Combined method of therapeutic fasting proposed by S. I. Filonov

Filonov Sergey Ivanovich is a personality known far beyond the borders of his native Altai, where a health center operates under his leadership. It is here that he receives people who want to lose weight and get rid of various diseases.

Despite the popularity of this man and his healing practices, there is little biographical information. As he himself says, he was born into a family of doctors, graduated from medical school, became interested in fasting from his youth, and experienced various types from his own experience. As a result, he began to use it to help the sick and suffering improve their health, and sometimes radically change their lives.

Sergei Filonov outlined all his views in the book “Dry therapeutic fasting - myths and reality.” His second work, in which many themes intersect with the first, is “Treating the body with one’s own strength.”

The essence

The difficulty is that fasting according to Filonov is difficult to define as something specific. For example, Shchennikov has absolute dry, Lavrova has dry cascade, etc. Sergei Ivanovich himself designates it as dry fractional, but this is not entirely accurate, since in his methodology a variety of types of this healing system have found a place and it would be more correct designate as combined.

Judge for yourself: before starting to abstain from food and water, a person must go through the following stages of preparation:

1. Therapeutic chewing (one of the unique varieties of partial fasting).
2. Fasting on buckwheat porridge.
3. Wet complete fasting: daily - three days - seven days. With breaks between them of 6-7 days.
4. Dry absolute: daily - three days - until acidotic crises are reached. And between them there is even milk starvation.

Yes, this is definitely fractional fasting, since it involves going through certain stages (fractions, cascades, cycles) to prepare the body for basic (absolute) abstinence from water and food. However, to call it only dry is not entirely correct, because it includes partial (buckwheat, milk), and wet, and even medicinal chewing.

Filonov proposes to carry out the final stage in his center under the supervision of specialists working there. Sergei Ivanovich recruits groups in May, June, August and September. At the same time, everyone who wishes must come to him already fully prepared (they must have completed all the previous stages).

Each day of stay at Sinegorye costs from $45 to $85, depending on additional services. Sergei Ivanovich determines the duration of the course and the need for auxiliary procedures individually. Someone reaches a second acidotic crisis in 10 days and goes home. But for some, this period is not enough even for the first one, and he spends several weeks there.

For reference. The Filonov center additionally provides services such as hirudotherapy, herbal medicine, classical massage, visceral and manual therapy, monitored bowel cleansing and antler baths.

The essence of the procedure at home

The author of the method himself emphasizes that the result of dry hunger is only possible if you follow all the advice, namely proper preparation and the correct exit.

The doctor gives the following recommendations:

• Before starting the fasting procedure, be sure to consult your doctor;
• if you have never fasted wet before, never start the practice with dry fasting;
• before starting the procedure, it is necessary to undergo cleansing of the intestines and liver;
• before the onset of hunger, you must wait two weeks, adhering to the rules of a balanced diet: give up fried, fatty foods, reduce the amount of meat consumed;
• it is imperative to start with a minimum period of fasting - a day, then, if the restrictions are positively tolerated and there are no contraindications, move on to a longer period;
• days of dry fasting should become regular; a single session will not produce great results;
• the author of the method recommends a long preparatory period, including a moral attitude, a transition to a balanced diet, and a trial wet fasting;
• on the eve of famine, it is recommended to consume as much fermented milk products as possible;
• you can choose on your own whether to come into contact with water, just completely eliminating water from everyday life will give a higher therapeutic effect;
• a natural reaction to fasting will be the appearance of a feeling of weakness, deterioration of well-being, exacerbation of chronic diseases, but this condition quickly passes;
• you need to calmly and measuredly spend the day of hunger, avoiding physical overload and emotional outbursts.

Therapeutic mechanisms

In his lectures, at seminars, in his book, and in personal conversations with patients, Filonov always tries to explain to people the mechanisms of fasting and treatment using his method. In his opinion, when a person understands what is happening to the body at one time or another, he treats changes more calmly and consciously. Therefore, Sergei Ivanovich focuses on the following processes:

Top down

Transformations with organs occur vertically, starting from the head and ending with the legs. Therefore, in the first days, pain is felt in the facial muscles, teeth, and ears. These sensations then descend to the shoulders and chest. Gradually they spread to the limbs. If the process goes in the opposite direction, this indicates improper adherence to the technique or serious illness.

From inside to outside

At first, the headache hurts. Then it seems that the skin on the face, eyes, and lips begin to ache. And so on with each “floor” of the body. The internal organs are felt first. Then everything that is on the surface. And if you are happy that your eczema on your legs has gone away, but after that your veins are swollen, this is an extremely unfavorable signal that the process is not proceeding correctly.

From important to insignificant

The most important organs are healed first, then the rest. If everything goes correctly, first of all the tachycardia should go away, and only then the seasonal hair loss should stop. If it's the other way around, something clearly went wrong.

From new to old

First, those diseases from which a person suffers now pass away. But with gradual healing, old sores will be revealed, which are most often forgotten because they have entered a chronic stage and do not manifest themselves in any way. For example, back pain that plagued you in your youth may worsen. There is no need to be afraid of this, because they will return only to leave, but forever.

Filonov Sergey Ivanovich

Separately, Filonov emphasizes that all these processes occur at the expense of the body’s internal resources, feeding on its own reserves. The “fuel” is adipocytes, dead cells, pathological tissues, tumors and other neoplasms that interfere with the normal functioning of organs.

At the same time, Sergei Ivanovich warns that the body of a modern person is so polluted that if fasting is not organized correctly, the risk of intoxication is too high, which can be fatal. That's why he insists on carrying it out under the supervision of specialists.

The essence of S. Filonov’s method

Complete refusal of food with the exception of water according to Filonov is short-term fasting, which helps to get rid of not only minor ailments, but also serious chronic diseases that appear as a result of various kinds of inflammatory processes in the body. During a lack of nutrition, healthy cells are activated and destroy weakened, mutated or diseased cells in order to obtain nutrition. Thus, microorganisms, parasites, and aggressive protozoa die. Foci of inflammation are suppressed and cancer cells are destroyed.

Extreme conditions provoke the use of the body's reserve hidden forces. At this time, food and water are taken from the foci of inflammation, thus the pathological processes come to naught. Doctor Filonov focuses on the fact that the method helps to get rid of harmful accumulations and improve your health; using the method as a way to lose weight is not the best option; there are other, more narrowly targeted methods.

In his scientific work, “Dry fasting in Altai: myths and reality,” Filonov tries to present the basic postulates of the methodology in a simple and accessible language for readers. The author gives advice on how to properly carry out dry fasting at home, recommends special rules for starting the procedure and correct exit. It is impossible to apply the method of completely refusing food and water without prior preparation and consultation with a specialist. This option can only be used under the supervision of a doctor, after examinations and studying the state of health.

The doctor's consultation

Indications and contraindications

Indications

Gynecology:

• salpingo-oophoritis;
• some forms of female and male infertility;
• fibrocystic disease of the mammary glands;
• uterine leiomyoma;
• cervical polyp;
• endometriosis;
• adhesions and inflammation in the pelvis.

Musculoskeletal system:

• rheumatoid arthritis;
• DOA (deforming arthrosis);
• ankylosing spondylitis;
• polyarthritis - metabolic-dystrophic or infectious.

Respiratory system:

• bronchial asthma;
• inflammation of the bronchi and lungs;
• unadvanced pulmonary Besnier-Böck-Schaumann disease;
• seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

The cardiovascular system:

• hypertension;
• dystonia;
• atherosclerosis.

Neurology:

• osteochondrosis;
• problems with intervertebral discs (hernias, protrusions);
• headache;
• lumbago;
• traumatic brain injuries;
• neuralgia;
• lumbosacral radiculitis.

Digestive system:

• gastritis, gastroduodenitis;
• enteritis, colitis;
• JVP (biliary dyskinesia);
• IBS (irritable bowel syndrome);
• ulcer in remission;
• overweight, obesity;
• polyvalent allergies (due to foods or medications);
• diabetes mellitus type II.

Skin diseases:

• urticaria;
• neurodermatitis;
• psoriasis;
• eczema;
• trophic ulcers.

Urology:

• pyelonephritis;
• BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia);
• cystitis;
• prostatitis.

Indications for therapeutic fasting according to Filonov also include various types of helminthiasis.

Contraindications

• Malignant tumors;
• open tuberculosis;
• thyrotoxicosis, pathologies of the endocrine system;
• hepatitis, cirrhosis;
• internal suppuration;
• thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, circulatory failure;
• serious heart problems;
• insufficient BMI, anorexia, dystrophy, exhaustion, vitamin deficiency;
• pregnancy, lactation;
• age restrictions: up to 14 and after 70 years;
• complete or partial limitation in movements.

Before prescribing the type and duration of fasting, Filonov requires from everyone the latest data from medical examinations and tests:

• Ultrasound of all internal organs, and for women also of the mammary glands;
• electrocardiogram;
• results of examination for the presence of parasites;
• computed tomography of the spine if there are any problems with it.

People without an outpatient card are not accepted at Sinegorye.

Reviews

Maria, 34 years old: “Together with my mother, we decided to try out the method of absolute dry fasting. We started even before we arrived in Altai to see Dr. Filonov. We reached the stage of the buckwheat diet, and the remaining stages of the famine were already there, in Altai. After completing the course, I feel light throughout my body and it’s easy to breathe. After visiting the bathhouse, I noticed that the veins no longer bulged. Mom looked prettier and younger.

During the course, one of the negative sensations is increased heart rate during sudden movements. Other people had nosebleeds, insomnia, and fevers. We couldn’t have done it without Dr. Filonov’s control.”

Alexey, 28 years old: “It’s hard to endure the state of hunger. At this time, the best thing is bed rest, no stress. I underwent treatment in Altai - the sight of amazing mountain landscapes helped me forget about hunger and thirst. I suffered from insomnia for several days; I slept for 2–3 hours. But as a result I feel better. The headaches subsided and breathing became easier. I hope that fasting will help overcome diseases. Thanks to Dr. Filonov and the entire team of specialists at his center.”

Preparation

Before you start dry fasting according to Filonov, you will have to prepare for 3 whole months. Sergei Ivanovich receives at his “Sinegorye” only those who at home have strictly followed his instructions throughout this entire time.

First month

Within three weeks:

• switch to proper nutrition;
• drink Bolotov serum (recipe below);
• undergo a course of hirudotherapy;
• practice the medicinal chewing method.

Hirudotherapy is the treatment of human diseases using a medicinal leech.
During the last week of the month, cleanse the intestines and liver: a vegetable diet, taking Polysorb, and on the last day - a laxative (magnesia or castor oil).

Recipe for Bolotov serum. Bring 3 liters of spring water to a boil. Judge it, pour it into a jar. Dissolve 200 g of sugar and 10 g of homemade fatty sour cream in it. Pour 100 g of celandine herb into gauze and place it at the bottom of the jar. Cover it all with multilayer gauze. Leave in the dark for 14 days. Then strain 1 liter of the resulting whey, and add water and 70 g of sugar to the jar. Drink 15-100 ml (as much as you can) half an hour before meals three times a day.

Second month

• The first week is a buckwheat diet;
• 4 days - proper nutrition;
• 1 day - on water (wet fasting);
• 6 days - proper nutrition;
• 3 days - on the water;
• 8 days - proper nutrition;
• 7 days (captures the beginning of the third month) - on the water.

Third month

• 4-5 days (carry over from the previous month) - on the water;
• 2 weeks - proper nutrition;
• 1 day - without food and water (dry fasting);
• 5 days - proper nutrition;
• 3 days - without food and water;
• 1 day - completely on fermented milk drinks.

From the next day, Filonov should begin working with the patient. That is, at this moment he should already be in the health center.

Features of the technique

The hunger strike according to Sergei Filonov is a three-month course of recovery, since preparation and recovery are considered important stages of the procedure. Schematically, the structure of hunger in the first month looks like this:

1. For the first fourteen days (two weeks) you need to eat properly, according to the recommendations.
2. In the third week, intestinal cleansing is carried out.
3. Fourth week - eating only buckwheat and one day is allocated for water fasting.

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The second month is also divided into weeks:

1. In the first week, one day is allocated for water fasting, the remaining six days are for dietary proper nutrition.
2. In the second week, it is recommended to allocate two days for water fasting and five days for a balanced diet.
3. The third week requires the following schedule: three days on a water fast and the remaining days on a balanced diet.
4. The last week is five days of fasting with liquids.

The third month is similar to the second, but periods of fasting using water are replaced by dry fasting.

Fasting process

The main process of fasting, which occurs in, occurs differently for each patient. Filonov and the specialists working with him individually determine the type and duration of the test, and also prescribe (or not prescribe) additional procedures. The main task is to achieve at least one acidotic crisis, ideally two. And this should happen under the supervision of doctors to avoid complications.

For the same reason, all the detailed methodological recommendations in the book and on the website relate only to how to properly organize the preparatory stage and exit from dry fasting according to its system. Judging by the reviews, someone at the center is prescribed 3 weeks of abstinence from food, but at the same time they are allowed to drink water unlimitedly and take water procedures. Others have it harder, and they sit for 11 days without food or water, without even touching the latter. Filonov himself says that, constantly monitoring the condition of his patients, he prescribes some to chew nuts and eat honey. Of course, in minimal quantities, but still this is a significant relief.

It turns out that Filonov uses in practice all known types of therapeutic fasting. According to many experts, this is one of the most competent approaches. After all, human organisms are so unique that we cannot put everyone on the same pattern. Some people reach an acidotic crisis in 5-6 days, and some wait almost 2 weeks for it.

In all other respects, Filonov’s method differs little from the systems of Nikolaev, Shchennikov, and Lavrova. Its center is located in the Altai region, so, in addition to medical procedures, it offers its guests clean air, long walks, breathing exercises, a pleasant pastime, various medical procedures and everything that tunes the soul and body to healing.

Benefits and Benefits of Dry Fasting

Complete fasting - i.e. refusal of both food and liquid is a natural process, a mechanism inherent in nature, which is observed in both animals and humans. This mechanism comes into action when the body is affected by a disease. The most striking and familiar example is loss of appetite, reluctance to drink during acute colds. A person literally forces himself to take a couple of sips, and refuses food altogether.

This reaction is due to the fact that at the time of illness the body mobilizes all its forces to save itself and to protect itself from the causative agent of the disease. Therefore, the brain gives a signal to eliminate unnecessary “work” with food and water. Nothing should distract the body's systems from fighting the disease, and resources should not be wasted on extraneous things.

People have noticed this feature since ancient times. Therapeutic fasting was practiced in China, India, and among the Indians of North America. From a physiological point of view, during hunger the body is not subject to a large deficit of water resources, because the breakdown of adipose tissue (or glycogen) releases metabolic water (up to 1 liter) every day. The maximum level of water loss during the fasting period does not exceed 1 liter, which, given the slowdown in metabolic processes, is not a deviation from the norm.

One of the advantages of absolute therapeutic fasting over fasting with water is the faster transition of the body from a state of acidosis to improved well-being. A crisis with dry fasting is observed on the third day, with other methods of fasting - after a week, thus the healing effect occurs faster. In addition, the level of cleansing of all organs and tissues is 4 times higher than during fasting with water. Proponents of absolute fasting cite the following benefits:

• As a result, metabolic processes occur faster and more intensely,
• cleansing every organ at the cellular level,
• healing from chronic diseases,
• exacerbation conditions are stopped,
• preventative benefit.

Absolute fasting is indicated for many pathological conditions. These are disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system, nervous system, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, excess cholesterol in the blood, headaches. It is also effective in treating diseases caused by infections. The result of absolute fasting is complete internal cleansing of all organs and tissues, regeneration of blood vessels, cell renewal, and increased vitality of the body.

Dry fasting is a method of treatment, not weight loss. This technique is not recommended for getting rid of extra pounds.