Page:Linda Hazzard - Fasting for the cure of disease.djvu/275

 eminently successful in its final outcome, was undertaken. Paralysis, as is well understood, is caused directly by blood coagulation in specific localities of the brain tissue. But one course can be recommended to rely upon natural processes to absorb the clot, thus removing pressure and releasing nerve force. Constant accumulation of food material in such circumstances simply prolongs conditions that encourage excessive density of the blood, but the fast, without argument, through rest and elimination, causes natural assistance to be utilized in removing obstruction to the passage of nerve force through nerve channels.

The history of the case was such as will be found in every instance when apoplectic conditions are present in any individual. The patient referred to weighed at the time of seizure 214 pounds. Each day of abstinence testified to a loss in avoirdupois, and, at the end of the fast, the latter had been reduced to 174 pounds. Bile in abundance was discharged with the enemas, and at intervals vomiting of the same fluid occurred. The fast was broken by the administration of grape-juice and that of oranges. Within a few days food more solid was ingested. It