Fasting is considered as one of the oldest forms of treatment in nature cure. It is also an important aspect in nature treatment. Almost all religions around the world practices some form of fasting.

Of this the most important is the fasting undertaken by Muslims annually during the Ramzan (Ramadan) month. Hindus fast during certain holy days. Buddhists are also known to practice fasting on full-moon days and other important days associated with the religion. Catholics fast during Good Friday. Eastern Orthodox group have Apostles' Fast, Dormition Fast, and the Nativity Fast, and several one-day fasts. Yom Kippur is the important fasting day of Jews. Jews also have several other days of fasting.

Throughout history we get references of fasting used as an important method of treatment. Greek philosophers and medical practitioners like Asclepiades, Galen, Aulus Cornelius Celsus mentions about the importance of fasting. Hippocrates too advocated fasting as an important form of treatment.

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