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.

Procedure

All three stages of food refusal should occur after a medical examination and doctor’s recommendations. It should be remembered that the process takes several months and requires knowledge, skill of specialists, determination, and the desire for results from the patient himself. Then, according to reviews, the effect will be long-lasting.

Preparation

Over the course of weeks, the diet is significantly adjusted. Harmful, heavy foods are excluded, including salt and sugar. Closer to fasting, natural mild laxatives are used.

Starvation

At the first stage (cleansing) there is no fixed deadline; everything depends on the patient’s capabilities and condition. The first cycle is semi-dry, with swimming in rivers and waterfalls. During restoration, decoctions of medicinal Altai herbs are used as strengthening.

The second stage (therapeutic) is carried out to the maximum, completely dry. The body has already adapted to hunger, gained strength, restrictions should be tolerated more easily. The body is cleansed and completely restored. For serious chronic illnesses, additional cycles are required. The duration and combination of types of food refusal may vary depending on the disease and the patient’s condition.

What information is missing from the article?

• Real reviews about the practice
• Experts' opinions
• Photo and video reviews
• More menu options for preparation and exit

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Exit

It starts with infusions, compotes, without eating fruits and berries, only liquid (for example, watermelon juice), with a transition to low-fat fermented milk products, plant foods. The optimal diet to maintain results and physical activity are agreed upon.

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.

Myths and reality of the method

In the book, Filonov not only collected all the available information about traditional medicine and clinical studies, but also dispelled the myths associated with therapeutic fasting.

1. A person without water can remain alive for no more than 3 days. With absolute fasting, the body begins to use internal reserves, including moisture, which accumulates about 2 liters in the skin alone. As a result of oxidative reactions, during the breakdown of fats, about 400 ml of moisture is naturally formed per day; during dry hunger - up to 1 liter. If we consider that the average daily intake of a person is 1.5-2 liters, then a few days of loss turns out to be uncritical.
2. Without cleansing procedures (enemas) and interaction with water, toxins are not removed from the body during dry fasting. Some of the toxins are processed by the body during sleep, others are burned when the temperature rises, which appears during crises. The destroyer of dead weakened cells are macrophages, the number of which increases significantly during treatment.
3. With dry refusal of food, kidney function is disrupted, dehydration and intoxication occur. Filonov believes that during the average period of dry cleansing, the kidneys and liver rest, but during wet cleansing, using modern city water, they experience additional stress.
4. Fasting is a lot of stress. With the support of loved ones, attention, and care from specialists, it can be easily overcome and does not cause negative consequences.
5. Refusal to eat causes vitamin deficiency, loss of protein and muscle mass. During the treatment course, resource consumption becomes economical; only a small part of the substances needs to be spent on processing and transporting food inside the body, so losses are minimal. During dry fasting, dying tissues that are significantly affected by the disease are destroyed. This was proven 100 years ago by academician V.V. Pashutin.
6. The renewal mechanism exists on its own, so there is no point in such treatment. The self-regulation mechanism exists, but it is weakened by the new unfavorable human environment and sedentary lifestyle. Toxins and wastes do not have time to be eliminated; as a result of their accumulation, the immune system weakens, and the body requires outside help.
7. Refusal to eat is ineffective for losing weight; the extra pounds return after completing the course. During dry fasting, fat cells are destroyed, the number of remaining ones tends to the norms of a young body. The weight loss effect is stable without sagging or sagging skin.

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We recommend reading

• Dry cascade fasting according to Lavrova
• Cleansing the body according to Barvinsky’s method
• Fasting according to Shchennikov - action and features of implementation

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.

Algorithm for exiting therapeutic fasting according to S. Filonov

The author of the method emphasizes that the correct way out of hunger is no less important than following the recommendations in the process of giving up water and food.

Salt

The exit lasts twice as long as the abstinence process itself. If you have been fasting for a day, it will take two days to get out, and if you have been fasting for two days, it will take four days, respectively. The author gives these tips on how to overcome dry hunger:

1. At the end of the fasting period, you need to gradually drink a glass of water in small sips. Over the next two hours, you can only drink water, but no more than a liter.
2. At lunch you are allowed to eat fish soup, but without adding salt or spices.
3. A little later, it is permissible to consume a fermented milk product.
4. Salt should not be used for another three days after the end of fasting.
5. You need to eat slowly, chewing your food thoroughly.
6. A single serving size should be no more than a glass.

Read

About fasting during pregnancy

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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About the signs of slagging in the body

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 of Dry Fasting

Proponents of dry fasting claim that the technique gives high results and helps improve the functioning of the body at the cellular level. The result of dry hunger is:

• acceleration of metabolism;
• cleansing of organs at the cellular level;
• reducing the load on filter systems;
• getting rid of chronic diseases;
• relief of acute conditions;
• disease prevention.

High blood pressure

The technique helps you become healthier, so dry fasting is recommended for the following conditions:

• malfunctions of the central nervous system;
• frequent migraine-like headaches;
• allergic reactions;
• infectious diseases;
• respiratory diseases;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• high blood pressure;
• high blood cholesterol;
• atherosclerosis;
• dysfunction of the digestive system;
• benign neoplasms.

The therapeutic effects of dry fasting are more effective for many reasons. The duration of dry fasting lasts from one to three days, and during this period there is a transition from one stage of fasting to the next:

• the painful feeling of hunger with the dry fasting method is significantly reduced and lasts no more than a couple of hours, unlike incomplete fasting;
• the stage of impaired carbohydrate metabolism as a result of lack of insulin lasts several days;
• After three days, a complete cleansing of the body and a sharp improvement in well-being occurs; with incomplete fasting, reaching a crisis is possible no earlier than in one or two weeks.