Otto Buchinger – doctor and pioneer of therapeutic fasting
As the son of a civil servant, the young Otto Buchinger I initially followed his father's wish to study law. However, his passion for medicine soon led him to his true calling. He changed his field of study and earned his doctorate from the University of Giessen. He then worked as a military doctor in the Imperial Navy.
But as life often does, everything suddenly changed for Buchinger – severe tonsillitis and its resulting health consequences cost him his job. He suffered from severe rheumatism in his joints, which could not be treated with the treatments available at the time.
After two years, Buchinger decided to abandon the tried-and-tested methods and seek answers outside of conventional medicine. He ended up with a doctor friend and under his supervision completed a three-week fast. And behold: abstaining from solid food and consciously examining his own body led to relief of his symptoms – and thus to the birth of the Buchinger fasting .
Driven by his own success, Otto Buchinger I studied everything there was to know about therapeutic fasting and opened his own clinic in 1920 to pass on his findings to others. By linking mental and physical health, he created a holistic approach that is still practiced today – including in the fourth generation in the Buchinger Clinic .
What distinguishes the Buchinger fast?
The Fasting according to Buchinger encompasses far more than simply abstaining from solid food. It focuses not only on the body, but also on the mind and soul, which are meant to find peace during the fasting cure. Buchinger therefore referred to therapeutic fasting as a "diet for the soul." The goal of the Buchinger fast is to trigger the body's own self-cleansing processes and thus activate its healing powers.
Otto Buchinger I used this method to treat numerous health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and gout. Even today, therapeutic fasting remains a popular tool for contemplating and cleansing the body, mind, and soul.
How does Buchinger fasting work?
In contrast to total fasting, the Buchinger fast involves consuming approximately 200 to 300 calories daily through vegetable broth, freshly squeezed juices, and teas. Solid food is completely avoided. The regimen is therefore also referred to as a low-calorie drinking diet. Fasting duration is traditionally between two and four weeks. Basically, the Buchinger fast is three phases which are also part of our Body & Mind fasting cure:
1. Preparation
In the Relief days The body is prepared for therapeutic fasting. Light food reduces calorie intake, which gradually adjusts the metabolism. At I DO, we focus on four balanced juices for one day. Raw food quality . Finally, the stomach is completely emptied, which, according to the Buchinger method, is traditionally initiated with Glauber's salt.
2. Fasting phase
From now on, only water, tea, organic vegetable broth, and fresh juices are consumed daily. The digestive tract calms down, the body changes its metabolism, and begins to Ketosis , in which fat reserves are used for energy production. To relieve the strain on the intestines, regular bowel movements are performed during longer fasting regimes.
Otto Buchinger was concerned to Fasting phase It's also important to pay attention to the psyche. Exercise in the fresh air, self-care sessions, and mindful workouts like yoga are expressly encouraged during the Buchinger fast. Physical activity helps clear the mind, and it also prevents the body from tapping into too much protein from the muscles.
To support the mental aspect of the treatment, our Body & Mind fasting package is equipped with beneficial extras, such as alkaline bath salts, a dry brush and a Redondo ball.
Tip: During the first few days of the fasting cure, you may experience mild side effects such as headaches and dizziness. These usually subside quickly – and you'll experience a fasting high!
3. Breaking the fast
Otto Buchinger I celebrated the end of the fast – the so-called breaking of the fast – in his clinic by presenting an apple. In the following Setup days The body gradually becomes accustomed to solid food again. It should gradually be supplied with more calories: on the first day, approximately 800 kcal, on the second day, about 1,000 kcal, then 1,200 kcal, and on the fourth day, around 1,600 kcal. The body gradually begins to derive energy from the available carbohydrates again, ending ketosis.
By the way: Easily digestible raw food is the optimal choice for breaking the fast, which is why we once again rely on the energy boost from fresh juices for our Body & Mind fasting cure.
What are the benefits of the Buchinger therapeutic fasting cure?
Buchinger himself was convinced that his fasting method could alleviate numerous health problems. Both physical ailments such as obesity, high blood pressure, and migraines, as well as mental illnesses, are still treated according to his model today.
According to the German Nutrition Society According to the German Society for the Study of the German Dietary Fiber (DGE), there are scientifically proven effects of therapeutic fasting for certain conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammation, or psychosomatic illnesses. Overall, however, the data on its effectiveness is quite limited, which is why the success of fasting cannot be guaranteed and always depends on the individual case.
As an introduction to a conscious lifestyle, the Buchinger fast is highly recommended for healthy people. Through conscious abstinence and mindful interaction with body and mind, self-awareness and awareness of one's own (eating) behavior are trained. Thus, the therapeutic fasting cure acts as an energizing new start.
Who is the Buchinger fast suitable for?
The traditional Buchinger therapeutic fasting method is used both for preventative health and for the treatment of certain illnesses. The fasting regimen is usually supervised by a physician or conducted in a fasting clinic. This ensures that the method meets the patient's needs and is implemented correctly. Therefore, anyone wishing to combat health problems with a therapeutic fasting regimen should definitely consult with an expert.
To bring balance to body, mind, and soul, healthy people can also undertake a fasting regimen on their own. However, this doesn't mean simply giving up solid food overnight. With the help of special fasting packages like our Body & Mind regimen, starting and maintaining a fast is made much easier.
