Skip to content

Epidaurus · Treatment Guide · Wellness & Preventive Care

Going abroad for —

Fasting Program Quality

Supervised fasting retreat quality (Buchinger, Mayr, etc.)

The country comparison

Which countries are best for fasting program quality

The destinations ranked high→low under this lens — each with the reasoning behind its score, the cited evidence one click down, and its full report. The verdict is free; the report is the depth.

19 / 19 Countries ranked

Researched and assessed by the Epidaurus editorial pipeline against our published scale. A country below the rule is not yet assessed enough — never ranked last.

  1. 1 Germany DE 5.0/5 Good Germany is the world's preeminent destination for medically supervised therapeutic fasting, with 10+ established therapeutic fasting centers including the flagship Buchinger Wilhelmi clinic (250,000+ documented treatm... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 5 cited points
    • 8 ÄGHE-certified therapeutic fasting clinics spanning multiple regions plus Lanserhof group and Oberstaufen Schroth health resort cluster, totaling 10+ major centers
    • Buchinger Wilhelmi clinic: 24-hour on-call physician service, 20 specialist doctors, 7,000 annual international patients from 60+ countries, multilingual medical staff with >50% repeat visit rate
    • ÄGHE physician diploma established 1996 with mandatory four-component training (theory, nutrition, personal fasting experience, 6+ months clinical practice); Deutsche Fastenakademie lay certification (200+ hours since 1987)
    • PLOS ONE 2019 study: 1,422 subjects, 4–21 day programs, <1% adverse event rate, 84.4% improvement in pre-existing conditions, 93.2% reported no hunger
    • Government framework: §111 SGB V statutory health insurance coverage, QMS-REHA certification, ISO 9001:2008, and Demeter certification (Buchinger Wilhelmi); research published in Nature, Frontiers in Nutrition, PLOS ONE; 21 international scientific congresses

    Read the full Germany report →

  2. 2 Hungary HU 4.0/5 Good Hungary offers good therapeutic fasting programs with 6–8 established facilities using recognized methodologies like Buchinger & Lützner, backed by qualified medical supervision and clear safety protocols. NaturMed Ho... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 6 cited points
    • 6–8 facilities offering medically supervised therapeutic fasting, including NaturMed Hotel Carbona using Buchinger & Lützner methodology and Kali Fasting Retreat operating for 23+ years under physician leadership
    • Medical supervision includes pre-fasting assessment, contraindication screening, and physician-led programs at key facilities, though part-time rather than 24/7
    • Multiple established methodologies available: Buchinger & Lützner, Airola, water fasting; program durations 3–14 days
    • Strong international patient services with multilingual support, airport transfers, and cost advantage of 40–70% below Germany or UK equivalents
    • Melea – The Health Concept holds membership in Healing Hotels of the World; general emergency infrastructure accessible but no formal documented hospital partnerships
    • No published peer-reviewed safety or efficacy data from Hungarian facilities; no government regulations specific to therapeutic fasting; no professional certification scheme for fasting supervisors

    Read the full Hungary report →

  3. 3 Spain ES 4.0/5 Good Spain comprehensively meets all Score 4 criteria with 5-7 medically supervised therapeutic fasting facilities anchored by the world-class Buchinger Wilhelmi Marbella (12 physicians, 50+ years, ISO 9001/14001 certified... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 5 cited points
    • Buchinger Wilhelmi Marbella: 12 physicians, twice-weekly medical evaluations, daily nursing assessments, 24-hour emergency service, ISO 9001/14001 certified, founded 1973 serving ~3,000 international guests annually
    • Five to seven medically supervised facilities identified (Buchinger Wilhelmi, Mi Ayuno, Evolucion Center, Costa Brava Detox Centre, Palasiet) offering therapeutic fasting programs with physician oversight
    • 2019 PLOS ONE peer-reviewed study (1,422 subjects, 4-21 day programs) documented serious adverse events in less than 1% of participants with 84.4% reporting improvement in pre-existing health complaints
    • Strong international patient infrastructure with multilingual support in English, German, French, and Spanish; airport transfers; 7,000 annual international patients from 60+ countries across Buchinger Wilhelmi network
    • No dedicated national legislation regulating therapeutic fasting facilities; regulatory framework varies by autonomous community; Spain lacks professional certification programs and insurance coverage for medically-supervised fasting

    Read the full Spain report →

  4. 4 Poland PL 3.5/5 Moderate Poland operates 20+ certified therapeutic fasting centers anchored by the Dąbrowska fruit-and-vegetable protocol, with documented medical supervision (24-hour nursing at Sofra Karpacz, daily vital sign monitoring at K... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 8 cited points
    • Over 20 certified Dąbrowska fasting retreat centers across Poland, including flagship facilities Sofra (Mielno and Karpacz), Koral Live (Kołobrzeg), Ułańska Zagroda (Załom), LongVita (Brodnica Górna), REMUS (Pokrzywna), and Adler Medical SPA (Stężyca)
    • 24-hour nursing care during the seven-day proper fasting phase at Sofra Karpacz; daily blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring at Koral Live; pulmonologist supervision plus rehabilitation specialist at REMUS
    • No internationally certified Buchinger Wilhelmi, F.X. Mayr, or Schroth centers; Dąbrowska method has 50 scientific papers but lacks the extensive clinical trial base of internationally recognized protocols
    • Most facilities operate with part-time physician availability combined with nursing oversight rather than 24/7 physician presence, creating a gap relative to premium-tier fasting clinics
    • No specific government regulations governing therapeutic fasting centers; quality and accreditation are voluntary; private certification through Dr. Dąbrowska's Health Promotion Institute fills the regulatory gap
    • Documented contraindication screening at major centers (exclusion of insulin-dependent diabetes, cancer, cardiac failure, pregnancy, anorexia); no publicly reported serious adverse events
    • Limited dedicated international patient services: English websites and international bookings available, but no visa assistance, airport transfer coordination, or multilingual staff beyond Polish/English
    • No Polish health insurance (NFZ) coverage for commercial fasting programs; no documented medical tourism insurance acceptance; cost advantage of €60-130/night versus €400-700/night in Germany/Austria

    Read the full Poland report →

  5. 5 India IN 3.5/5 Moderate India offers a unique therapeutic fasting landscape through traditional Ayurvedic and naturopathic approaches with multiple named quality facilities and government regulatory oversight via the Ministry of AYUSH, excee... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 8 cited points
    • Approximately 5,000 yoga and naturopathy facilities in India, but only 9 NABH accredited as of August 2022 (0.18% accreditation rate)
    • Multiple named quality facilities offering fasting programs: Veda5, Nimba Nature Cure, Atmantan, Ayusmat, and Shathayu, with some accepting international patients
    • Ministry of AYUSH regulatory framework and Naturopathy Registration Board established for practitioner registration and oversight, with BNYS degree program in 19 schools across 7 states
    • Medical supervision primarily by qualified naturopaths rather than allopathic physicians; hospital partnerships for emergency care explicitly noted as 'not systematically established'
    • Traditional Ayurvedic and naturopathic fasting methodologies available (water, juice, fruit fasting), but no Buchinger or Mayr certified centers
    • Pre-fasting assessment protocols vary by facility; adverse events documented at even NABH-accredited facilities (burns, allergic reactions, syncope, giddiness, vomiting)
    • Strong international patient support including AYUSH visa (2023), multilingual services at major centers, airport transfers, and very affordable pricing ($300–500 for budget retreats)
    • Limited systematic outcome documentation and safety reporting across the industry; some luxury facilities publish case studies but comprehensive tracking is absent

    Read the full India report →

  6. 6 Brazil BR 3.5/5 Moderate Brazil maintains 5-7 identifiable fasting programs, exceeding the 2-4 facility threshold for Score 3 (Moderate), with CEVISA providing solid physician-supervised care and documented outcomes across 5,000+ patients. Ho... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 6 cited points
    • CEVISA (Adventist Medical Spa) provides 24-hour nursing, physician oversight with verified CRM credentials, and documented care for 5,000+ patients, offering genuine clinical infrastructure comparable to Score 4 standards
    • Brazil has 5-7 identifiable programs (Soul Rebel Rio, SPA Santa Hildegarda, Saúde Frugal, Portal Parvati, Árvore da Vida Brasil, CEVISA, The Wellionaires Club) versus the 2-4 required for Score 3, but quality is highly variable
    • No certified Buchinger, Mayr, or equivalent internationally-recognized fasting centers exist; Soul Rebel Rio references Buchinger methodology but holds no official certification
    • Medical supervision is inconsistent: only CEVISA has documented 24/7 physician availability; other programs are led by physiotherapists, nutritionists, or naturopaths without verified physician involvement
    • No fasting-specific government regulations, mandatory safety protocols, or professional certification programs for fasting practitioners; only general CFM/COFEMEN/ANVISA oversight exists
    • Brazil's position as #1 wellness economy in Latin America (USD 96 billion) with strong university research on intermittent fasting (USP/InCor) suggests research base and commercial capacity, but clinical programs remain underdeveloped

    Read the full Brazil report →

  7. 7 Japan JP 3.0/5 Moderate Japan operates 5–8 fasting facilities, anchored by the physician-supervised Hippocratic Sanatorium, but lacks internationally certified Buchinger or F.X. Mayr programs and government-mandated regulatory standards. Whi... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 7 cited points
    • Approximately 5–8 dedicated fasting facilities identified, with Hippocratic Sanatorium (est. 1985) as the only physician-supervised center; others rely on wellness staff, fasting instructors, or acupuncturists [Get healthy by heeding the wisdom of the ancients - Japan Today - 2018]
    • No internationally certified Buchinger or F.X. Mayr methodology centers; primary modalities are juice fasting (carrot-apple), smoothie fasting, traditional Buddhist danjiki, and modified low-calorie programs [Buchinger Fasting Programs & International Clinics - Buchinger Wilhelmi - 2025]
    • Japan Fasting Association offers Fasting Therapist certification, but this is not a medical credential and does not require nursing, medical, or first-aid training [Fasting Therapist Certification - Japan Fasting Association - 2025]
    • Limited international patient services: only Atami Sekaie and Uzumano offer English websites; Hippocratic Sanatorium operates in Japanese only; no facilities appear in Japan's 69 JMIP-certified international patient centers [Japan Medical Service Accreditation for International Patients - JMIP - 2025]
    • No government regulatory framework specific to therapeutic fasting; wellness retreat facilities can legally operate without physician involvement; no mandatory safety protocol reporting or health insurance coverage [PMDA FAQ - Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency - 2025]
    • Documented safety concerns: a 2016 case study of traditional danjiki showed 15–25% increase in arterial stiffness and deterioration of endothelial function; language barriers increase risk for international patients unable to communicate health history [A week of Danjiki on cardiometabolic health - Journal of Physiological Sciences - 2016]
    • Historical hospital-based fasting research at Tohoku University (1967–1970s) achieved 87% efficacy and represents early large-scale clinical research in Asia; 2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to Yoshinori Ohsumi for autophagy research provides scientific credibility [Fasting Therapy for Psychosomatic Diseases - Suzuki J, Yamauchi Y - Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics - 1979]

    Read the full Japan report →

  8. 8 Mexico MX 3.0/5 Moderate Mexico maintains 2-4 quality supervised fasting facilities including SHA Wellness Clinic and Alyra, offering modified intermittent fasting and juice protocols with medical oversight. However, the country lacks classic... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 6 cited points
    • SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico (opened 2024) and Alyra Fasting Center offer supervised programs with medical staff; total ~145 detox retreats in Mexico with variable quality
    • Medical supervision varies: SHA includes comprehensive health diagnostics and medical team; Alyra provides morning health checks; many smaller facilities lack rigorous oversight
    • No certified classical therapeutic fasting centers—Mexico lacks Buchinger, F.X. Mayr, or Schroth protocols offered elsewhere; programs focus on juice fasting and intermittent fasting instead
    • COFEPRIS regulates health facilities but has no specific standards for therapeutic fasting centers, no mandatory medical supervision protocols, or safety reporting requirements for fasting therapy
    • Multiple Mexican universities published research on intermittent fasting for metabolic conditions, but no formal clinical training programs or professional certification systems exist for fasting practitioners
    • SHA recognized as World's Best Wellness Clinic and operates under medical authorization; accessibility and affordability strong for North American visitors but lacks intensive medical infrastructure for serious therapeutic conditions

    Read the full Mexico report →

  9. 9 Turkey TR 3.0/5 Moderate Turkey operates 3-5 established wellness centers offering medically-supervised fasting programs, but lacks the clinical infrastructure and regulatory specificity of higher-scoring countries. While facilities provide d... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 5 cited points
    • 3-5 established wellness facilities (TheLifeCo Bodrum/Antalya, Vitalica Wellness, Sianji Wellbeing Resort) rather than dedicated clinical fasting centers
    • Daily blood pressure monitoring and glucose/ketone testing 3x weekly, but explicitly no 24/7 on-site physician presence
    • Water fasting (up to 21 days), juice fasting, and interval fasting offered; one F.X. Mayr-certified doctor on staff but full Mayr cure protocols not implemented; no traditional Buchinger clinical fasting
    • TheLifeCo Antalya awarded World Spa Awards 2024 Best Wellness Retreat, but no published clinical research, peer-reviewed studies, or documented safety outcomes
    • International Health Tourism Authorization Certificates required by Ministry of Health, but no specific therapeutic fasting clinic regulations, mandatory staff qualifications for fasting supervision, or specialized licensing category

    Read the full Turkey report →

  10. 10 United States US 3.0/5 Moderate The United States achieves a Moderate (Score 3) rating due to exceptional quality at its premier facility (TrueNorth) but significant limitations in breadth and international infrastructure. While the US operates 3-5 ... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 6 cited points
    • TrueNorth Health Center is the world's largest facility specializing in medically supervised water-only fasting, with 24-hour medical supervision, vital signs monitored twice daily, and labs ordered weekly or as needed
    • Only 3-5 dedicated fasting centers identified nationally (TrueNorth, Sedona Wellness Retreat, Scottsdale facility, Living Medicine Institute), all focused on water-only fasting with no Buchinger or F.X. Mayr certified programs
    • Exceptional safety record: chart review of 768 visits found only 2 serious adverse events (0.0026%), meeting even the Score 5 threshold of <0.1%
    • Strong medical supervision standards: IAHP certified members include licensed medical doctors, chiropractors, and osteopaths who completed minimum 6-month residency in therapeutic fasting
    • Published research demonstrates clinical efficacy: randomized controlled trial on hypertension showing largest effect sizes ever demonstrated in treating high blood pressure in humans
    • Limited international patient infrastructure: registration system cannot process foreign postal codes, minimal evidence of translation services or dedicated international patient programs

    Read the full United States report →

  11. 11 Thailand TH 3.0/5 Moderate Thailand operates 59 fasting retreats including 5+ established facilities with 14-30+ years of experience and strong international medical tourism infrastructure. However, the country lacks certified Buchinger or F.X.... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 10 cited points
    • 59 fasting retreats operating with 5+ major named facilities (TheLifeCo Phuket, The Sanctuary Thailand with 30+ years experience, New Leaf Wellness Resort with 24/7 staff, Santosa Phuket, Ananda Yoga & Detox Center with 14+ years experience)
    • Medical supervision available at facilities but primarily consultation-based assessment rather than continuous medical monitoring; lacks the comprehensive vital signs, electrolyte, and ketone monitoring standard in European therapeutic fasting clinics
    • Zero certified Buchinger or F.X. Mayr programs available; facilities use modified water, juice, and herbal-supplemented fasting protocols without formal certification or standardized protocols
    • No published peer-reviewed research on therapeutic fasting outcomes; facilities lack the clinical validation through scientific journals that certified European centers provide
    • Basic pre-fasting health assessments using questionnaires, toxicity reports, and pH tests rather than comprehensive medical examinations including blood work and ECG
    • Regulatory oversight through Ministry of Public Health for general healthcare and spa licensing, but no therapeutic fasting-specific regulations governing supervision requirements or safety protocols
    • Strong international patient infrastructure with multilingual support, airport transfers, medical visa facilitation, and cultural accommodation; estimated 167,000 medical tourists annually in Thailand
    • Cost-effective programs ($3,290 for 7-night water fasting program at TheLifeCo) compared to Western alternatives but no comparison pricing to certified European therapeutic fasting clinics
    • Legal disclaimers indicating facilities operate as wellness retreats rather than medical treatment centers, limiting liability and medical framework
    • No documented hospital partnerships for emergency care access or clear emergency protocols for fasting complications

    Read the full Thailand report →

  12. 12 United Arab Emirates AE 2.5/5 Moderate The UAE provides 2–4 facilities offering basic therapeutic fasting with doctor consultations and health screening, accessible to international patients with excellent emergency medical backup infrastructure. However, ... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 5 cited points
    • ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort offers physician-supervised detox programs (3–10 nights) with health screening and nutritionist oversight, but 24/7 physician availability is not documented and formal monitoring protocols are unclear
    • Endorphins Method operates 100-hour water fasts with TCM assessment on arrival but lacks publicly documented vital signs, electrolyte, or ketone monitoring during the extended fast—a material gap given recognised physiological risks
    • Zero certified Buchinger Wilhelmi or F.X. Mayr facilities operate in the UAE; no published clinical trials, peer-reviewed studies, or documented patient outcomes exist for any local therapeutic fasting program
    • UAE healthcare framework recognizes TCAM with 400+ licensed practitioners, but no specific government standards govern therapeutic fasting center protocols, supervision qualifications, or mandatory safety requirements
    • Major hospitals including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and King's College Hospital London Dubai provide high-quality emergency medical backup; however, high costs (ZOYA ~$326+/night) relative to established European alternatives without equivalent methodological pedigree

    Read the full United Arab Emirates report →

  13. 13 Colombia CO 2.5/5 Moderate Colombia offers 4-6 wellness facilities with fasting programs but has no certified therapeutic fasting centers using established methodologies (Buchinger, Mayr, etc.). Medical supervision is inconsistent and provided ... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 5 cited points
    • Approximately 4-6 wellness retreats and integrative medicine centers offer fasting programs; no dedicated therapeutic fasting clinic meeting international standards identified
    • Medical supervision is inconsistent, provided by integrative medicine specialists; Mountains of Hope has hospital partnership but 24/7 physician availability not documented at any facility
    • Available methodologies include Ayurvedic Panchakarma and general caloric restriction; no Buchinger, Mayr, Schroth, or water-only programs at dedicated facilities
    • No specific Colombian regulation of therapeutic fasting centers, no mandatory safety protocols for multi-day fasting, and no licensing for fasting supervisors despite general alternative medicine framework (Ley 1164 de 2007)
    • No systematic safety reporting, published outcomes data, or documented adverse events; pre-fasting screening described only superficially without documented contraindication checklists or cardiac assessment protocols

    Read the full Colombia report →

  14. 14 United Kingdom GB 2.5/5 Moderate The UK operates 5-8 therapeutic fasting facilities with varying medical oversight, exceeding the minimal threshold but falling well short of medical tourism standards. The complete absence of certified Buchinger or Ma... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 6 cited points
    • Zero certified Buchinger Wilhelmi or F.X. Mayr clinics despite these being international standards for therapeutic fasting
    • 5-8 facilities offering supervised fasting, but naturopathy is not statutorily regulated and anyone can market themselves as a fasting coach without qualifications
    • Levitas Clinic London offers physician-supervised fasting with IV micronutrient support; Amchara Somerset has medical doctor review of health questionnaires — but most other facilities rely on natropath supervision
    • No government framework specifically governing therapeutic fasting centers; Care Quality Commission does not inspect wellness retreats unless they provide regulated health services
    • Emergency care partnerships not publicly documented for any UK facility; pre-fasting screening inconsistent (Fasting with Grace and Claire Amos publish no documented contraindication protocols)
    • Research report explicitly assesses UK as 'inappropriate destination' for international patients seeking medically supervised therapeutic fasting and positions the country as 'sourcing country for patients travelling to European fasting clinics, not a destination'

    Read the full United Kingdom report →

  15. 15 Malaysia MY 2.0/5 Poor Malaysia offers wellness facilities incorporating fasting components, but lacks dedicated therapeutic fasting clinics operating to clinical standards. While Aenon Health Care provides the strongest medical integration... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 5 cited points
    • 3-4 facilities offer some form of supervised liquid fasting but none are dedicated therapeutic fasting clinics with international certification
    • No certified Buchinger, Mayr, or other established therapeutic fasting methodologies available in Malaysia
    • No Malaysian centre has published contraindication screening protocols, vital-signs monitoring schedules, electrolyte management procedures, or structured refeeding protocols
    • International patients with complex medical conditions (diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease) would need to travel elsewhere for clinical infrastructure
    • 9 Huts on a Hill offers four days of full fasting on coconut water without any documented medical supervision, presenting genuine safety concerns

    Read the full Malaysia report →

  16. 16 Singapore SG 2.0/5 Poor Singapore has only 1-2 basic supervised fasting programs (Balanced Living Asia's 7-day juice fast and COMO Shambhala's cleanse), both lacking published clinical supervision protocols. No Buchinger, Mayr, or other esta... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 5 cited points
    • Only two identified programs: Balanced Living Asia 7-day juice fast led by Master Nutritionist (not physician), and COMO Shambhala 4-day cleanse with unspecified medical oversight
    • No Buchinger, Mayr, Schroth, or other established therapeutic fasting methodology centers present in Singapore
    • Naturopathy unregulated with no licensing exam, minimum training standards, or mandatory contraindication screening requirements
    • Wellness services explicitly excluded from Healthcare Services Act 2020 mandatory licensing framework
    • No hospital-based therapeutic fasting programs for wellness tourists; emergency hospital partnerships not formally established

    Read the full Singapore report →

  17. 17 South Korea KR 2.0/5 Poor South Korea lacks dedicated therapeutic fasting centers operating under established Western methodologies (Buchinger, Mayr) and instead offers only modified fasting programs integrated with traditional Korean medicine... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 6 cited points
    • Kyung Hee University Medical Center operates a Fasting Therapy Clinic using traditional Korean medicine approach with herbal medicines, representing the primary dedicated facility identified
    • No Buchinger, F.X. Mayr, or other established Western fasting methodologies identified; only modified fasting with Gamrosu beverage providing 420.6 kcal/day
    • Medical supervision by Korean medicine doctors lacks evidence of 24/7 physician availability, continuous vital signs monitoring, or regular ketone/electrolyte measurements standard at European fasting centers
    • No specific regulatory framework for therapeutic fasting facilities despite robust general medical tourism regulations; traditional Korean medicine operates under separate regulatory system
    • Limited published research with only one feasibility study found showing modified fasting outcomes, compared to extensive research and long-term outcome documentation from European fasting clinics
    • Temple stay programs offering vegetarian fasting experience lack any medical supervision, and general international patient accommodation focuses on dermatology and plastic surgery rather than therapeutic fasting

    Read the full South Korea report →

  18. 18 Jordan JO 2.0/5 Poor Jordan offers only one juice fasting retreat (Anayata Wellbeing) staffed by wellness coaches and holistic practitioners with no on-site physicians, nurses, or registered dietitians. There are no certified therapeutic ... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 5 cited points
    • Only 1 juice fasting retreat (Anayata Wellbeing) operates in Jordan; no clinically managed therapeutic fasting centers exist
    • Anayata's disclosed team consists of wellness coaches, Reiki master, and energy therapists—no physicians, nurses, or registered dietitians listed as permanent on-site staff
    • No certified Buchinger, Mayr, Schroth, or other internationally recognized fasting methodologies available; only juice fasting protocols
    • No published protocols for vital-sign monitoring, ketone measurement, electrolyte assessment, or emergency escalation during fasting
    • Jordan lacks national policy on complementary/alternative medicine and has no licensing requirements for therapeutic fasting supervisors; no competent regulatory authority for safety incidents

    Read the full Jordan report →

  19. 19 Israel IL 2.0/5 Poor Israel has 3-4 wellness retreat facilities offering basic juice and water fasting, but lacks any regulatory framework for CAM practitioners, established therapeutic methodologies, and documented medical supervision st... Full report
    The evidence behind this score 5 cited points
    • Approximately 3-4 wellness retreat centers offer fasting programmes (Tree of Life Israel, Mitzpe Alumot, De-Mayo/Orot, ELIMA), none certified by international fasting organizations or holding accreditation from Buchinger Wilhelmi Foundation or IAHP
    • No formal regulatory framework for CAM practitioners or fasting supervisors; naturopathy is not a licensed profession in Israel, with the Doctors' Ordinance (1976) permitting unlicensed CAM practitioners to operate under physician supervision with sporadic enforcement
    • Medical supervision is inconsistent and problematic: Tree of Life led by Dr. Gabriel Cousens, whose California medical license was revoked in 1994 and a patient death was documented at his Arizona facility in 1998; other facilities lack published medical screening protocols or monitoring documentation
    • No internationally recognized fasting methodologies (Buchinger, Mayr, Schroth) are practised at any dedicated accredited centres; only juice and water fasting protocols available at wellness retreats
    • No published pre-fasting medical assessment protocols, contraindication screening criteria, vital sign monitoring procedures, or emergency intervention pathways at any facility; no formal hospital partnerships documented despite excellent Israeli hospital infrastructure

    Read the full Israel report →

Reading the field

What separates a good programme from a dangerous one

Every country above is graded against this published scale — the same 1–5 rubric for fasting program quality, top to bottom. How we score →

  1. 5/5 Excellent

    - 10+ established therapeutic fasting centers with international recognition - Multiple certified Buchinger, Mayr, or equivalent methodology centers - Comprehensive medical supervision with 24/7 physician availability - Government-regulated standards with mandatory safety protocols - Dedicated international patient programs with multilingual support - Published research and clinical outcomes data - Emergency medical partnerships with major hospitals - Professional certification programs for fasting therapy practitioners - Insurance recognition and coverage for medically-supervised fasting - Less than 0.1% serious adverse event rate with transparent reporting

  2. 4/5 Good

    - 5-9 quality therapeutic fasting facilities accepting international patients - At least one certified center using established methodologies (Buchinger, Mayr) - Regular medical supervision with qualified physicians or naturopaths - Basic safety protocols and pre-fasting health assessments - Some international patient accommodations and language support - Recognition by national medical or wellness organizations - Hospital partnerships for emergency care access - Documented patient outcomes and satisfaction rates - Professional standards for fasting supervision - Clear contraindication screening and safety protocols

  3. 3/5 Moderate

    - 2-4 facilities offering supervised therapeutic fasting programs - Modified or basic fasting protocols with some medical oversight - Part-time medical supervision or consultation availability - Limited international patient services but some accommodation for foreign visitors - Basic safety measures and health screening - Some regulatory oversight or professional standards - Access to medical care if complications arise - Mixed quality and consistency across available facilities - Limited research or outcome documentation - Moderate costs relative to international alternatives

  4. 2/5 Poor

    - 1-2 facilities offering basic supervised fasting with minimal medical integration - Limited methodology options, primarily basic water or juice fasting - Inconsistent medical supervision or safety protocols - Minimal accommodation for international patients - Basic health screening without comprehensive medical assessment - Limited regulatory oversight or professional standards - Questionable emergency care access or hospital partnerships - Little documentation of outcomes or safety records - High costs relative to quality and services provided - Language barriers and cultural accommodation challenges

  5. 1/5 Very Poor / Unavailable

    - No established therapeutic fasting centers or programs - Unsupervised or poorly supervised fasting offerings - No medical oversight or safety protocols - No accommodation for international patients - Lack of regulatory framework or professional standards - No emergency medical support or hospital access - No documented outcomes or safety measures - Significant safety concerns or reported incidents - No recognition by medical or wellness organizations - Unavailable or prohibitively expensive for medical tourists

The reports

The full country reports under this lens

Each destination we have assessed has a full, cited report — the detailed analysis behind its score. The verdict is free; the report is the depth.

Clinics & providers

The clinics our research names

Named hospitals, clinics and centres cited across these findings — each carrying the specialties our reports record. Follow one to the reports behind it.

References

The sources behind these assessments

The distinct sources cited across these published reports — every finding carries its own citations; this is the union, each linking back to the reports that lean on it.

  1. Untitled source www.ekwangdong.com/Diet-KD-Detox Cited in Fasting Program Quality in South Korea
  2. Untitled source achs.edu/state-licensing-requirements Cited in Fasting Program Quality in United States
  3. Untitled source amchara.com/whats-included Cited in Fasting Program Quality in United Kingdom
  4. Untitled source anandayogadetox.com/detox-thailand Cited in Fasting Program Quality in Thailand
  5. Untitled source ayunidhi.com/2025/05/19/ayurveda-and-intermittent-fasting-a-personalized-path-to-hormonal-and-digestive-balance Cited in Fasting Program Quality in India
  6. Untitled source bajacleanse.com Cited in Fasting Program Quality in Mexico
  7. Untitled source bangkokhealthservice.com/detox-in-thailand-food-plans-and-private-chefs-for-ultimate-rejuvenation Cited in Fasting Program Quality in Thailand
  8. Untitled source bestofkorea.com/traditional-korean-medicine-hanyak Cited in Fasting Program Quality in South Korea
  9. Untitled source bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-021-10642-x Cited in Fasting Program Quality in South Korea
  10. Untitled source bookretreats.com/organizers/o/alyra Cited in Fasting Program Quality in Mexico
  11. Untitled source bookretreats.com/r/7-day-transformational-fasting-retreat-renew-body-mind-mexico Cited in Fasting Program Quality in Mexico
  12. Untitled source bookretreats.com/s/wellness-retreats/fasting-retreats/india Cited in Fasting Program Quality in India
  13. Untitled source bookretreats.com/s/wellness-retreats/fasting-retreats/south-korea Cited in Fasting Program Quality in South Korea
  14. Untitled source bookretreats.com/s/wellness-retreats/fasting-retreats/turkey Cited in Fasting Program Quality in Turkey
  15. Untitled source bookretreats.com/s/wellness-retreats/south-korea Cited in Fasting Program Quality in South Korea
  16. Untitled source bookretreats.com/s/yoga-retreats/detox-retreats/mexico Cited in Fasting Program Quality in Mexico
  17. Untitled source bookretreats.com/s/yoga-retreats/detox-retreats/south-korea Cited in Fasting Program Quality in South Korea
  18. Untitled source bookretreats.com/s/yoga-retreats/health-retreats/mexico Cited in Fasting Program Quality in Mexico
  19. Untitled source bookretreats.com/s/yoga-retreats/weight-loss-retreats/south-korea Cited in Fasting Program Quality in South Korea
  20. Untitled source casadelavida.com.mx/detox Cited in Fasting Program Quality in Mexico
  21. Untitled source checkturkiye.com/en/blog-detail/why-the-health-tourism-authorization-certificate-is-your-most-important-guarantee-in-turkey Cited in Fasting Program Quality in Turkey
  22. Untitled source destinationdeluxe.com/thelifeco-bodrum Cited in Fasting Program Quality in Turkey
  23. Untitled source en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_Yoga_and_Naturopathy_Medical_College_and_Hospital Cited in Fasting Program Quality in India
  24. Untitled source en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tourism_in_South_Korea Cited in Fasting Program Quality in South Korea

Explore the source archive →

In plain language

Start exploring the knowledge base

The field's shorthand our reports use, sized by how often it comes up. Follow any term to its full entry and the reports that use it.

For readers weighing this decision

Ways to read the evidence

The verdict is always free. A membership opens the full analysis and every cited source — this specialty, the whole library, or everything for good.

  • One specialty · annual

    Wellness & Preventive Care

    $49.00 / year

    $49.00/year

    Every report in this specialty — full analysis and every cited source — as each is published.

    Take this specialty

  • Full library · annual

    The whole library

    $199.00 / year

    $199.00/year

    The complete evidence behind every finding in every specialty, while your decision is live.

    Take the full library
  • Most readers

    Lifetime · one payment

    Everything, for good

    $499.00 once

    $499.00 (one-time)

    Every finding we publish today and hereafter — no renewal, no expiry. The tier we point most readers to.

    Take lifetime access

Prefer to pay per report? A single report is $29.00, yours to keep — browse the reports. The verdict is always free.

Where to go from here · Fasting Program Quality

no scope is a dead end — step up to the specialty, drill into a factor, or pivot across to a country or a comparison