pecially
should one be informed on proper methods of breaking a fast.

During a fast all of the eliminative functions of the body are
exceedingly active. If there is any surplus material the body consumes
it during the fast. Owing to the complete rest of the digestive system
the energy which ordinarily is required in the digestion of food is
free to be diverted to the work of elimination. It would seem that
under these circumstances all of the functions of the body are
especially active in the blood-purifying processes.

You should remember, however, that even a fast will naturally be made
much more effective by the general blood-purifying methods which I
have given in this chapter. The measures suggested for increasing the
activity of the skin will all be especially valuable if employed as
adjuncts to the fast. The free drinking of water and especially the hot-
water-drinking plan, together with the colon-flushing treatment, will
likewise help to facilitate the cleansing and blood-purifying action of
the fast.

Pure blood is the all-important factor in health. If the blood is not
pure it can be made pure by the methods which I have suggested.
Remember that this purity depends first upon pure food and functional
strength, in order that a good quality of blood may be produced; and
secondly, upon active elimination of wastes, poisons and impurities in
general.

CHAPTER XVII: Hints on Bathing

I have already referred to the value of accelerating the activity of the
functions of the skin. The ordinary practice of bathing is of great
importance in this connection. Many diseases would be prevented if the
skin were thoroughly cleansed with due regularity.

Probably a weekly soap-and-water bath is all that is absolutely
essential for cleanliness if one follows a daily regimen which will
maintain a condition of internal cleanliness. In fact, the cleansing of
the external body is not required with such frequency if one secures
sufficient muscular exercise and follows a dietetic and general regimen
that will guarantee sufficient activity of all the eliminative
functions; but if one neglects to employ other measures that help to
maintain the purity of the blood and the activity of the skin, then more
frequent baths are required to insure cleanliness. It has been my
custom to recommend a hot soap-and-water bath once or twice a week,
depending upon the individual requirements, and a daily cold bath. The