The Buchinger Programme

The Buchinger programme incorporates important basic services for our guests, which are included in the packages. In addition to various methods of relaxation and the use of all Buchinger's facilities, the services cover all the group activities within the sports, cultural, health educational and spiritual realms. It will help you to acquire patterns of healthy behaviour, to practise them and integrate them into your every day life upon your return home. The Buchinger programme is offered in three languages: German, English and French. The daily schedule and content of the programme may vary in the individual languages. As part of your daily routine the Buchinger programme is a unique experience!

Buchinger therapeutic fasting

The starting point of Buchinger's therapeutic fasting is the ability of the human organism to temporarily live off its fat reserves and to cleanse itself in the process. In addition to mineral water available at your discretion, fasting guests are offered herbal teas, freshly made vegetable soups and freshly pressed fruit juices – all organic products, of course.

The fasting begins with a light vegetarian meal on the day of arrival, followed by a cleansing day. After the fasting, your nutrition is built up again within four days – an intense and pleasurable experience and one which is important for sustaining the success of your stay. Those who are unable to fast or who choose not to do so can discover light dishes from our creative organic gourmet cuisine (at extra charge), which we will individually match with your nutritional requirements and dietary intolerances.

Dietetics

Our dieticians, nutritionist experts and dietary cooks give presentations regarding all aspects of healthy nutrition and eating habits, including ecological and ethical aspects. In our cooking demonstrations you will find out how tasty and healthy dishes are prepared – as well as introducing recipes for you to follow at home.

Exercise therapy and fitness

We offer you a wide spectrum of exercise options to suit your mobility, stamina and preference, ranging from fitness gymnastics, through spinal gymnastics, back exercise or water gymnastics (in the summer) right through to dance therapy. Every day you have the opportunity to join one of the walking groups accompanied by our experienced guides to discover the delightful countryside surrounding Lake Constance. In addition,

a heated open-air swimming pool, a fitness centre with a panoramic view of Lake Constance and a tennis court are available throughout the year.

Rest and relaxation

Our guests appreciate the peaceful and restful atmosphere at Buchinger due, not least, to the inspiring landscape and the sweeping view across Lake Constance, often as far as to the Swiss Alps. Fasting itself also has a relaxing and uplifting effect. Furthermore, at Buchinger you can learn various methods of relaxation such as autogenic training, Feldenkrais training, Yoga, Zen meditation, Tai Chi and Chi Gong, to assist coping with stress and to promote presence and awareness.

Health education

To carry the success of your stay forward into your everyday life and to make a sustainable difference to your lifestyle, you will acquire countless skills and a variety of practical knowledge. You are invited to attend the presentations given by our doctors, psychotherapists, sports instructors, chefs and dietary specialists, who will pass on their knowledge regarding your health.

Culture and creativity

You can discover your hitherto slumbering talents at our Art Workshops or twice a week at the Buchinger studio under an art therapist’s guidance. This will provide the “spiritual nurturing“ considered by Dr. Otto Buchinger to be so vital, particularly during fasting. The excursions to art exhibitions, the weekly classical live concerts, jazz sessions, chant evenings, readings or film soirées will be a rich source of inspiration.

Spirituality

Fasting is enshrined in almost every religion. Buchinger therapeutic fasting also has a spiritual dimension which evolves as if of its own accord in the Buchinger fasting atmosphere. There will be moments when you will seek your own company, repose and introspection, and others when you will seek the company of fellow-fasters. Regular meditation and group programmes focusing on spiritual themes can heighten your own mindfulness. At certain times of the year we offer special programmes in which spirituality and sacral music play a major role, such as: “Light in November“ or “Meditation – the way to the Inner Self“.