why it is helpful to you. It is written in an academic essay style, and it will not color your feelings on the matter in anyway. It’s refreshing to be presented with new ideas in a format that allows you to form your own opinions about them; so many of the books you read on this subject will leave you feeling like you’re being sold snake oil. For this reason, I think this is probably the best book you could read on the subject.
July 28, 2015
Fasting: An Exceptional Human Experience is a more than just a book. This is a thorough and informed reference on fasting that looks at so much more than just the face value of fasting. It looks at the history, major events involving fasting, the psychology effects, spirituality connections, and the medicinal benefits of fasting. Even past that, the author discusses the many different types of fasting and the positive effects that can be seen by doing it. This is an in depth look at fasting that provides a complete picture of everything one would need to know on the topic. Excellent resource for anyone looking at fasting.
November 28, 2013
Every once in a while I stumble upon a book at exactly the right time—and this is one of those times. Several people told me to try a juice fast to help cleanse my body of toxins and jump start my weight loss but I’m not one for the latest diet craze or spending a fortune buying special foods, or subjecting myself to the tedium of eating just one thing. So I never tried it. But I will try a water fast after reading this book.
Prior to reading this book I had always considered fasting as something like the equivalent of a get rich quick scheme for dieting. But Fasting: An Exceptional Human Experience has completely changed my understanding of fasting—fasting is not about dieting at all, instead it is about whole body well being.
This book is a careful study of fasting from an historical, physiological, and psychological perspective. It tells you not just how to fast but why you should fast and what the physical and mental risks and rewards will be.
Meticulously researched and extremely well written, this is the perfect book for anyone who has ever considered fasting or simply wants to know more about it.
Prior to reading this book I had always considered fasting as something like the equivalent of a get rich quick scheme for dieting. But Fasting: An Exceptional Human Experience has completely changed my understanding of fasting—fasting is not about dieting at all, instead it is about whole body well being.
This book is a careful study of fasting from an historical, physiological, and psychological perspective. It tells you not just how to fast but why you should fast and what the physical and mental risks and rewards will be.
Meticulously researched and extremely well written, this is the perfect book for anyone who has ever considered fasting or simply wants to know more about it.
November 10, 2013
Fasting: an exceptional human experience, is authored by Randi Fredricks, a Ph.D with over 30 years as a holistic psychotherapist. This is an encyclopedia of scholarly research and information on medicinal fasting. It is NOT a how to guide in 29 steps, light hearted explanation, or PSA. This is a 540 page document that covers types of fasting, the planning, physiological process, contemporary research, including effects on mental health and psychology, depression, religious and spiritual traditions, politics and historical context of fasting, with an extensive index. The references go on for 144 pages. This isn't for the casual reader. If you are expecting an easy to read how to guide, you will be very disappointed. It also does not cover weight loss, but concentrates on the spiritual effects and mental health. It is for people with an over average interest in fasting. That said, there is no collection of information on fasting quite like this one, and if you have an interest on a medical or scientific level, you probably have already heard of this book.
July 31, 2020
Fasting: An Exceptional Human Experience is a more than just a book.This extremely well written book provides a comprehensive look at fasting and covers everything from the history of fasting to the different types and phases of fasting.The author gives a very thorough explanation of the various medical uses and even covers the religious and spiritual ties to fasting. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
April 7, 2018
Disappointing
Should be titled "A history of fasting and 40 pages of references" I has expecting to get advice on how to and benefits of this exceptional human experience.
Should be titled "A history of fasting and 40 pages of references" I has expecting to get advice on how to and benefits of this exceptional human experience.
June 4, 2020
Very interesting read. Extensively researched. As the author already points out herself, it's a shame that there is a lack in scientific research on the psychological effects of fasting, which can be felt when reading the book.
In terms of historical, religious, medical and scientific framing the author has done an exceptional job.
When I read it I was thinking it would be interesting to counter or supplement the transpersonal psychology descriptions and findings with personal testimonies of people, but that is just a personal preference. This is a scholarly work. A synthesis of a vast amount of research, but when it comes to transcendental experiences, science just won't and will never do. This is not really a critique, merely an observation.
In terms of historical, religious, medical and scientific framing the author has done an exceptional job.
When I read it I was thinking it would be interesting to counter or supplement the transpersonal psychology descriptions and findings with personal testimonies of people, but that is just a personal preference. This is a scholarly work. A synthesis of a vast amount of research, but when it comes to transcendental experiences, science just won't and will never do. This is not really a critique, merely an observation.
October 29, 2013
An Absolute TREASURE CHEST of Information on FASTING for True SPIRITUAL Seekers!
Brilliant Work!!! ‘Fasting: An Exceptional Human Experience’ has to be the BEST Book I have EVER encountered on the subject of FASTING, Hands down! I have a library full of Books on all aspects of fasting and I have been an advocate of fasting for over 15 years But, This Book Is the only ONE I have found to be the most VALUABLE, ‘Must Have’ Resource on the subject. It has found its Home in my ever expanding library…But, It will be the Most referred to, I guarantee it!
Randi Fredricks has created a Fasting ‘Bible’ for the true spiritual seeker. I have read so many books that focused on the Cleansing and healing aspects of fasting on the body. I have longed for a book that focuses on the ‘Spiritual’ Aspects of Fasting and although they are out there, most of them focus on Christianity and Biblical fasts. I have searched the world over for a book that would cover this topic from all religious aspects, not just a one-sided version. This Resource Guide has it all!! It is jam packed with a wealth of information that will become a personal treasure chest for the true spiritual seeker.
Randi Fredricks really surpassed my expectations…And that is putting it mildly. This Guide is Full of Resources, research studies and combined with in-depth views on different cultural practices throughout history. What does this guide cover? It covers the physiological process of fasting, fasting in medicine and alternative medicine, the effects of fasting on mental health, depression and many different eating disorders our society is plagued with today. (And that is just a sampler of topics included)
I found myself in awe at the magnitude of information that I never knew about Fasting, and I have been scouring the internet for years for a gold mine like this! I was so excited when I started to really get into the ‘meat’ of the book and that started with an in-depth look at fasting and Transpersonal Psychology and the Psychospiritual effects of fasting…WOW! I was hooked! This author really must have put years of research, blood, sweat and tears into this Work. I found the chapters on the practice of Asceticism and Inedia in religious mystics and Catholic Saints to be exceptionally eye-opening! Other subjects include deeper information on all different cultures and their spiritual practices revolving around fasting such as Shamanism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, the ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and ancient Greeks…I can really see this Book becoming one of the Leading and Top books on the subject, to be studied by Doctors, Psychologists and Spiritual seekers alike.
I find it so refreshing and encouraging seeing a Doctor publish a book such as this that takes an in-depth look at the act of Fasting and the spiritual effects it has on the human mind and spirit. I have longed for a book of this magnitude to fulfill my hunger for more knowledge of the Effects Fasting has on Self-realization, Self-Awareness, Transcendence, and Spiritual Awakening…I have waited years for this book and I am So Grateful that it has crossed my path! I will certainly keep an eye out for anything else this author publishes! A Huge Thank you and 2 Thumbs UP!!
Brilliant Work!!! ‘Fasting: An Exceptional Human Experience’ has to be the BEST Book I have EVER encountered on the subject of FASTING, Hands down! I have a library full of Books on all aspects of fasting and I have been an advocate of fasting for over 15 years But, This Book Is the only ONE I have found to be the most VALUABLE, ‘Must Have’ Resource on the subject. It has found its Home in my ever expanding library…But, It will be the Most referred to, I guarantee it!
Randi Fredricks has created a Fasting ‘Bible’ for the true spiritual seeker. I have read so many books that focused on the Cleansing and healing aspects of fasting on the body. I have longed for a book that focuses on the ‘Spiritual’ Aspects of Fasting and although they are out there, most of them focus on Christianity and Biblical fasts. I have searched the world over for a book that would cover this topic from all religious aspects, not just a one-sided version. This Resource Guide has it all!! It is jam packed with a wealth of information that will become a personal treasure chest for the true spiritual seeker.
Randi Fredricks really surpassed my expectations…And that is putting it mildly. This Guide is Full of Resources, research studies and combined with in-depth views on different cultural practices throughout history. What does this guide cover? It covers the physiological process of fasting, fasting in medicine and alternative medicine, the effects of fasting on mental health, depression and many different eating disorders our society is plagued with today. (And that is just a sampler of topics included)
I found myself in awe at the magnitude of information that I never knew about Fasting, and I have been scouring the internet for years for a gold mine like this! I was so excited when I started to really get into the ‘meat’ of the book and that started with an in-depth look at fasting and Transpersonal Psychology and the Psychospiritual effects of fasting…WOW! I was hooked! This author really must have put years of research, blood, sweat and tears into this Work. I found the chapters on the practice of Asceticism and Inedia in religious mystics and Catholic Saints to be exceptionally eye-opening! Other subjects include deeper information on all different cultures and their spiritual practices revolving around fasting such as Shamanism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, the ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and ancient Greeks…I can really see this Book becoming one of the Leading and Top books on the subject, to be studied by Doctors, Psychologists and Spiritual seekers alike.
I find it so refreshing and encouraging seeing a Doctor publish a book such as this that takes an in-depth look at the act of Fasting and the spiritual effects it has on the human mind and spirit. I have longed for a book of this magnitude to fulfill my hunger for more knowledge of the Effects Fasting has on Self-realization, Self-Awareness, Transcendence, and Spiritual Awakening…I have waited years for this book and I am So Grateful that it has crossed my path! I will certainly keep an eye out for anything else this author publishes! A Huge Thank you and 2 Thumbs UP!!
November 29, 2015
I have to admit that I was a little scared to start fasting because I didn’t know the consequences that came with it. I heard it was good for your health, but I didn’t know how much it would have an effect on my life spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. I searched for a good book on the subject to guide me through it, and I’m glad I found this book. It goes into tremendous detail that I wasn’t even expecting at all. Well, at over 500 pages I'm not surprised that Randi put a lot of work into it. The information is meticulously researched and thorough. Her writing style is quite fluid and smooth that it doesn’t come off as being written by a Ph.D. but more like that of a seasoned fiction writer. It has great advice on how to stay motivated to continue to fast, the spiritual benefits of fasting from different religious perspectives and the surprising political power of fasting as exemplified by Gandhi and others. All told it’s an excellent read, and I’m glad to have it as one of my reference books on the subject. It’ll help me provide some insightful advice as I continue to eulogize the power of fasting to all my friends. Can't wait to read her next book.
October 16, 2016
A topic people take in a fanatical shallow sense treated in academic factual form.
This is a very dear Christian activity, right next to prayer and praise. It's an essential part of worship that is indispensable when combined with prayer. Even with knowing how important it is, I still loved reading about it in an academic unbiased style. I learnt new dimensioned to this activity. The explanation on its effect mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally was eye opening. I believed it benefited only the spirit. Special thanks to Dr Randi Fredricks for the meticulous nature of the book. The book was really exhaustive on the topic. Honestly, it's the best book you can find on this topic.
This is a very dear Christian activity, right next to prayer and praise. It's an essential part of worship that is indispensable when combined with prayer. Even with knowing how important it is, I still loved reading about it in an academic unbiased style. I learnt new dimensioned to this activity. The explanation on its effect mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally was eye opening. I believed it benefited only the spirit. Special thanks to Dr Randi Fredricks for the meticulous nature of the book. The book was really exhaustive on the topic. Honestly, it's the best book you can find on this topic.
October 23, 2013
Dr. Fredricks gingerly explains exactly why fasting is an exceptional human experience and gets her point across perfectly. She highlights the many positive points of fasting and provides readers with actual facts of why it can be so beneficial to one's body, mind and spirit. It's surprisingly interesting as she grants us access to explore cultures, religions and different countries who utilize the act of fasting in order to curb, and in some cases even cure ailments. Her expertise on this matter is poignant, helpful and thoroughly knowledgeable throughout. A must-read for beginners, advanced, or even the curious.
October 25, 2013
Fasting: An Exceptional Human Experience by Dr. Fredricks shares groundbreaking and enlightening information about a different approach to traditional food problems that are often overlooked. With excerpts from well-known researchers in the field, this book boasts nothing but positive results. It will take the widely assumed idea of fasting as ‘to [just] stop eating’ out of the mind, turn the tables, and highlight everything positive about the overall experience of fasting. I was surprised to understand the true benefits of the process. Reading this book was quite the insightful experience.
Highly recommended for the curious and is a must-read for all individuals who fast alike.
February 14, 2014
This book covers the different types of fasting, what it entails, and how it affects the body.
The author gives a very thorough explanation of the various medical uses and even covers the religious and spiritual ties to fasting. What I found particularly interesting was the different types of conditions treated by fasting.
If you are considering fasting and want the facts about how it will affect your body and want a detailed description of the types, this book is perfect for you. It was very easy to read and surprisingly engaging. I'll recommend this to all of my friends who talk about juice fasting and other popular types. Highly recommended.
The author gives a very thorough explanation of the various medical uses and even covers the religious and spiritual ties to fasting. What I found particularly interesting was the different types of conditions treated by fasting.
If you are considering fasting and want the facts about how it will affect your body and want a detailed description of the types, this book is perfect for you. It was very easy to read and surprisingly engaging. I'll recommend this to all of my friends who talk about juice fasting and other popular types. Highly recommended.
July 30, 2015
I downloaded this on a bit of a whim but this turned out to be such a great resource for anyone learning about fasting. The author Randi Fredricks really knows what he is talking about as every single topic is covered in great detail. You learn everything from different types of fasting, to how it is tied to mental health, as well as the religious aspects of it which I found to be really interesting. While the book has a lot of information it was put together in a way that made it easy to go through and understand. Glad I picked this up.
August 24, 2015
Fasting seems to be a very interesting topic, and this book proved that further! The author is very knowledgable on the topic of fasting and takes us through many different types (dry, modified, etc.), how to plan for one, the psychology of it, and more. I did not know so much can be discussed and learned about fasting, and this is truly an eye opening book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews