Sommaire
- 0.1 Watch the documentary “Fasting at a Crossroads” on Gaia
- 0.2 Don’t have time to read it all?
- 0.3 A perspective that is both poetic and scientific
- 0.4 A physical transformation, but also an inner journey
- 0.5 Inspiring stories and testimonials
- 0.6 Why watch this documentary?
- 0.7 How can I watch “Fasting at the Crossroads”?
- 0.8 Therapeutic fasting: a well-established medical practice in some countries
- 1 In summary
Watch the documentary “Fasting at a Crossroads” on Gaia
Fasting intrigues, fascinates, and sometimes even frightens people… but it never leaves anyone indifferent. This ancient practice spans the ages and cultures, straddling spiritual traditions, medical approaches, and modern research on healthy living.
Today, as natural wellness experiences a true resurgence, fasting is emerging as a tool for physical and spiritual renewal. It is in this context that the streaming platform Gaia, which specializes in spirituality and consciousness, presents a must-see documentary: “Fasting at a Crossroads,” directed by Fabien Moine.
Don’t have time to read it all?
*Fasting at the Crossroads* is a sensitive and enlightening exploration that invites everyone to reevaluate their relationship with food, their body, and their mind. Fasting is portrayed as an ancient yet renewed practice, capable of opening doors to better health and profound inner transformation.
A perspective that is both poetic and scientific
Fabien Moine, a renowned fasting coach, traveled throughout France for six months to gather the stories of 16 fasters from diverse backgrounds. Through their experiences, he weaves a narrative that is both sensitive and rigorous, exploring:
- The body's response when food intake stops
- The various physical and emotional stages one goes through
- The therapeutic and spiritual benefits observed
- The human body’s extraordinary ability to heal itself
This documentary avoids dogmatism and black-and-white views, offering a nuanced perspective that straddles the boundaries of science, philosophy, and the personal.
A physical transformation, but also an inner journey
Fasting is more than just a physical practice: it’s a true journey of self-discovery. Breaking away from your usual eating habits, learning to listen to your body’s signals again, freeing your mind from routine…
Many people who have fasted speak movingly of the insights they’ve gained and the renewed energy, mental clarity, and serenity that this journey brings. The documentary shows that fasting can become a genuine spiritual path—one that goes beyond trends—leading to a more conscious and free life.
Inspiring stories and testimonials
On YouTube, Fabien Moine regularly shares his expertise and engages with his community through popular videos (over 20,000 subscribers). Among his content, you’ll find:
- His explanation of the effects of the “metabolic switch” during fasting
- Moving accounts from those who have fasted as they confront their fears, and stories of renewal
- Practical advice and preparation sessions before and after fasting
Here is a link to the documentary trailer and a playlist of his videos:
▶️ Trailer – Fasting at a Crossroads (Gaia)
▶️ Fabien Moine Channel – Fasting Coach
Why watch this documentary?
- For a clear and nuanced synthesis of scientific insight and personal experience
- To understand the mechanisms of fasting with insights from experts (doctors, biologists, priests, athletes, etc.)
- To discover how fasting can restore the body’s health and free the mind
- To find inspiration in real and authentic stories
How can I watch “Fasting at the Crossroads”?
The documentary is available for exclusive streaming on Gaia. Gaia offers a free 7-day trial that also gives you access to a wide range of content on wellness, meditation, yoga, and personal development.
➡️ Watch the documentary on Gaia
➡️ Watch the documentary on Prime Video
Therapeutic fasting: a well-established medical practice in some countries
Fasting, long viewed in France as a marginal or spiritual practice, is now recognized as a medically supervised practice and is even covered by health insurance in several countries, notably Germany and Russia. This recognition is based on standardized protocols, rigorous supervision, and a safe therapeutic environment.
The case of Germany: therapeutic fasting is reimbursed and integrated into the healthcare system
Since the 1950s, therapeutic fasting—particularly using the Buchinger method—has been practiced at several renowned German clinics, such as the Buchinger-Wilhelmi Clinic on Lake Constance. This method involves abstaining from all solid food for a period generally ranging from 7 to 14 days, while consuming specific liquids such as mineral water, broths, herbal teas, and diluted juices.
Medical indications
Fasting is recommended in Germany to treat or manage conditions such as:
- Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Chronic respiratory and digestive diseases
- Migraines, allergies, and inflammatory conditions
Guidance and reimbursement
The program is medically supervised and combines fasting, nutritional education, tailored physical activity, and sometimes psychotherapy. Private insurance may cover the costs, although the stays remain expensive (approximately 3,000 euros for two weeks at Buchinger).
Strict supervision and safety precautions
Close medical supervision is essential to prevent potential complications from prolonged fasting. Certain conditions are absolute contraindications for therapeutic fasting: anorexia, cachexia, severe hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney failure, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
The situation in France
In France, therapeutic fasting is not yet officially recognized within the public healthcare system. No healthcare provider offers reimbursable therapeutic fasting programs. Nevertheless, private programs focused on “fasting and hiking” are becoming more common, often aimed at healthy individuals outside of a strictly medical context.
However, a new partnership with the Fédération Francophone de Jeûne et Randonnée (FFJR) and certain health insurance providers now makes it possible to receive partial coverage for supervised fasting retreats, ensuring safe care at certified centers.
A real-life account and example from a doctor who fasts
Dr. Gauthier Boivin, a French anesthesiologist, reports having undergone several courses of medical fasting in Germany, with significant results. Upon his return, he encountered marked skepticism from his peers; this French skepticism thus contrasts with the German acceptance of the practice.
In summary
*Fasting at the Crossroads* is a sensitive and enlightening exploration that invites everyone to reevaluate their relationship with food, their body, and their mind. Fasting is portrayed as an ancient yet renewed practice, capable of opening doors to better health and profound inner transformation.
- Therapeutic fasting is a recognized treatment that is supervised and, in some European countries—particularly Germany—is sometimes covered by insurance.
- It is offered at specialized clinics, under strict medical supervision, for various chronic conditions.
- In France, there are now steps being taken toward gradual recognition, with private facilities and certified staff for these programs.
- Fasting should never be done on one’s own or without medical supervision, given the risks of complications.
