In addition to scientifically based conventional medicine, a wide range of different medical techniques from all over the world are available. As complementary medicine, they can offer supplements to conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is therefore widely used in outpatient medical care. The spectrum ranges from traditional Chinese medicine, Kneipp cures and Asian relaxation techniques to yoga and acupuncture.
You can find further information and selected alternative doctors here.
Alternative medicine refers to medical techniques that are not part of scientifically based conventional medicine. These methods are not necessarily intended as an alternative, but also as a supplement to conventional medicine. They can therefore also be referred to collectively as complementary medicine .
In this article, the terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine are used synonymously.
Complementary treatment methods are generally gentler. They often aim to strengthen and activate the body's self-healing powers. Below you will find an overview of some methods of alternative medicine.
From the field of traditional healing methods from other countries and body-mind therapies, for example:
From the field of anthroposophic medicine, for example
From the field of biological therapies, for example
Other therapies, for example
Doctors and alternative practitioners usually take a lot of time for their patients and their individual problems.
Alternative medicine is based on a different understanding of illness and symptoms. Conventional medicine views illness and pain as "enemies" of health. They are to be combated by means of medication, operations and other therapies.
Alternative methods take a different approach: Here, the body and its various parts are seen as an inner team. The focus is often on the connection between body and mind and not on the subjugation of the physical to the spiritual will.
The model of the inner community is not only intended to strengthen patients with physical ailments. Especially in the case of psychological or psychosomatic complaints, a different understanding of illness should help patients to cope better with their suffering and improve their quality of life in the short and long term.
Alternative medicine is therefore said to be particularly suitable for chronic illnesses. In addition to alleviating symptoms, the focus here is also on dealing with one's own limitations.
Alternative medicine practitioners do not interpret symptoms as a mere expression of illness. Instead, they see them as important indications of existing imbalances in life circumstances and conditions.
In the case of frequent overuse pain in the hands or arms, alternative medicine not only aims to relieve pain. It also aims to restore the lost balance in the long term.
In principle, the range of treatments offered by alternative medicine practitioners includes all pathological changes that affect the body or psyche.
However, the more serious and severe the symptoms are, the more important it is to consult a conventional doctor. Cancer patients have a higher mortality rate if only alternative methods are used instead of conventional ones.
Naturopathic treatments cannot therefore replace medication or surgical interventions. Rather, they are used as a complementary treatment for serious illnesses.
Up to 90 percent of tumor patients resort to complementary medicine methods. The German Cancer Society has therefore developed a guideline. It evaluates complementary therapy methods from a scientific perspective. The aim is to enable oncologists to provide cancer patients with well-founded information.
In this way, patients not only benefit from the mostly effective treatment methods of conventional medicine. They also benefit from the positive effects of
Naturopathy primarily uses natural resources for medication, such as
A separate diagnostic test is usually carried out for this purpose. It identifies the deficiencies in the patient that are causing the symptoms and, if they are eliminated, the symptoms subside. For example, the following are used
The aim is to determine what the patient needs.
Manual procedures such as osteopathy or chiropractic therapy aim to release energy blockages in the body. This is intended to restore the natural balance.
Other methods, such as Reiki, also use the natural energies of the human body to provide strength and increase vital energy.
Methods that aim to strengthen the unity of body and mind also play an important role in alternative medicine. These include, among others
Alternative treatment methods can already be taken during your studies and thus integrated into your training. However, in order to acquire comprehensive knowledge in an area, further training and the acquisition of certificates are usually necessary.
In addition to licensed doctors, alternative practitioners often also offer various alternative treatment methods. Unlike doctors, alternative practitioners do not require a state license. However, they must also prove their qualifications in an examination in accordance with the Alternative Practitioners Act.
Alternative treatment methods are a valuable asset for many ailments. They offer further possibilities to improve the quality of life. The focus is usually on the person as a whole. Illness is not seen as something that has to be conquered, but something that can be integrated into life.
