Complementary medicine

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Complementary medicine encompasses a wide range of treatment methods that are used to supplement conventional medicine. The aim is to activate the body’s self-healing powers, improve quality of life and promote the holistic well-being of patients.

The best-known methods include

• Acupuncture,
• Homeopathy,
• Osteopathy,
• Phytotherapy (herbal medicine)
• traditional healing methods such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

A key feature of complementary medicine is its individual, often holistic approach to treatment. It considers not only the symptoms, but also psychological, social and emotional aspects. Complementary methods are mostly used to support treatment for chronic illnesses, for pain therapy, in rehabilitation or for prevention.

In many countries, complementary medicine is increasingly recognised and is sometimes practised in integrative medical facilities, where conventional medicine and complementary therapies go hand in hand. It is important that complementary measures are not used as a substitute for necessary medical treatment, but rather as complementary support under professional supervision.