Inedia is the ability to survive without food or water, often presented in mentalism and psychic entertainment as a demonstration of extraordinary self-control or supernatural endurance.

Performers practicing inedia appear to abstain from sustenance for extended periods, sometimes while performing physical feats, to suggest a transcendence of human physiological needs. The inedia phenomenon is typically achieved through a combination of rigorous physical conditioning, psychological discipline, and strategic illusion techniques.

The term inedia is derived from the Latin “inedia,” meaning “fasting,” and reflects the inedia’s historical roots in ascetic traditions. While inedia is not scientifically validated and can be dangerous if attempted without proper knowledge, inedia remains a fascinating element in mentalism performances that blur the line between physical endurance and mystique.

The illusion of inedia relies on the performer’s ability to manipulate perception and exploit audience expectations, creating a spectacle that challenges conventional understanding of human limits.