Therapeutic Fasting

 "Therapeutic fasting" is the name  Dr. Otto Buchinger gave to his medical concept which is based on the tradition of religious-spiritual fasting but also includes the physical and social dimensions.  He was able to develop a  multi-disciplinary programme which was revolutionary at that time, combining the various dimensions of fasting to form a successful therapy. On this basis, the doctors of the Buchinger clinics have developed a specific integrative method of treatment which complements the latest findings of scientific medicine with recognised forms of natural therapy. The therapeutic fasting method is essentially based on an integrative concept consisting of three building blocks: nutrition, exercise and relaxation.

Nutrition

Therapeutic fasting differs from absolute fasting (the zero calorie diet) in the daily intake of teas, fruit juices, vegetable consommés and honey, individually adapted to the needs of the fasting patient. These additives can be supplemented as required by protein in the form of dairy products and micro-nutrients (minerals, vitamins, trace elements). The minimum food intake of approx. 250 kcal during fasting stabilises the energy balance and the nutritional balance.

The effect: therapeutic fasting changes the metabolism. The body's own reserves are mobilised. You feed yourself from the inside, so to speak. During this process, the fasting person does not feel hunger.

Method

Excretory processes via the bowels, the kidneys, the skin and the lungs are set in motion. The self-healing powers are activated.

At Buchinger, therapeutic fasting is a main focus but not the only form of therapy. If fasting is not appropriate, it is replaced by an individual, varied menu based on ovo-lacto-vegetarian wholefood diet.

Physical Exercise

Physical exercise while fasting helps, for example, to improve the blood circulation, which is so important not only for the nutritional,  but especially for the excretory process of the tissues. Fat burning is stimulated and at the same time a loss of protein is prevented.