Buchinger fasting
Buchinger fasting is a form of fasting in which you go without solid food for several days and take only vegetable broth, juices, tea and a little honey. It was developed by the German physician Otto Buchinger.
- Origin
- Germany, Otto Buchinger, 1920s
- Duration
- Usually 7 to 14 nights including build-up
- Intake
- Vegetable broth, juices, tea, water
- Suits
- A fresh start, breaking habits
Otto Buchinger (1878 to 1966) fasted himself and turned it into a method he offered in his own clinics. To this day it is the best-known form of medically supervised fasting in German-speaking countries.
A fast begins with relief days on which you eat more lightly. Then come the actual fasting days with broth, juice and plenty of water, along with exercise, rest and treatments such as liver compresses. It ends with breaking the fast, traditionally with an apple, and a few build-up days on which you slowly start eating again.
Many feel a surprising clarity and lightness after the first two or three days. But fasting is a real strain on the body. Anyone taking medication or with existing conditions should only fast with medical supervision.
Good to know
- The build-up days are just as important as the fast itself.
- Not suitable during pregnancy, with eating disorders and some illnesses.
- Ask whether a medical consultation and blood values are planned before fasting.
At Luxly
Houses where you can experience it:
Hotel Hof WeissbadWeissbad, AppenzellFasting with medical support in the health centre.
Gräflicher Park Health & Balance ResortBad Driburg, Teutoburg ForestMedically supervised fasting cures in the medical spa.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does therapeutic fasting last?
Often five to ten fasting days, plus relief and build-up days. At a hotel you usually book one to two weeks.
Are you hungry during therapeutic fasting?
Often yes in the first one or two days. After that, hunger eases noticeably for most people.
Related terms
Updated on 17 October 2026