Doctor aims to outfast Blaine

2004-03-08 21:01

Beijing - A Chinese herbalist says he will fast for 49 days in a bid to beat the 44-day record set last year by United States magician David Blaine, who achieved the feat suspended above London's River Thames in a glass box.

Chen Jianmin, 50, a second-generation doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, said he would begin the fast on March 20, consuming only water and no food, the Xinhua news agency reported on Monday.

Chen, of Luzhou city in southwest Sichuan province, said his fast would "attest to the regimen of traditional Chinese medical science".

His attempt will take place in Bifengxia Valley, a mountain resort in neighbouring Ya'an city, and be monitored by 50 witnesses from around the world, Xinhua said.

Chen claims to have undergone long-term fasting on three previous occasions in 1987, 1994 and 1999.

Ancient Chinese medical literature

He says the longest lasted 81 days, during which he only drank water, while going to work regularly.

Chen said he would attempt his fast through "pigushengong" or "the magic of fasting", which has been documented in ancient Chinese medical literature or Buddhist scriptures.

Liang Chao, a gastrointestinal doctor with the Chengdu Chinese Medicine University, said "pigushengong" resembled a legendary practice in the Hindu discipline of yoga, in which people were buried deep underground for long periods without suffering any harm.

Blaine, who had severe palpitations and breathing difficulties in the final days of his quest, was told when he emerged that he would not be restored to full health for about six months.

His fast was condemned by critics as pointless and dangerous.

- AFP