Therapeutic Fasting
Therapeutic fasting - what is it?
The healing effects of fasting have been known since ancient Egypt, but it was not rediscovered as a therapeutic treatment method until the late 19th century. The practice of therapeutic fasting was primarily shaped by Otto Buchinger, who published his book 'Therapeutic Fasting' in 1935. Buchinger was a naval doctor who became completely disabled at the age of 40 due to chronic gallbladder and joint inflammation. He is said to have regained his full health through two long fasting cures.
Fasting is the conscious abstention from food and indulgences for a specific period. The duration and intensity of fasting can vary. In Buchinger's therapeutic fasting, an optimal fasting duration of about 2-4 weeks is recommended—during this type of fasting, energy intake is not completely eliminated, but significantly reduced.
There are several things to consider when fasting: one must ensure to drink plenty of fluids, regularly empty the bowels, and have sufficient movement and relaxation. We support you in this and provide motivation, structure, and direction during your therapeutic fasting holiday.
Reservation & Costs
Inclusive:
- A total of 6 or 13 nights
- include our St. Wolfgang wellness services,
- meals according to a diet plan, water & tea and
- medical services as follows:
- detailed examination upon admission with a medical consultation including a resting ECG and an exercise ECG
- lab tests upon admission (* controll lab)
- 2x (2*) intestinal repair by oxygen
- 2x (2*) bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
- individual nutrition therapy
- 5x (10*) water aerobics in the thermal baths (Monday through Friday)
- 3x (6*) endurance training (indoor or outdoor activity, e.g., cardio training, Nordic walking...)
- 5x (10*) specific medical training treatment including therapeutic care
- 4x (8*) liver heat pack
- 4x (8*) relaxation therapy
- 2x (4*) hydro jets
- 1x (2*) purifying and detoxifying seaweed body pack
- final consultation with the doctor
*2 week Therapeutic Fasting Programme
To optimally carry out the fasting program, we recommend arriving on Sunday
Note: not recommended for the fructose intolerant
6 nights € 2.121,62 per person
13 nights € 3.769,14 per person
If you are privately insured and wish to submit your invoice for reimbursement to your private health insurance after the therapeutic fasting, the medical services included in the arrangement will be billed according to the Medical Fees Schedule (GOÄ). If this is not the case, you can settle the package as presented on a self-pay basis.
Please let us know your preference regarding the billing directly at the time of reservation, as we cannot make any changes afterwards.
Registration and Information
Tel.: 08532/ 980-0
E-Mail: badgriesbach@asklepios.com
How does fasting work in the hotel?
The fasting program at St. Wolfgang works similarly to how it would if you were to conduct a fasting cure privately. The difference is that you can particularly focus on fasting and healing, rather than dealing with planning and implementation difficulties. Additionally, you have the necessary medical supervision with us.
We are here to provide you with the appropriate framework, care, and medical support. Furthermore, during this special healing time, you can also take advantage of exercise offerings and wellness options.
When fasting in the hotel, you will consume regulated food according to the nutrition plan. We strongly advise against coffee, black tea, nicotine, and alcohol. During the fasting period, fluid intake is especially important: you should drink at least 2.5 liters of water or unsweetened tea daily. This helps with the elimination of metabolic products.
Here’s what you can do to make your fasting holiday experience particularly valuable:
- Choose a period when you can fully concentrate on healing and have no other important appointments.
- Make sure to avoid heavy, fatty foods a few days before the fasting begins and instead eat lighter salads, potatoes, rice, vegetables, fruits, and juices.
Important: The transition day occurs only at our hotel – here you will undergo a bowel cleansing through colon irrigation (colon hydrotherapy) or with Glauber’s salt.
Why Therapeutic Fasting?
During therapeutic fasting general health and the experience of abstinence are the main focus. Through a time-limited and mindful abstinence, the metabolism is relieved. This can also help detoxify the entire organism. The body can free itself from toxins and recover – accumulated metabolic products are broken down. In addition to these physical benefits, abstaining from food also allows one to mentally open up to certain states of consciousness. Burdens can be shed – whether from the body or the soul. Weight loss is possible but should not be the main focus. Therapeutic fasting enables us to think clearly, explore new paths, and especially promotes self-healing powers.
Therapeutic fasting is used both for health prevention and as therapy for certain diseases, affecting medical, psychosocial, and spiritual levels.
Therapeutic fasting is suitable for the following diseases and complaints:
- allergic diseases
- vascular diseases
- cardiovascular diseases
- intestinal diseases & digestive disorders
- hyperuricemia
- lipid metabolism disorders
- skin diseases
- obesity, weight problems
- rheumatic diseases
- joint diseases
Since therapeutic fasting can also be taxing on the body, it should be conducted under medical supervision. If there is an existing medical condition, therapeutic fasting should be coordinated with a doctor
How does a therapeutic fasting program in a hotel work?
The therapeutic fasting occurs in three phases:
- The fasting preparation (relief)
- The fasting itself
- The breaking of the fast
The Buchinger fasting begins the day before the fasting program with a reduction of energy intake to about 1,000 kcal per day. Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine are no longer allowed at this point. Gentle physical activity is recommended, as well as emotional preparation for fasting by avoiding stress and ensuring rest.
On the first day of fasting, a bowel cleansing takes place.
During the fasting days, a daily intake according to the nutrition plan includes:
- Vegetable broth
- Fruit or vegetable juices
- 2.5 liters of fluids (herbal tea, water)
The maximum allowed energy intake during fasting is about 250 – 500 kcal per day.
The fasting ends with the "breaking of the fast." For this, the faster slowly eats a raw or cooked apple. Later in the day, there is potato soup. The refeeding (getting used to eating again) consists of a light, fiber-rich diet that should be eaten slowly and mindfully. Over the next few days, the calorie intake is gradually increased.