(1875 – 1965)

Born on November 28, 1875, in Gröbming, Austria, he was a true visionary in medicine. He had the foresight to understand that the gut is the very core of our immune system, essentially the “root system” of our body, and that proper nutrition and digestion form the foundation of our physical and mental well-being.

In September 1895, he began his medical studies in Graz, setting the stage for a remarkable journey. From 1899 to 1903, he interned at the Sankt Radegund Spa and Water Treatment Center near Graz, where he refined his skills in massaging patients with severe constipation. This invaluable experience sparked pivotal ideas for his revolutionary concept. In May 1901, Mayr achieved the extraordinary feat of earning his doctorate summa cum laude. His outstanding accomplishments led to his appointment as the head of the Johannisbrunn hydropathic clinic in 1903.

During World War I, while serving in a military hospital, Dr. F.X. Mayr made a groundbreaking discovery while treating wounded soldiers. He observed that those who practiced fasting and allowed their intestines to rest experienced remarkable benefits that extended throughout their entire bodies. What’s more, these soldiers showed accelerated healing compared to their peers. This revelation underscores the profound impact of fasting on the body’s healing process.

Dr. Mayr’s pioneering work as a spa physician in Karlsbad (now in the Czech Republic) sparked the creation of the Mayr Cure, a groundbreaking approach to health and well-being. This revolutionary method is based on the premise that most illnesses originate from poor digestion. Dr. Mayr’s treatment involved thoroughly cleansing the digestive system, followed by a restricted diet of dry bread and milk. Patients were trained to chew meticulously to give their digestive organs a much-needed rest.

His unwavering dedication to unraveling the fundamental causes of diseases and his relentless pursuit of promoting holistic well-being rather than simply treating ailments made him a true visionary in the medical realm. His enduring legacy is evident through his captivating lectures, mentorship of countless physicians, and profound influence on the medical landscape across Europe and the United States. His remarkable contributions are an enduring source of inspiration and wisdom for successive generations of medical professionals.

The NHA wishes to remind the readers that nothing in this or other publications is intended to constitute medical treatment or advice. Readers should be aware that some previous publications do not reflect the NHA’s current health teachings or approach to health in several areas.

Our Mission

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthy living. We recognize the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

We communicate the benefits of a plant-based diet, exercise and rest, a healthy environment, psychological well-being, and when indicated, the use of fasting.