The Practice of Fasting

6:30 pm – 7:00 pm Tea & Social, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Meeting

What is fasting and how does it work? In the oldest written records, fasting emerged as a religious practice. How has fasting which began as a religious practice become a therapy that people look to for detoxification, rejuvenation and weight loss? What are the benefits, drawbacks and dangers of fasting? When we talk about detoxing, what is really meant? Where are toxins stored in the body? What cells, tissues, and organs sequester toxins like the persistent organic pollutants (POPs), the toxic human-made chemicals that persist in the environment and have now become common place? Can fasting target specific organs? Which organs are the best to detoxify? Which herbs can be used to facilitate and support detoxification? Are herbs enough? What are the controversies surrounding the use of internal baths that use water alone, are aided by herbs or other substances? So many questions! This presentation will address all of these important topics and engage the audience around their own personal experiences of fasting.

Speaker Bio:

Sal is a licensed acupuncturist registered by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).  He completed his training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at the Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Roseville, Minnesota.  He is also a certified practitioner of Shiatsu and is skilled in the arts of cupping, moxibustion and auricular (ear) therapy. Sal’s post-graduate work involved a series of mentorships with Five-Element and Japanese style acupuncture practitioners. Five Element method of acupuncture is practiced in his clinic. Additionally, Sal utilizes Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in his treatments if indicated. Clinical experiences include treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain including neuropathy and degenerative joint disease, pre and post operable conditions, palliative care, and supportive therapy for patients with cancer.  Other conditions he has treated include symptoms associated with menopause, autoimmune, allergies and disorders.