Buchinger Therapeutic Fasting procedures are firmly rooted in the conventional medical sciences and in physiology, yet additionally incorporates the two other traditional essentials of fasting procedures: spiritual and interpersonal interaction. Fasting is therefore medically supervised, occurs on the premises and includes multi-faceted fasting disciplines. They are organised into four stages: The planning session, the preparatory phase, the fasting procedures themselves, and the reconditioning phase. The regenerative healing power of fasting for the soul, body, and spirit is maximised when supported by seven pillars: balanced rest and movement, stimulation of eliminatory processes, further “methods of support”, close individual monitoring and assistance, supplemented by the fasting itself, and “nourishment of the soul”. Buchinger's fasting guests are treated by a therapeutic team from a range of professional disciplines: medicine, nutritional sciences, psychology, physiotherapy, movement and care, health education, culture and spirituality. When an individual is in the process of fasting, it is beneficial for his/her body to be in a place where the whole community is fasting, so that it can grow together in a supportive manner. In both these cases the openness for spiritual enrichment is maximised.
