Dr. med. Sepp Fegerl - Austria
Abstract of the presentation
F. X. Mayr Medicine – A Shared Cultural Heritage as a Potential Gift to the World
Branch: Other (Diagnostic and therap acc. to Dr.F.X.Mayr - gastroenterology and holistic health)
The Mayr Method, founded by Austrian gastroenterologist Dr. Franz Xaver Mayr (1875–1965), emphasizes the central role of the digestive system in overall health. Drawing from decades of clinical observation and systematic research, Mayr developed a diagnostic and therapeutic approach that integrates anatomy, physiology, and functional medicine. His concept of Sanology highlights the gut as the “root system” of human health, and his clinical principles remain highly relevant within the field of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM/CAM). Mayr diagnostics focus on visible and palpable signs such as abdominal shape, posture, and tone, which provide immediate insights into digestive function. Subtle manual palpation allows the physician to detect irritation, dysmotility, or dysbiosis beyond the reach of imaging or laboratory tests. This clinical approach strengthens the therapeutic alliance, fosters patient self-awareness, and promotes self-efficacy.
Therapeutic interventions are guided by four classical principles: rest of an overstrained digestive tract, cleansing to reduce toxic load and support autophagy, retraining of eating habits and mindful self-regulation, and substitution to correct deficiencies and optimize metabolism. A core element is the manual abdominal treatment, which enhances circulation, lymphatic flow, motility, and vagal tone while also stimulating the oxytocin system—an effect with profound implications for the gut–brain axis and psychosomatic wellbeing. Nutritional therapy is individually tailored, beginning with fasting or light, easily digestible foods and progressing towards a balanced, constitutionally appropriate diet. This flexible, functional framework allows effective integration with other TCIM modalities, particularly Ayurveda.
The Mayr Method represents a practical, evidence-informed, and patient-centered approach that enriches the diagnostic and therapeutic repertoire of integrative medicine. It offers physicians and therapists a structured yet adaptable system that combines traditional insights with modern relevance, thereby contributing a valuable cultural and medical heritage to the global dialogue in TCIM/CAM.
Please note that some of the texts also include machine-generated translations.
