accredited Heilpraktiker according to German law

This alternative medical system draws on a wide variety of therapies, such as herbal medicine, homoeopathy, nutrition and acupuncture. All natural therapies aim to activate the body’s own ability to heal itself. At first glance, some of these methods may seem modern or technical, such as magnetic fields, soft laser therapy or RNS. Yet as long as they stimulate the body’s self-healing power, they may still be understood as naturopathic.

Naturopathy does not seek to change physical or mental processes by force. As a result, adverse reactions and side effects are uncommon and, if they do occur, are usually very mild. In most cases, no side effects arise at all.

Holistic medicine is understood as a form of health care that fosters a cooperative relationship among all those involved, with the aim of supporting the fullest possible development of physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being.

It emphasises the need to see the person as a whole, taking into account physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle-related factors. It includes all appropriate methods of diagnosis and treatment, including medication and surgery where no safe alternative is available. At the same time, holistic medicine places strong emphasis on education and personal responsibility as essential foundations for achieving balance and well-being.

Complementary medicine refers to therapeutic approaches that supplement conventional medicine with additional methods of prevention, diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, it broadens the conceptual horizon of classical medicine by opening it to a more comprehensive understanding of health, healing and the human person.

Rather than opposing conventional medicine, complementary medicine seeks to enrich and extend it where this is meaningful and beneficial. It may include a variety of approaches that support the body’s self-regulating powers, promote well-being and address dimensions of the person that are often neglected in purely symptom-oriented care. In this way, complementary medicine contributes to a more integrative, person-centred and holistic approach to health.

(Milton Erickson)